How to Renew a Motorcycle License in Nevada
A motorcycle license renewal in Nevada lets the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) update its driver records and determine which motorists have motorbike privileges. This allows them to obtain, maintain and renew motorcycle license documents without having to restart the application process entirely. While the process of completing a motorcycle license renewal may seem a little complicated for some riders, the renewal process can be finalized in just a few, simple steps.
The following sections explain when renewing motorcycle license documents is permitted in Nevada, how motorcyclists may renew them and if they qualify for renewals according to the state’s laws. To avoid penalties associated with being unproperly licensed, you are encouraged to review the information in the sections below and ensure your motorcycle license or permit remains valid and that you are eligible to renew it when it is time to do so.
When to Renew a Motorcycle License in Nevada
When you are scheduled to renew bike license documents in Nevada, you will receive a postcard in the mail specifying your renewal options. However, it is your responsibility to perform a bike license renewal even if you do not receive a notice from the DMV. If you realize that your motorcycle license expiration date is approaching and you have yet to receive a postcard, you are encouraged to email or call the DMV at 775-684-4560 with your current address and license number.
Because this notice informs you which renewal method(s) you may utilize, you should ensure you receive it. Most motorcyclists will have licenses or motorcycle endorsements that are valid for eight years, so be sure to plan your renewal accordingly. Though, if you are 65 years old or older, your license is only valid for four years.
Still, you may renew your motorcycle license in person at any time either before your license expires or after its expiration date passes. The following motorcycle renewal requirements apply to early and late renewals:
- Renewing licenses with expiration dates less than six months away. Your new expiration date will be set to four or eight years ahead.
- Renewing licenses with expiration dates six months to one year away. Your new expiration date will be set to seven years ahead.
- Renewing licenses with expiration dates more than six months away. Your new expiration date will follow the six-month rule.
- Renewing expired licenses. A late fee of $10 applies to licenses that have been expired for 31 days or more.
A motorcycle instruction permit is valid for six from the date of issuance in Nevada and can be renewed to be valid if not used within five years for motorcyclists 18 years of age and older. However, you can only renew motorcycle permit documents once in a five-year period.
Motorcycle permits issued to motorcyclists who are 17 years of age and younger expire after one year on their 18th birthday and can be renewed indefinitely while it is valid. It is important to note that the permit is optional for motorcyclists ages 18 and older.
Eligibility for Motorcycle License Renewal in Nevada
Motorcycle renewal requirements depend on the method you use to renew your records. For instance, to renew motorcycle permit documents in the state as a minor (i.e., someone who is 17 years old or younger), you must have a parent or guardian present with you during the renewal process to consent to the financial responsibility statement. However, some general regulations apply to all motorcyclists attempting to renew motorcycle endorsement or license information.
For instance, if you would like to upgrade to a REAL ID when you renew, if you have not already done so, you will need to show sufficient proof of identity and residential address. Additionally, all motorcyclists, even those renewing a standard license, must have a current Nevada license or instruction permit with them when placing the renewal request. During the renewal process, they will need to reference the information on the card.
Required Documents
Documents required to renew a motorcycle license pertain to your identity, residency and renewal request. A list of all the documents you may need to complete a motorcycle license renewal in Nevada is as follows:
- Your current license or permit
- Your renewal notice postcard
- Proof of your identity (e.g., a birth certificate, passport or state ID)
- Proof of your residential address (e.g., a utility bill, mortgage statement or rental agreement)
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status (if applicable)
- Relevant medical documents (if applicable for license supplements)
- Method of payment
Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Motorcycle License in Nevada
Renewing motorcycle license documents may not be possible if there are issues with your current license or permit, if you cannot renew your documents using the appropriate method or if you are not the license holder of the license or permit you are trying to renew. For example, if a motorcycle permit expired, it is no longer eligible for renewal.
You also cannot renew a license or permit that is suspended or revoked for any reason. While some problems with completing a renewal using a certain method may be alleviated, you are required to utilize one of the three provided renewal options: online, in-person or mail-in renewals.
How to Renew a Nevada Motorcycle License Online
Online motorcycle license renewals are simple and convenient ways for you to renew your important Nevada driving documents. To complete a bike license renewal, you will first need to be approved to use the myDMV online system by being prompted to create a myDMV account.
Your renewal notice will give you instructions on how to begin an online renewal. Be sure to have access to a credit or debit card for the fee payment and your license number. The following steps outline the online renewal process:
- Visit the Nevada DMV website.
- Create a myDMV account username and password.
- Input the required access code printed on your renewal notice.
- Enter your personal information into the electronic application for a new license.
- Digitally sign and date the application and submit it for processing.
- Wait to receive your renewed license.
Any license holders wondering, “Can I renew my motorcycle license online without a full-page renewal notice?” should contact the DMV to request a replacement renewal notice or permission to use the DMV’s online system without the paper.
How to Renew a Nevada Motorcycle License by Mail
To qualify for a motorcycle license renewal by mail, you will need to be sent a full-page renewal notice granting you permission to renew by mail. However, this motorcycle renewal requirement does not apply to members of the Armed Forces, their spouses, dependents and certain federal employees.
Additionally, if you are out-of-state when your renewal notice is issued, you may be eligible for a mail-in renewal. According to the Nevada DMV, you may renew an expired license by mail up to one year past its expiration date if you qualify. To finalize a mail-in renewal, the following steps must occur:
- Complete a mail-in renewal application for licenses.
- Attach a suitable method of payment (i.e., check, card or money order) to the application.
- Send the application and payment to the DMV at the listed address.
- Wait to receive your renewed license.
A payment authorization slip may be required for mailed or faxed renewals only if you use a credit or debit card to pay the licensing fees.
Note: The DMV assess late fees based on the postmark on mailed renewals. Not late fees will be owed if the postmark is up to 30 days past the expiration date of the license.
How to Renew a Nevada Motorcycle License in Person
You can renew motorcycle license documents in person at any DMV office near you regardless of your qualifications for other renewal methods. If you are unsure of where to renew motorcycle license documents in Nevada, then you should refer to the list of full-service DMV offices throughout the state on the DMV’s website. To request a renewal in person, you will need to complete the steps listed below:
- Make an appointment at a local DMV office. This can be done online or by phone.
- Visit the DMV office during your scheduled appointment time. Be sure to bring all required documents for a REAL ID or standard license.
- Take and pass a knowledge test. This is for motorists with three or more moving violations, license suspensions, revocations, cancellations or denials within the last four years. Also, if your instruction permit has expired more than 30 days ago, you will need to retake the knowledge test.
- Return your current license or permit. Your license will be hole-punched and given back to you with an interim document.
- Wait for your new license or permit. A new license will be mailed to you.
Nevada Motorcycle License Renewal Costs
Renewing motorcycle licenses that are valid for eight-year periods costs $42.25 while the motorcycle license renewal fee for four-year licenses is $23.25. The motorcycle license renewal cost for permits is $23.25 for license holders ages 64 and younger and $18.25 for license holders ages 65 and older.
To answer the question, “How much does it cost to renew a motorcycle license in Nevada?” you will need to consider the cost of knowledge retests ($11) and late renewals ($10) if those costs apply to you. If you require a renewed license, a retest and have to pay the late fee, a license renewal may cost up to $63.25.
Sources
- Motorcycle Handbook from DMVNV.com
- Getting a Motorcycle Driver License from DMVNV.com
- Driver License Renewal Options from DMVNV.com