Motorists may only replace motorcycle licenses in Wisconsin under certain circumstances and must meet all of the state mandated requirements to qualify. Residents must obtain a duplicate motorcycle license when their license is lost or stolen, even if they hold a probationary license or instruction permit. Additionally, both license and permit holders must obtain a replacement when they change any of their personal information, or if the information on their license is incorrect.

Motorists may not request a motorcycle license replacement if they only need to renew their expired or soon-to-expire license. All other drivers replacing motorcycle licenses must visit a Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) customer service center or apply online or by mail. It is required by law that all motorists carry their licenses or permits while operating any type of motor vehicle and replace a stolen or lost motorcycle license as soon as possible.

When is a motorcycle license replacement required in Wisconsin?

Residents must obtain a duplicate motorcycle license when their original is lost or stolen. Motorists must also obtain a replacement card when they make any changes to their name, address or gender. Additionally, motorists may obtain a WI motorcycle license replacement card if they wish to renew their standard license for a REAL ID license that is compliant with federal requirements.

Documents Required to Replace a Motorcycle License in Wisconsin

Residents must present different types of motorcycle license replacement documents depending on their case. Applicants must provide the following documents to obtain a license or permit replacement:

  • Proof of identity with name, date of birth, picture and signature
  • Social Security Numbers
  • Documents to prove citizenship or legal presence
  • Wisconsin driver license application form

Additionally, applicants who are younger than 18 years of age may only replace motorcycle license cards by providing the following:

  • A sponsorship from a parent or legal guardian.
  • Proof of completion or enrollment in an approved driver education course.

Motorists must include proof of in-state residency along with their other Wisconsin motorcycle license replacement documents in order to obtain a REAL ID license. Other special cases for license or permit replacement include:

  • Name Change: Motorists who change their names must provide proof of identity and proof of name change.
  • Change of Address: Applicants must notify changes of address within 10 days of moving and must provide new proof of residency.
  • Change of Gender: Motorists must provide a court ordered or physicians proof of change of gender.

How to Replace a Wisconsin Motorcycle License Online

Eligible motorists may obtain a motorcycle license duplicate online or if they need to make changes of address in their license. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and hold a valid driver license.

Eligible motorcycle license holders may also apply for a replacement online if their license is lost or stolen while they are out of state. To obtain their replacement motorbike license, applicants must provide:

  • Wisconsin motorcycle license number or full Social Security Number.
  • Last four digits of their Social Security Number (if license number is available).
  • Zip code.
  • Date of birth.
  • Sponsorship information (motorcycle drivers younger than 18 years of age).

Permit holders may only obtain a WI motorcycle permit replacement in person at a DMV customer center office. All other applicants who qualify to obtain their replacement online will have their license mailed to them after they submit their application.

They must verify or change their mailing address during the online application process. Finally, online applicants must pay the motorcycle duplicate fee as well as a convenience fee for using the online service.

How to Replace a Wisconsin Motorcycle License by Mail

Applicants that are not eligible to apply online may obtain their motorcycle license duplicate by mail. Motorists may also obtain a duplicate if their license is lost or stolen while they are out of state.

Additionally, Wisconsin motorcycle license holders must have a valid photo and Social Security Number on file at the DMV and must be U.S citizens to apply by mail. Otherwise, they must visit a DMV customer service center in order to provide proof of legal status.

Furthermore, when replacing motorcycle licenses by the mail, residents must include the application fee payment along with the application form. They must enclose a check or money order payable to the “Registration Fee Trust.” License holders must mail their motorcycle license to:

WisDOT – Division of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 7995
Madison, WI 53707-7995

Note: Applicants may only apply through the mail if they have not processed another license replacement in the preceding 12 months.

How to Replace a Wisconsin Motorcycle License in Person

Motorists may obtain their motorcycle license or motorbike permit replacement in person at a DMV customer service center. Applicants do not need an appointment to apply in person and they may complete their application forms online or must print them and present them when they visit the DMV to apply. Otherwise, they can fill out the application form in person at the DMV.

Moreover, all applicants must pay the Wisconsin duplicate motorcycle license fee to process their request and obtain a replacement. Applicants must also present proof of identity, their Social Security Number and proof of legal status if they are not U.S citizens. Applicants may take a new picture for their new motorcycle license or use the one they have on file.

Additionally, all applicants are required to retake their vision tests once they have completed all the other steps. At that point, applicants will be able to obtain their replacement card.

Out-of-State Motorcycle License Replacement in Wisconsin

Residents temporarily located out-of-state may obtain a motorcycle license replacement by mail or online if their license is lost or stolen. To obtain a replacement, applicants must have a valid photo and Social Security Number on file with the WIDMV.

Non-U.S. citizens cannot apply while they are out-of-of state and must obtain their WI motorcycle endorsement replacement in person. Additionally, out-of-state applicants must provide their temporary mailing address and contact information in case the DMV needs to contact them. Mail-in applicants may provide email contact information and a written request in order to receive notifications about their license replacement.

How to Report a Lost Motorcycle License in Wisconsin

Motorcycle license holders do not need to report a lost license unless they believe that their identity has been stolen. In that case, they are recommended to contact their local law enforcement office or the Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection for resources on consumer protection and identity theft.

While obtaining a WI motorbike license duplicate, motorists may place a notation on their driving record to always have the DMV verify their identification documents whenever they conduct business with the DMV. This notation adds more identification requirements to protect the applicant from identity theft in the future.

Wisconsin Motorcycle License Replacement Fees

Residents must cover the motorcycle license replacement costs to obtain a duplicate. The duplicate motorcycle license fee is $14. Applicants must pay an additional convenience fee when they complete their transaction through the online application. Applicants can see the convenience fee displayed online before they complete the process to know how much does it cost to replace a motorcycle license in Wisconsin online and to authorize the payment.

Moreover, license holders who pay the fee in person at the DMV are also charged a convenience fee when they use a debit or credit card to cover the motorcycle credential replacement costs. Finally, applicants who apply by mail only need to send a check or money order for the amount of the duplicate fee along with their application form.

Last updated on Wednesday, March 4 2020.