An Illinois motorcycle license renewal is important because it allows you to continue using that license to operate a motorcycle in the state. If you fail to renew your license before it expires, you may face consequences for driving illegally which can include receiving a ticket from law enforcement. A motorcycle endorsement renewal is to be completed at the same time that you renew your regular driver’s license for an additional fee.

There are two types of motorcycle licenses in Illinois: Class L and Class M. A Class L license is for driving any motor-driven cycle with less than 150cc displacement, and Class M is for driving any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle with 150cc displacement or more. Regardless of which license classification you have, it is crucial that you renew it before it reaches the expiration date. Both licenses require the exact same steps to complete the renewal. To learn more about the fees you must pay to renew a motorcycle license and the process you must follow, read the sections included below.

When to Renew a Motorcycle License in Illinois

Renewing a motorcycle license must happen before the license expires in order to avoid facing any penalties. Each license has an expiration date printed on the physical card, and the exact length of time that your license is valid for depends on your age.

It is your responsibility to be aware of how long your license is valid for so that you can renew it before the expiration. The validity periods for regular and motorcycle licenses in Illinois depending on age are as follows:

• Drivers younger than the age of 21: License will expire three months after 21^st
• Drivers age 21 – 80: License is valid for four years and will expire on birthday.
• Drivers age 81 – 86: License is valid for two years.
• Drivers age 87 and older: License is valid for one year.

The earliest that you can renew a four-year or two-year motorcycle license is up to one year before the expiration date. The earliest that you can renew a one-year license is up to six months before the expiration date.

A motorcycle endorsement renewal can be completed after the expiration date, although it is important to keep in mind that driving with an expired license can lead to serious consequences, so renewing before the expiration is a better option.

Eligibility for Motorcycle License Renewal in Illinois

One of the motorcycle renewal requirements that must be met in order for a renewal to be completed includes having a valid license with an M or L motorcycle classification that was issued by the State of Illinois. Also, you must renew during the appropriate time frame before your license expires, as covered in the section above.

There are documents required to renew a motorcycle license in IL depending on the renewal method you choose. It is important that you understand what they are so that you can be prepared. In order to renew in-person, you must provide your expiring driver’s license with the motorcycle endorsement to the Secretary of State office.

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Motorcycle License in Illinois

You cannot renew a bike license if your license has been suspended or revoked. Also, you cannot renew if it is earlier than one year before your two-year or four-year license expires, or if it is earlier than six months before your one-year license expires. Lastly, if your license has been stolen, lost or damaged, you cannot process a renewal and you must instead request a replacement.

How to Renew an Illinois Motorcycle License Online

If you are wondering, “Can I renew my motorcycle license online?” the answer is yes, but only if you are eligible. You can only renew a motorcycle classification online if you receive a notice in the mail that states that you qualify for an online renewal as part of the Safe Driver program. You will typically receive this renewal notice approximately 60 to 90 days before your license expires. To renew online, you must do the following:

1. Visit the website listed on your renewal notice.
2. Provide your renewal authorization number which is found on your renewal form.
3. Pay the applicable renewal fee.

How to Renew an Illinois Motorcycle License by Mail

You can also renew your motorcycle license through the mail if you are eligible. Your eligibility is based on whether or not you received a notice in the mail that states a renewal by mail is an option for you.  To renew via mail, you must do the following:

1. Fill out the information requested on the renewal notice form sent to you by mail.
2. Provide payment for the renewal fee.
3. Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form.

How to Renew an Illinois Motorcycle License in Person

Knowing where to renew a motorcycle license is a very important part of keeping your license valid. Everyone is eligible to renew in person, even if you are not able to renew online or by mail. To renew in person, you must do the following:

1. Visit your local Illinois Secretary of State office.
2. Present your current motorcycle license.
3. Pass a vision exam.
4. Take a written exam and/or driving exam, if required.
5. Pay the applicable renewal fees.

Once you complete the renewal process, you will be presented with a temporary license that is valid for 90 days. You can expect to receive your new license within a few weeks’ time.

Illinois Motorcycle License Renewal Costs

There are motorcycle license renewal fees that you must pay in order to process your renewal. In Illinois, you renew your motorcycle classification when you renew your regular license, so you are responsible for both your regular renewal fee and an additional fee of $5.00 for the M or L classification. The license renewal costs are as follows:

• Motorcycle – Renewal M or L classification: $5.00
• Driver’s License – Basic: $30.00
• Driver’s License – Persons age 18-20: $5.00
• Driver’s License – Persons age 21-68: $30.00
• Driver’s License – Persons age 69-80: $5.00
• Driver’s License – Persons age 81-86: $2.00
• Driver’s License – Persons age 87 and older: Free

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