To replace a motorcycle license in Rhode Island, you must visit a Rhode Island DMV or AAA branch location. The replacement process requires that you resubmit the paperwork necessary to prove your identity, in addition to the certificate of completion from a Rhode Island motorcycle safety course.

Once you have presented your paperwork and your motorcycle license replacement fees, the DMV will process your request and issue a temporary license that will remain valid while the official license is mailed. You should expect to have your duplicate license within 30 days.

Additionally, because your Rhode Island motorcycle endorsement is part of your driver license, you can replace both at the same time without any additional fees or paperwork. However, a motorcycle permit is not attached to any existing permit or license. Therefore, you must request a duplicate motorcycle learner’s permit as its own item and pay a fee.

When is a motorcycle license replacement required in Rhode Island?

Replace a motorcycle license when it is lost, damaged or stolen. A valid Rhode Island driver’s license is required to drive and being on the road without one, even if you have only lost your card, is considered a violation of state law. It is important to request a duplicate of your license as quickly as possible to avoid penalties. In Rhode Island, driving without a license is a civilian misdemeanor.

Further, a duplicate motorcycle license does not allow the driver to make any changes. If you need to update your motorcycle endorsement, address, name or gender, you must request a Rhode Island driver license renewal. The Rhode Island DMV also will not allow a request for a replacement license if the license expires within 3 months.

Documents Required to Replace a Motorcycle License in Rhode Island

The motorcycle license replacement documents in Rhode Island include a replacement application and four separate documents to prove residency and identity. The full set of documents you need are:

  • The L-1 application form (available below).
  • One proof of Social Security: Social Security card, recent w-2 form, a letter issued by the Social Security Administration, a recent 1099 form or a paystub showing your full name and Social Security Number.
  • One proof of identity: U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalizations, valid employment authorization, certificate of citizenship, a permanent resident card or a consular report of birth abroad.
  • Two documents to prove residence: utility bills, lease or mortgage agreement, renter’s or homeowner’s insurance, personal check or bank statement, a paystub showing your name and address, an auto insurance policy, a property tax bill, a letter from a Rhode Island shelter or halfway house, a valid Rhode Island driver license or a pension or retirement account statement. If you are a minor, you may use a school report card, ID, transcript.
  • Certificate of Completion from the Rhode Island Motorcycle Safety Course.

However, if you are a AAA member, you may also get a duplicate motorcycle license from AAA. If you choose to use AAA to replace your license instead of the DMV, the document requirements are:

  • Your valid AAA membership card.
  • One identity document from the list above.
  • One Social Security document from the list above.
  • Certificate of completion from the Rhode Island Motorcycle Safety Course.

How to Replace a Rhode Island Motorcycle

If you are replacing a motorcycle license, you must go in person to a AAA office or the Rhode Island DMV branch location. As your Rhode Island motorcycle endorsement is part of your driver’s license, you will be able to complete an application that renews both of them at the same time. However, you will not be able to duplicate your license if you need to make any changes or if it is within 3 months of expiring.

In order to apply for a duplicate Rhode Island motorcycle license, gather the required documentation for whichever office you plan to visit and complete the license application beforehand. If you choose to renew your license at AAA, there are 10 locations that offer services. These offices are located in:

  • Barrington.
  • Cumberland.
  • Greenville.
  • Narragansett.
  • Warwick.
  • Cranston.
  • East Providence.
  • Middletown.
  • Providence.
  • South Attleboro.

If you prefer to duplicate your motorcycle license at the DMV, you must visit a Rhode Island DMV branch office. These offices are located in:

  • Cranston.
  • Middletown.
  • Wakefield.
  • Warren.
  • Westerly.
  • Woonsocket.

Note: You will not be issued a motorcycle license replacement immediately. You will receive a temporary driver license after your payment and paperwork are reviewed. The official driver’s license is mailed within 30 days after processing.

Out-of-State Motorcycle License Replacement in Rhode Island

To replace a motorcycle license in Rhode Island, you must go to a location in person and therefore cannot duplicate your license from out of state. However, if you plan to upgrade a motorcycle endorsement, change your address or make any other alteration to your license, you can renew from out of state.

As long as you have a valid home residence in Rhode Island, you can renew a driver license online or upgrade your motorcycle endorsement from two to three wheels. You will need a credit card to pay the online fees, and the new license will be valid for five years.

How to Replace a Motorcycle Permit in Rhode Island

To replace a motorcycle permit, you can go in person to any Rhode Island DMV location or AAA office. You will need the L-1 application for a license or permit and the same identity documents listed above, including the Rhode Island motorcycle safety course certificate of completion.

After presenting your documents and application to AAA or the Rhode Island, you will be issued a temporary license that is valid for 30 days while the replacement card is mailed to your home address.

How to Report a Lost Motorcycle License in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island DMV does not require you to report a stolen license, but it may still be wise to file a report with the state police or department of public safety. A driver license contains your full legal name, address, birthday, license number, legal gender, height and signature.

The personal information on your license could be acquired by identity thieves to damage your finances or reputations. With the correct information, identity thieves can access your bank accounts, receive treatment on your health insurance, open fraudulent credit cards or commit other crimes in your name.

If you lost a motorcycle license, be especially vigilant for frauds or scams. If you suspect identity theft, you may file a full complaint with your local police office.

Rhode Island Motorcycle License Replacement Fees

The duplicate motorcycle license fee in Rhode Island is $26.50. This is the same as the application fee and the Rhode Island motorcycle permit fee. Additionally, the fees are the same if you choose to replace your license or permit at AAA.

Last updated on Wednesday, March 4 2020.