You may need to complete a motorcycle license renewal in Tennessee if your current license is nearing its expiration date. If you do not successfully complete your renewal before your license expires, you will be considered an unlicensed driver or motorcycle rider. If you are found operating your motorcycle or vehicle on public roads with this expired license, you can face consequences and may be charged with a violation. You could have your license or motorcycle registration suspended until you renew your license and you may incur additional penalty fees.

It is important to learn how to renew motorcycle license credentials in the state so you can review the methods you can use and the documentation that may be requested throughout the process. If you plan to operate a motorcycle on public roads, you can obtain an M license to strictly operate motorcycles or a DM license to operate both motorcycles and motor vehicles. To learn about the types of processes you can use when renewing motorcycle license credentials and when you should begin the renewal process, review the following sections.

When to Renew a Motorcycle License in Tennessee

You will know it is time to renew a bike license in TN when you receive a renewal reminder in the mail. The Department of Safety and Homeland Security Driver Services department will mail you a notice eight to 10 weeks before your license expiration date. However, you should also keep track of your motorcycle license expiration date on your own to ensure you renew it before it expires. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before the expiration date.

It is also important to ensure the department has your correct mailing address on file so you can receive the renewal reminder. Additionally, you can sign up for email renewal notifications using the department’s online system. If you do not receive a renewal letter or email, you are still responsible for renewing your M class license before the expiration date.

If you are 21 years or older, your motorcycle license should be valid for eight years from the date it was issued. If you are younger than 21 years old, your license will expire on your 21st birthday. This allows the department to renew your license with an updated credential that identifies you as 21 years of age or older.

Your motorcycle license renewal cost will increase if your license is expired when you attempt to renew it. Depending on how long the license has been expired, you will owe additional fees when renewing. These fees include the following:

• After 30 calendar days past the expiration date, you must pay an additional $5 renewal fee.
• After six months past the expiration date, you must pay an additional $10 renewal fee.

If you wait five years or longer after the expiration date, you will be required to pay the additional $10 fee and pass the vision, on-cycle ability skills test and knowledge exam before you are issued a valid M class license. If you have a DM class license, you must also complete the driving skills test successfully.

Eligibility for Motorcycle License Renewal in Tennessee

You must meet the Tennessee motorcycle renewal requirements before you can renew your license with the department. To successfully renew your license, it must be valid and cannot be revoked or suspended. Additionally, you must be:

• A Tennessee resident.
• Mentally and physically fit to drive and operate a motorcycle.
• At least 18 years of age, or at least 16 years of age and able to prove you have earned a high school diploma or GED.

Required Documents

There are certain documents required to renew a motorcycle license if you must prove citizenship or have a temporary license. You may be required to provide documentation that proves your citizenship or lawful permanent residency if you were issued a license after January 1, 2001 and it is your first time renewing it. This documentation may include a:

• U.S. birth certificate.
• U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad.
• Valid U.S. passport.
• Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization.
• Permanent Resident Alien Card.
• Travel documents.
• Form I-94 with appropriate stamps.
• Permanent Resident Re-entry Permit.
• Foreign passport stamped by U.S. security representative.

If you hold a Temporary Driver License (TDL) or Temporary Identification License (TID), you will also be required to prove state residency. You must submit two original documents that confirm your address and full name, including:

• Current utility bills.
• Rental contracts.
• Insurance policies.
• Motor vehicle registrations or titles.
• Voter registration card.

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Motorcycle License in Tennessee

You are not eligible to renew an M class license in TN if your license was suspended or revoked. This may occur if you were charged with serious violations or several traffic offenses within a certain time period. In these instances, you must have your license reinstated instead of renewed before your driving privileges are restored.

Keep in mind, you cannot renew a motorcycle permit in the state once you have earned it. Your permit is valid for one year or until you reach 16 years of age. At that point, you can turn your permit in for a driver’s license. If you have completed all requirements for your M class and regular license, you are provided with a DM class operator and motorcycle license. If you only completed the motorcycle requirements, you are provided with an M class license. If you fail to obtain your license in the allotted time period, you must complete the requirements to earn your permit for a second time.

How to Renew a Tennessee Motorcycle License Online

If your license expiration date is nearing, you may wonder “Can I renew my motorcycle license online in Tennessee?” The renewal letter sent to you by the department will indicate the license renewal methods you qualify for. If you have a nonexpired license with a photo and you renewed in person last time, you should be eligible to renew online and have the renewal license mailed to you.

You can complete the process by following these steps:

1. Visit the department’s eServices website.
2. Provide the information requested on the first screen, including:
   1. Last name.
   2. Date of birth.
   3. License number.
   4. Social Security Number.

3. Choose “Renew License.”
4. Provide additional information, as requested.
5. Provide payment information.
6. Receive and print confirmation.

To renew an M class license online, you must have a valid email address and create an online account with the department. You can print the confirmation page and carry it with you while waiting for your renewal license to arrive in the mail. This will serve as proof that you have renewed your license successfully. Your new license will arrive in the mail within 20 business days.

How to Renew a Tennessee Motorcycle License by Mail

The instructions for renewing a TN motorcycle license by mail should be included in your renewal letter, if it is an available option for you. You can only renew by mail or online if you renewed your license in person at a department office the last time.

If you do not need a new photo taken and do not need to confirm U.S. citizenship or state residency, you can mail your renewal notification letter and an acceptable payment method for your new license to:

TN Dept. of Safety
Cashier Office
1150 Foster Ave.
Nashville, TN 37243

Include your Social Security Number, driver’s license number, full name and date of birth.

How to Renew a Tennessee Motorcycle License in Person

You may be required to complete a TN motorcycle license renewal in person if you processed your last renewal online or by mail. You may also be required to visit a Driver Service Center if you need to present proof of residency or citizenship documentation. Additionally, an in-person visit may be required if you need a new photo taken for your renewal license or if you did not receive a renewal notification in the mail.

If you are wondering where to renew motorcycle license credentials, you can locate a convenient Driver Service Center using the department’s website. Review the location’s available services, hours and closure dates. Some centers may take appointments while others operate on a walk-in basis only. Bring your current driver’s license and payment for the renewal, along with any additional documentation requested that is listed on your renewal notice, if applicable.

Tennessee Motorcycle License Renewal Costs

You must pay your TN motorcycle license renewal fee when applying for a renewal using an acceptable form of payment. If you are renewing your license online, you can pay using a Mastercard, Visa or Discover credit or debit card. In addition to these credit and debit card payments, Driver Service Centers also accept cash, money orders and checks. You can pay with a check by mail.

You may question, “How much does it cost to renew a motorcycle license?” if you are planning to renew your license soon. The fees you may be expected to pay include the following:

• Class M License Eight Year Renewal: $29
• Class DM License Eight Year Renewal: $55
• Additional Fee 30 Days Past Expiration: $5
• Additional Fee Six Months Past Expiration: $10

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