How to Replace a Motorcycle License in Illinois
It is important to replace a motorcycle license in Illinois whenever your license becomes lost, stolen or damaged as it is unlawful to ride a motorcycle without having a valid license or permit on your person. Therefore, it is worth taking the time to learn about the duplicate license process, including how to request a replacement, the fees that you can expect and what to do if you are temporarily out of state, in order to ensure that you are prepared should you ever need to complete this process.
In Illinois, a motorcycle license replacement can only be done in person by visiting a Secretary of State facility, unless you are currently located outside of the state. Furthermore, if your license was lost or stolen, you are strongly encouraged to file a police report with your local police department in order to protect your identity and waive the duplicate license fee.
When is a motorcycle license replacement required in Illinois?
In Illinois, a lost motorcycle license, regardless of whether or not the license was stolen, as well as damaged license, are all reasons that you would need to request a replacement license right away. In Illinois, you are required to carry a valid motorcycle license or permit on your person whenever operating a motorcycle. Therefore, it is imperative that you request a duplicate license immediately following any incident that renders you without a valid license.
Documents Required to Replace a Motorcycle License in Illinois
Motorcycle license replacement documents are required in Illinois whenever requesting a duplicate license or permit. In Illinois, proof of your written signature must be provided to the Secretary of State office before a new license can be issued to you. This can be done with a number of documents, including, but not limited to:
- A cancelled check.
- A court order.
- A signed credit or debit card.
- A valid passport.
- A signed Social Security card.
- A CDTP certification form.
When replacing a motorcycle license, proof of address may also be required, but only if your residential address has changed since the last time your motorcycle license was issued. Should you be required to provide proof of address, you may do so with documents such as:
- A bank statement.
- A cancelled check.
- A recent utility bill.
- A deed/title, mortgage or rental/lease agreement.
- A renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy.
How to Replace an Illinois Motorcycle License in Person
In learning how to replace a motorcycle license in Illinois, it is important to first understand that licenses and permits may only be replaced in person at a Secretary of State facility. At this time, online and by mail requests are not available.
During your visit to the SOS office, you will be required to complete an application for the duplicate license. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of your signature and either the duplicate license fee or a copy of a police report for a lost or stolen license. If you are attempting to replace a motorcycle permit, you may do so in the same way as you would replace a license.
After completing a motorcycle license replacement request, you will be provided with a temporary license that you may use until you receive your permanent license by mail. The temporary license will remain valid for a 90 day period, however, you are strongly encouraged to contact the Secretary of State if you have not received your new license within 30 days from the date of your application.
Out-of-State Motorcycle License Replacement in Illinois
Should you need to replace a motorcycle license in Illinois, but you are temporarily located outside of the state, you may call the Special License and Re-Examination Unit at 217-782-6901. If you intend to return to Illinois within 90 days, the department may issue you a temporary driver’s license that can be mailed to your out-of-state address. In this case, the duplicate motorcycle license fee will not be required until you visit an Illinois SOS office in person upon your return.
If you will not be returning to the state within a 90 day period, the Secretary of State office will mail you out a duplicate license form that you may complete and return to the SOS to receive a duplicate license by mail.
How to Report a Lost Motorcycle License in Illinois
The motorcycle license replacement cost can be waived in Illinois if you submit a copy of your police report to the SOS office when requesting your replacement. This is only an option if your license has been lost or stolen as damaged and corrected licenses will not qualify for the waiver.
While filing a report with your local police department is strongly encouraged, you are not required to do so. However, not only can you avoid a duplicate license fee by filing a report, but you can also help to protect yourself from identity theft.
Illinois Motorcycle License Replacement Fees
The duplicate motorcycle license fee in Illinois is $5. However, the cost of the duplicate license will be waived if the license has been lost or stolen and a police report is provided to Secretary of State facility when applying for a replacement.
Sources
- Duplicate/Corrected Driver's License/Commercial Driver's License from CyberDriveIllinois.com
- Illinois Secretary of State Document Requirements to Obtain a Driver's License/State ID Card from CyberDriveIllinois.com
- Fees - Drivers Services from CyberDriveIllinois.com