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How to Renew/Replace a Motorcycle License in Washington

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

HOW TO RENEW YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

A Washington Motorcycle License can be renewed online or in person at any driver licensing office in the State. The Washington Department of Licensing notifies owners of the expiration date of their motorcycle license by mail in advance.

WHEN TO RENEW YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

Your Washington motorcycle license will generally expire on your birthday. The expiration year will generally be five years from the year the license was issued or last renewed. It is advisable to renew your motorcycle license before the birthday on which it will expire. You can renew your license any time in the three months leading up to its expiration. You will have to take a vision test and you may be asked to take other tests.

TO RENEW IN PERSON

You must bring:

  • Your expiring license or Proof of Identity if the expiring license is not available.
  • If your name has changed, documentation of the name change is required.
  • Proof of residence, if required.
  • The renewal fee payable by cash, check, money order or traveler's check (credit cards not accepted). An additional $10 will be charged if your license has been expired for more than 60 days.
If you have an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), you can only renew in person by visiting an EDL office. Call and confirm the exact renewal fee. Note: If you are out-of-state when your license is due for renewal and will not return to Washington for at least a year, you can apply for a five year license by mail. Complete the Driver License Replacement/Renewal Request form. Mail the form along with a check or money order for the fee and any required certifications to: 
Driver Licensing Services Office
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9048
Olympia, WA 98507-9048
You can also choose to request a 12-month extension to your license instead by mailing the extension request form.

TO RENEW VIA THE INTERNET

You can renew online only if your license was issued on or after 1 September 2001, and your previous renewal was done in person. In addition you cannot renew if you changed addresses within six weeks of the expiration date on your license. If you are eligible to renew online, you will receive a renewal notice with an online authorization number. To renew online:
  • Visit the Washington State online services website.
  • Have your authorization number and a credit/debit card (Visa or MasterCard) handy.

HOW TO REPLACE YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

A Washington Motorcycle License can be replaced in person at any driver licensing office in the State.

WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

You must replace your motorcycle license if your original license has been lost, stolen or destroyed.

TO REPLACE IN PERSON

You must:
  • Bring proper identification. The state of Washington requires that you present one piece of ID from the primary documents list, or two pieces of ID from the supporting documents list. Alternatively you can present one piece of ID from the supporting documents list and two pieces of ID from the alternate documents list, or five pieces of ID from the alternate documents list. Persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parents or guardians, who must present all the required documents and must be residents of the state.
  • Bring the correct fee. Payment may be made by cash or check. Please contact your driver licensing office to confirm the fee before applying in person, since fees may vary.
  • If your motorcycle license will expire within the next 90 days, you can renew your license instead of applying for a replacement.
Note: Washington residents who are temporarily out of state and unable to apply in person may apply for a no-photo duplicate motorcycle license through the mail, if they will remain outside Washington for more than 30 days. Such persons may include military personnel or students who are either out of the state or country, among others. Mail the completed form, along with your payment to: 
Driver records-Record updates
Department of Licensing
P.O Box 9048
Olympia, WA 98507-9048

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION