You must complete a motorcycle license renewal in Wisconsin before your current license and motorcycle endorsement expire. If you plan to drive a motor vehicle or operate a motorcycle in the state, it is important that your license and endorsement are up-to-date and active. If you are found driving with an expired license, you can face penalties and may be issued a violation. If you are charged with this offense, you can face a license suspension and penalty fees.

You can renew motorcycle license credentials in person at a local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Customer Service Center. To complete the process, you are required to present certain documentation and pay the required renewal fees. It is important to understand the renewal process so you can complete it efficiently before your current license expires. If you need to renew a motorcycle permit, you can also complete this task at a local DMV office. To find out more about how to renew your permit or license and motorcycle endorsement, review the information below.

When to Renew a Motorcycle License in Wisconsin

You should consider starting the process of renewing a motorcycle license in WI before the expiration date. The DMV will send you a renewal to the mailing address on file 45 to 60 days before your birthdate on the year of your license expiration. However, you do not need to wait for the renewal notification to start the process. You can renew your license one year before its expiration date. If you currently have a probationary license, you can begin the renewal process 90 days before its expiration date.

Your license and motorcycle endorsement should be valid for eight years. If you have a probationary license and motorcycle endorsement, your license will expire in two years. You can then renew for a regular driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement. While the DMV will send out a notification to remind you of the expiration date, you are responsible for renewing your license before it expires.

If you do not renew a bike license in time and you operate your motorcycle on public roads, you are breaking the law. If your license is not renewed and your birthdate passes, you are responsible for paying additional fees to renew. If your license is expired for eight years or more, you must re-apply for a new license and complete all exams again.

Eligibility for Motorcycle License Renewal in Wisconsin

You must prove you meet the Wisconsin motorcycle renewal requirements before the DMV will allow you to renew your license and endorsement. To qualify for a renewal, your current license cannot be revoked or suspended. You cannot have unpaid traffic tickets or outstanding balances on open transactions with the DMV. You also must be:

• A U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
• At least 19 years of age.
• A Wisconsin resident.
• In possession of your license, with a motorcycle endorsement.
• Able to prove you can mentally and physically operate a vehicle and motorcycle safely.
• Able to pass the vision exam.

Required Documents

There are specific documents required to renew a motorcycle license that you must present to the DMV before your renewal is approved. The documents you are responsible for providing may vary, depending on the type of license you are requesting and your situation.

If you are seeking a non-Real ID compliant license and you will simply be renewing your current license, you must bring:

• A completed application for renewal.
• Your current license or another proof of identity.
• Proof of the completion of a name change, if applicable.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal permanent status.
• A Medical Examination Report, if you have certain medical conditions.

If you want to request a Real ID compliant motorcycle license renewal, you must bring the items listed above, as well as:

• Proof of your Social Security Number.
• Proof of Wisconsin residency.

If you prefer to have your vision exam completed by a private ophthalmologist, you are also required to bring your vision screening form when visiting an office to renew your license.

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Motorcycle License in Wisconsin

You cannot complete a bike license renewal in Wisconsin if your license status is revoked or suspended. You must also meet all qualifications that are required to hold a license in the state, such as being physically and mentally competent and not having any unpaid tickets on record. If you need to change your name, you must complete the change with the Social Security Administration at least one day before attempting to renew your license.

If your license has been expired for eight years or longer, you will also not qualify to renew your driving privileges. You can use the DMV’s online system to determine if you are eligible to renew your driver’s license and motorcycle endorsement.

How to Renew a Wisconsin Motorcycle License by Mail

You can only renew your motorbike license in WI by mail if you are a state resident but you are temporarily out of state and cannot physically visit a DMV office location. To complete the mail-in renewal process, you must include:

• A completed Wisconsin Driver’s License Application form. Your temporary out-of-state address must be recorded on the form.
• A vision exam form. The form must be completed by a licensed eye doctor and dated within the past 90 days. The “temporal field of vision in degrees” portion must be completed or your renewal cannot be processed.
• A letter providing details about your trip. Your letter must state when you left Wisconsin, why you are out of the state and when you plan to return back to your residence.
• Proof of residency. This can include a photocopy of a utility bill or bank statement. The document must include your full name and your Wisconsin address.
• Proof of identity. This may include a photocopy of your WI driver’s license or Social Security card.

Include the motorcycle license renewal cost, with the addition of any applicable late renewal fees, in the form of a check or money order made payable to “Registration Fee Trust.”

For overnight or priority delivery, mail these items to:

WisDOT
Driver Eligibility Unit
4822 Madison Yards Way, Room 225
Madison, WI 53705

To mail the items using first-class delivery, send them to:

WisDOT
Driver Eligibility Unit
P.O. Box 7995
Madison, WI 53707-7995

You cannot renew an M endorsement or license by mail if your most recent license holds a status of “Valid Without Photo.” You are also not eligible to complete an out-of-state renewal by mail if a prior license was processed for you by mail or online. Once your renewal has been processed, your license will be sent to the address you provided on the application using first-class delivery.

How to Renew a Wisconsin Motorcycle License in Person

If you are not currently out of state, you should find out where to renew motorcycle license in Wisconsin, since you must complete the renewal process in person. You can use the DMV online system to locate a driver’s license office near you and to check the expiration date of your license. You can also use the system to confirm the documents you need to bring with you to the office to renew.

Before you visit a DMV Customer Service Center to renew a motorcycle endorsement, you should decide if you want a regular driver’s license or a Real ID-compliant license. Gather the documentation you will be required to provide based on the type of license you want to renew. The documents you bring in must be original or copies that include raised or sealed stamps.

You should also bring the following with you:

• Your renewal notification
• Your current driver’s license
• Payment for your renewal fee, including the motorcycle endorsement

When visiting, you will be required to have a new license photo taken and to complete a vision screening. The DMV provides a free vision screening. However, if you prefer to have an exam completed at an eye doctor’s office, you can do so. You must have the doctor fill out a Vision Screening Form and you must turn it into the DMV within 90 days of the exam date.

Upon completion, you will be provided with a paper photo receipt that can act as your motorcycle license renewal for the next 45 days, if needed. Your driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement will be mailed to you within 10 business days.

How to Renew a Motorcycle Permit in Wisconsin

You may need to consider renewing a motorcycle permit in WI if you have not completed the requirements to obtain your endorsement before the expiration date. Your permit is valid for six months after its issue date. During this time, you must complete the skills test. You can renew your permit twice for an additional six months each time if you do not feel ready to take the skills test.

If you attempt to renew a motorcycle permit for the third time, you will be required to provide proof that you are currently enrolled in or have completed an approved basic motorcycle rider course. You must apply for a permit renewal in person at a DMV Customer Service Center. Bring your current permit, identification and permit renewal fee.

Wisconsin Motorcycle License Renewal Costs

You can pay your Wisconsin motorcycle license renewal fee with a check or cash when visiting the office. You can also pay using a Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover debit or credit card.

However, the DMV Customer Service Center may charge an additional percentage for the use of a credit card. To renew your motorcycle license or permit, you are responsible for the following fees:

• Driver’s License 8-Year Renewal: $34
• Renewal Late Fee: $5
• Motorcycle Endorsement 8-Year Renewal: $18
• Motorcycle Learner’s Permit 6-Month Renewal: $32

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