How to Renew a Motorcycle License in Montana
In Montana, motorcycle drivers must obtain a motorcycle license renewal prior to the expiration date of their license. To renew motorcycle license documents in the state, drivers must meet certain requirements, provide all necessary documentation and visit a local exam station associated with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). Additionally, some licensed motorists with a motorcycle endorsement can utilize online and mail renewals. However, all motorists will need to pay all licensing fees for the reissuance of licenses. Drivers who fail to renew motorcycle permit or license information in a timely manner may face traffic penalties and fines.
Every driver with a motorcycle endorsement on his or her commercial or recreational driver’s license is subject to regular renewals. Consequently, knowing how to renew bike license documents is essential for all drivers hoping to maintain their driving privileges. The following sections explain how a bike license renewal is performed, who may request a renewal and when a renewal is required in Montana. If you have a motorcycle license and reside in the state, you are encouraged to review the information in the sections below.
When to Renew a Motorcycle License in Montana
Motorcycle renewal requirements in Montana dictate that motorcyclists should renew their licenses about every eight years, depending on the duration of the license. Motorcyclists can request a motorcycle license renewal up to six months before licenses expire and up to three months after they expire. This period is known as motorists’ renewal schedules. After this period, motorists must retake all licensing exams in full and completely reapply for all licensure before receiving another drivers license with a motorbike endorsement.
Typically, the motorcycle license expiration date occurs on the driver’s birthday and takes effect at midnight, but the date is always printed on the license. Motorcyclists must renew motorcycle endorsement once their original license has expired and are required to request the renewal independently of their driving license. Motorcyclists are encouraged to request renewals as soon as possible to avoid incurring fines or other traffic penalties associated with not being properly licensed.
A motorcycle permit, however, must be replaced after one year if motorcyclists do not take the road test during that time. Unlike the endorsements on licenses, permits require motorcyclists to reapply for them rather than renew them.
If motorists are unsure of the status of their commercial or standard driving license or permit in Montana, they may utilize the online license verification system via the MVD. To do so, they will need to provide their name, driver’s license number, the last four digits of their Social Security Number (SSN) and their birthdate.
Note: A driver’s license is immediately considered invalid at midnight on the date of its posted expiration, so motorcyclists must renew their license before this time or avoid driving with their expired license.
Eligibility for Motorcycle License Renewal in Montana
The process of renewing a motorcycle license is the same as renewing a standard or commercial driver’s license as a motorcycle endorsement requires motorists to have a license. Motorcyclists may have up to three options for their motorcycle license renewal including an in-person, online and mailed renewal. To qualify for an online license renewal in Montana, motorcyclists must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be between the ages of 21 and 67 years old
- Be within your renewal schedule
- Have a valid Montana driver’s license (i.e., without suspensions or revocations in any state)
- Be able to demonstrate your mental and physical ability to ride a motorbike
- Ensure that your previous license renewal was not completed online or by mail
Renewals by mail may only be conducted by riders who are U.S. citizens without access to Montana licensing offices due to their rural location or being temporarily out-of-state. All riders may renew their license in person at an MVD office. Though, motorcycle renewal requirements for all types of renewals in Montana dictate that motorcyclists must have a valid driver’s license, must be within their renewal schedule and must be at least 16 years old to perform renewals.
Additionally, motorcyclists who are foreign nationals who are temporarily granted residence in the U.S. by federal law may not renew licenses by mail. In fact, most motorcycle license renewals must occur in person.
Required Documents
Documents required to renew a motorcycle license are meant to enable the MVD to locate essential license information. To learn how to renew motorcycle license in Montana, motorcyclists should review the following list of required documents to prepare for the renewal process:
- The expiring Montana driver’s license
- Two acceptable forms of identification (i.e., a birth certificate, social security card, passport, driver’s license or health insurance card)
- Documentation of name change (if your name has changed since the issuance of your previous license)
- Method of payment for the licensing fees
- Eye and medical evaluation forms
- Online or mail-in renewal form (for online or mail renewals only)
Riders may also prefer to have an appointment if they are renewing documents in person. Riders are reminded that MVD offices can get busy and walk-in appointments may not always be available.
Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Motorcycle License in Montana
While riders are required by law to renew m1 license documents (i.e., motorcycles licenses) in Montana to continue operating motorbikes, some riders may be prohibited from renewing licenses altogether. A list of reasons why riders may be prevented from renewing a motorcycle endorsement is as follows:
- Your driver’s license is suspended or revoked
- Your license or motorcycle permit expired more than three months ago
- You do not have access to your previous license (e.g., it has been stolen or lost)
How to Renew a Montana Motorcycle License Online
Riders wondering, “Can I renew my motorcycle license online?” will be glad to know there is an online renewal option for qualified riders in Montana. To renew motorcycle license information online, riders will first need to visit the MVD’s official website to confirm their eligibility for renewals. Next, an online bike license renewal requires riders to complete either an Online Renewal Standard Driver’s license or Online Renewal Commercial Driver’s license form.
The form will ask riders to specify details listed on their licenses including, but not limited to, their eye color, weight, height, hair color and ZIP code. This information will be printed on the new licenses. However, riders must remember to check the motorcycle endorsement box on the form, indicating that they are applying for another endorsement on their renewed license. To finalize the motorcycle license renewal, riders must sign and date the form and answer all licensing questions to best of their ability.
Once the form is completed, the MVD website will prompt riders to submit all required documents, such as two forms of ID and medical evaluations, and pay the processing fee. Riders may pay the fee using credit and debit cards and may receive a renewed license by mail within a month.
How to Renew a Montana Motorcycle License by Mail
Renewing a motorcycle license by mail involves completing the driver’s license renewal form and mailing it to the MVD at the following address: P.O. Box 201430, Helena, MT 59620-1430. To send a motorcycle license renewal request, riders must attach all required documents, including a payment method (in cash, check or money order), to the form and provide all essential information like their SSN and full name. If riders have any questions or concerns when completing a request by mail, they may contact the MVD by phone at 406-444-3933.
How to Renew a Montana Motorcycle License in Person
Learning how to renew motorcycle license documents in person requires riders to find an MVD office. To find where to renew motorcycle license information in Montana, riders are advised to visit the MVD’s website and search for a nearby city. The following steps outline the in-person renewal process:
- Request an appointment. You may schedule an appointment by calling your local MVD office or going online to the MVD’s scheduling site.
- Collect all required information and documents. At this time, it is also best to ensure you are eligible for a license renewal and to estimate your fee payment.
- Sign all paperwork and wait for license. A temporary license may be issued to you while your new license is delivered to you by mail.
Montana Motorcycle License Renewal Costs
The motorcycle license renewal cost in Montana may vary depending on the current renewal schedule. Because the price to renew motorcycle endorsement documents includes the $0.52 yearly fee to maintain licensure, the total cost of a renewal may either be the yearly fee alone if the endorsement is still valid or the yearly fee.
Moreover, applicants must pay an additional $10.30 for a replacement license displaying the endorsement. However, the motorcycle license renewal fee for eight-year noncommercial licenses is $41.72 for a new driver’s license plus the yearly $0.52 fee for the endorsement.
Riders wondering, “How much does it cost to renew a motorcycle license in Montana?” can expect to pay a total of $45.88 ($41.72 + $0.52*8yrs) for eight-year licenses with motorbike endorsements. A motorcycle permit renewal will cost the same as the original permit: $5.
Montana Motorcycle License Renewal Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Renewals from DOJMT.gov