The motorcycle license replacement process in Louisiana is mandatory for all motorcyclists who want to continue driving on public roadways. All riders must possess a valid endorsement when operating in the state. Thus, missing credentials must be replaced before the motorcyclist can get back to driving. The process is overseen by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), which requires bikers to request duplicate credentials when their licenses are lost, stolen or damaged.

Drivers can replace a lost motorcycle license either in person or by mail, depending on their preferences. The OMV requires all drivers to produce a bevy of documents and pay a replacement fee before they can receive a replacement. For more information about this process, including all necessary documents and fees, continue reading the topics discussed below.

When is a motorcycle license replacement required in Louisiana?

Louisiana drivers must replace motorcycle license credentials whenever they are lost, stolen or damaged. To legally operate a motorcycle on Louisiana roadways, drivers must possess the endorsement and carry the license with them. Like standard driver’s licenses, motorists must be able to provide license and registration documents to law enforcement officials whenever necessary.

A duplicate motorcycle license is necessary when the rider is no longer in possession of the license. Louisiana law requires drivers to request a replacement before they get back on the roads. The replacement process may be completed either in person or by mail with the Louisiana OMV. Motorists who need to replace their endorsements should begin gathering the proper documents to confirm the replacement.

Note that replacing motorcycle license documents is not the same as renewing these documents. Renewals are necessary for riders whose licenses are set to expire within 90 days. Furthermore, a motorist whose license must be replaced within 180 days of the expiration date may complete a renewal procedure rather than replacing their credentials altogether.

Documents Required to Replace a Motorcycle License in Louisiana

The motorbike license replacement process in Louisiana requires riders to prepare a variety of documents. The LA OMV oversees the replacement process and determines which documents are necessary to complete it. Riders 18 years of age or older who are enrolled in the Photo Retrieve Program are not required to provide any additional form of identification.

Several motorcycle license replacement documents are necessary for riders younger than 18 years of age or those who are not part of the photo retrieve program. They may choose to submit one form of primary identification along with two forms of secondary identification, or three forms of secondary identification if a primary form is unavailable.

Primary identification documents include the following:

• An original birth certificate
• A certified copy of a birth certificate
• U.S. or foreign passport or passport card
• Current military ID card or draft record
• Permanent resident card (I-551)

Secondary motorbike license replacement documents include:

• Driver’s license or ID card (out-of-state accepted)
• Official driving record
• Social Security card
• Photo ID card from a Louisiana high school or college
• Law enforcement officer ID card
• Educational diploma/transcript
• Medicare/Medicaid card
• Printed payroll stub
• Vehicle registration/title in driver’s name

Riders must also provide proof of insurance if they own a motorcycle. Furthermore, they must provide proof of residency. This may include:

• Utility bills
• Financial statements
• Paycheck/paystub
• W-2 form
• Health insurance statement
• Federal income tax return
• Mortgage/lease documents
• Voter registration card
• Auto insurance policy

How to Replace a Louisiana Motorcycle License in Person

To apply for a duplicate motorcycle license in Louisiana, drivers must appear in person at an office location throughout the state unless they are living out of state and are unable to return. LA OMV has branches in several regions to accommodate all motorists. The replacement process may be finalized at any of these branches.

To replace M license endorsements in person, riders must find their local office location. It is always recommended to call ahead to schedule an appointment. The OMV is notorious for long lines and wait times. Motorists can avoid these lines by scheduling a replacement appointment with the branch of their choosing.

Riders must bring all required documents with them to this appointment. OMV employees may only complete the replacement if the driver produces the necessary documents. Furthermore, motorists must bring a form of payment for the replacement fee. OMV branches accept credit cards, debit cards, money orders and cashier’s checks. Personal checks are not accepted.

Out-of-State Motorcycle License Replacement in Louisiana

The process of how to replace a motorcycle license in Louisiana while living out of state is a bit different from the process for in-state riders. The LA OMV allows motorists to replace their endorsements by mail if they are unable to return to the state to perform the process in person. However, to be eligible for this option, riders must meet the following conditions:

1. Riders must be temporarily living out of state.
2. Riders must have a permanent residential address in Louisiana (P.O. boxes are not accepted).

Riders must obtain duplicate motorbike license credential in person if they do not meet the conditions listed above. The OMV does not permit any replacements online or by phone.

To apply for a duplicate motorbike license by mail, motorists must attach the required documents (including photo ID) to the application. Likewise, they must provide the proper form of payment (cashier’s check or money order) to complete the process. All application must be sent to:

Office of Motor Vehicles
Attention: Reconstructed License
P.O. Box 64886
Baton Rouge, LA 70896

Louisiana Motorcycle License Replacement Fees

If you are wondering, “How much does it cost to replace a motorcycle license?” the cost varies depending on several factors. The fee for replacing an M endorsement depends on the license class and the validity of the license. Paying the motorcycle replacement fee is the final step in the process. Once the rider provides all proper documents and submits payment, he or she can obtain the duplicate credential and get back on the road.

Drivers with class D and E motorcycle licenses may pay $17 for a six-year license. Alternatively, they can pay a duplicate motorcycle license fee of $13 to receive a four-year license. Their choice reflects their preferences and whether they wish to renew in four or six years.

The motorcycle license replacement cost may increase for riders to complete the process in person at their local OMV branch. For example, those who request a duplicate license in person are given the option to pay with a credit or debit card. All credit and debit card transactions result in a transaction fee equal to 1 percent plus $1.25.

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