How to Replace a Motorcycle License in North Carolina

Residents must replace their motorcycle license in NC if it is lost, stolen or damaged. Drivers must also request a new card if they wish to change their address or name on the card. Requesting a duplicate is necessary because it is illegal to operate a motorbike without a valid license.

Doing so could result in fines and penalties. For many, the motorcycle license serves as their regular driver’s license. Without it, the driver may not operate any other vehicle in the state legally.

Drivers may request a motorcycle license replacement online. However, anyone who wishes to replace their card with a REAL ID, must visit a DMV office in person. When requesting a duplicate, drivers must provide documentation of their identity. Keep reading for vital details on how to apply for a duplicate motorcycle license and the fees required to order a new copy.

When is a motorcycle license replacement required in NC?

Drivers must replace their motorcycle license in North Carolina in the event it is lost, stolen or damaged. They must also request a replacement card when they wish to change their address or their name on the card. In the state, operating a motorbike without a valid license could result in fines and penalties.

For many drivers, their motorbike credentials also serve as their driver’s license. Thus, without it, they will be unable to drive any vehicle legally in the state.

Documents Required to Replace a Motorcycle License in North Carolina

Drivers who wish to order NC motorcycle license replacement documents must provide their name, date of birth and Social Security Number (SSN). Anyone who wants to replace their card with a REAL ID must show proof of identity, age, legal presence in the United States, Social Security Number and NC residency.

Examples of documents that may be used to prove identity and date of birth include:

  • U.S. Birth Certificate
  • U.S. Passport
  • U.S. Military ID
  • NC School Transcripts

Documents that are acceptable to prove legal presence in the U.S. include:

  • Unexpired permanent resident card
  • Unexpired Foreign Passport
  • Certificate of Citizenship

Individuals may prove their Social Security Number with documents such as the following when ordering a motorcycle license replacement:

Social Security Card
1099 Tax Form
W-2 Form
Payroll Record with Full SSN

Drivers may present the following documents to show their NC address:

  • NC Voter Registration Card
  • Utility Bill
  • House Lease or Rental Agreement
  • School Records

Anyone who is requesting a replacement card due to a name change must show evidence of their new legal name. They may must provide documents such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order. The DMV requires originals or certified copies of all required documents before replacing a lost motorcycle license.

How to Replace a North Carolina Motorcycle License Online

Drivers may replace a motorcycle license in NC online if their current card is in “active” status. The driver must also have a photo on file with the DMV that is no more than five years old to use this option. Drivers may request a duplicate card on the NC Division of Motor Vehicles website.

Applicants must provide their License/ID Number or Last Name, Social Security Number and Date of Birth. Additionally, drivers must have a valid email address to complete the process. The DMV charges a fee which must be paid at the time of the application.

How to Replace a North Carolina Motorcycle License in Person

Anyone who wishes to request a REAL ID when ordering an NC motorcycle license replacement must do so in person at a DMV office. Also, drivers who are requesting new card due to a name change must visit a DMV office.

Drivers must gather the required documentation as noted above and bring it to the DMV. Applicants will be required to pay a processing fee for their request.

NC Motorcycle License Replacement Fees

The NC duplicate motorcycle license fee is $13. Drivers may pay the fee using cash, check, money order or major credit card. Anyone who wishes to pay by check must make the check payable to NCDMV.

The check must be accompanied by two forms of ID, written in blue or black in and have the account holder’s name and address pre-printed on the check. The DMV accepts checks from a NC based bank or a bank with a branch in the state. The DMV charges a fee for returned checks.

Last updated on Wednesday, March 4 2020.

Sources

  1. Replacement & Duplicate License from NCDOT.gov
  2. NC REAL ID Requirements from NCDOT.gov
  3. Licenses & Fees from NCDOT.gov