Maryland issues separate licenses for residents who wish to drive a motorcycle in the state. This type of stand-alone license is often referred to as a Class M license. If a driver in Maryland already has a driver’s license issued by the state, then he or she may add the motorcycle endorsement to his or her driver’s license. The applicant may be subject to proper testing prior to being issued the initial endorsement. Once a driver has a motorcycle license, he or she is eligible to renew the motorcycle license before the license expires.

The state of Maryland offers three different ways for motorists to renew the license. This can be done online, in person, or by mail depending on if an individual meets certain eligibility requirements.  Driving a motorcycle is different than driving a car. Therefore, Maryland requires that motorcycle drivers within the state to get a separate motorcycle license to show that he or she understands the rules or the road and knows how to safely drive the vehicle.

When to Renew a Motorcycle License in Maryland

Motorists in Maryland may want to know about how often he or she needs to renew the motorcycle license. There are several steps to note in the renewal process. Motorists should renew his or her motorcycle license prior to the expiration date listed on the license. This ensures that a driver will not be without a valid motorcycle license. It is illegal to drive without a valid license in Maryland.

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration sends renewal notice alerts by mail to all residents who have a registered motorcycle license.  This notice is sent to motorists roughly 60 days prior to the expiration of the license. Most motorcycle licenses in Maryland are valid for as little as five years or up to eight years. After the allotted amount of time, a motorist will need to renew the license if he or she plans to continue riding a motorcycle in the state of Maryland.

If a person’s motorcycle license has been expired for one year or longer, the state of Maryland will require that the person undergo an individual retest. If the person passes the test, he or she will be eligible to apply for a new motorcycle license. Drivers younger than the age of 40 are eligible to renew a motorcycle license online, by mail, or at a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office.

Eligibility for Motorcycle License Renewal in Maryland

Maryland implements certain motorcycle renewal requirements that motorists must adhere to. These standards exist to make sure that safe drivers are on the Maryland roadways. The state requires that people have a valid Maryland motorcycle license in order to apply for license renewal. The license must not be suspended or revoked at the time a person applies for the motorcycle license renewal.

Additionally, drivers older than the age of 40 may need to submit a vision exam conducted by an authorized provider to renew his or her motorcycle license. The eye test must be done within 12 months of the renewal date.

Required Documents

The documents required to renew a motorcycle license include official identification cards and paperwork. The state of Maryland requires that individuals provide supplemental documentation to provide residency and other information. This is in compliance with the federal REAL ID Act. The state of Maryland requires that drivers submit certain documents on file when applying for license renewal.

A person will need one of each of the following documents when applying for a bike renewal license in Maryland:

• U.S. birth certificate, passport, permanent resident card, or other documents that verify a person’s U.S. citizenship.
• Social Security card or Maryland tax paperwork
• Proof of residential address such as a utility bill with the applicant’s legal name and current address

The Maryland Department of Transportation will alert individuals if he or she needs to provide documentation to renew a motorcycle license. This information will be provided in the renewal paperwork sent by mail prior to the expiration of a license.

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Motorcycle License in Maryland

There are certain times when a motorist may not be able to renew his or her motorcycle license in Maryland. These instances can occur if a driver’s license has been suspended or revoked for any reason. Also, drivers cannot renew by mail if the address on his or her license does not match the address listed on the renewal application.

Certain medical conditions may also prevent a driver from renewing his or her MD motorcycle license. These conditions include epilepsy, seizures, strokes, and other medical conditions listed on the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration website. Drivers are responsible for self-reporting medical ailments to the administration. A doctor will review the details of a person’s medical condition and make a decision about the status of the license renewal.

Additionally, the state of Maryland also prevents drivers from renewing a license if they have not paid his or her taxes.

How to Renew a Maryland Motorcycle License Online

Motorists in Maryland have several options when it comes to renewing a motorcycle license. Drivers may wonder, “Can I renew my motorcycle license online?” Motorists do have the option of renewing a motorcycle license online in Maryland. This can only be done if the person’s renewal notice indicates that he or she is eligible to renew the license online. The notice will contain instructions on how to proceed.

Additionally, eligible drivers can renew the license at a Maryland Department of Transportation self-serve kiosk. As noted above, drivers older than the age of 40 may need to submit to a vision exam. If the driver is eligible to apply for a motorcycle license renewal online, he or she may need to submit the results of the vision exam electronically.

How to Renew a Maryland Motorcycle License by Mail

Motorcyclists may also be able to renew the license by mail. This only applies to applicants who have been sent a “renew by mail” notice from the Maryland Department of Transportation. Eligible renewal applicants must mail in the application at least 15 days prior to the motorcycle license expiration date listed on the card.

The motorcycle renewal license will be sent by mail to the address listed on the Maryland Mail-In Driver’s License Renewal Application. If a motorcycle license is within 20 days of expiring, the person cannot renew the motorcycle license by mail. The license must be renewed in person.

The state of Maryland requires that driver’s older than the age of 40 to submit to a vision exam. This certification is included in the renewal form that is mailed to eligible renewal applicants.

How to Renew a Maryland Motorcycle License in Person

The final way a driver can apply for an MD motorcycle license renewal is by visiting a Maryland Motor Vehicles Administration office. Drivers can begin the process online and make an appointment. Driver’s should select an appointment time that works best for his or her schedule. Drivers can change this appointment online if they can no longer make it. Make sure to bring all applicable paperwork and show up several minutes prior to the start of the motorcycle license renewal appointment.

In an effort to cut down on long lines and wait times at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, eligible drivers younger than the age of 40 must renew the motorcycle license online, by mail, or at a Motor Vehicle Administration kiosk. Name changes must be completed with the Social Security Administration before an eligible individual renews the bike license in person.

Maryland Motorcycle License Renewal Costs

The fees associated with a Maryland motorcycle license depend on how long the issued license is valid for. The fees for a driver’s license renewal in Maryland are as follows:

• 5 years, $30
• 6 years, $36
• 7 years, $42
• 8 years, $48

This works out to $6 per year for the non-commercial motorcycle license renewal. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, American Express, cash or a check as forms of payment. All checks must be made payable to the Motor Vehicle Administration. The check should also have the following information:

• Applicant’s legal name
• Applicant’s current address
• Applicant’s driver’s license number
• Applicant’s home or work phone number

California Privacy R. Request

California Opt-Out