Before beginning the process of renewing motorcycle license documentation in Ohio, certain unique aspects of motorcycle law within the Buckeye State must be understood. Ohio issues two kinds of permission to operate a motorcycle on public roadways, and each kind possesses different designations. A specific license to operate a motorcycle or motor scooter is issued to riders who have no other licensure and operate no other types of vehicle. A motorcycle endorsement is added to the existing license of a rider who already has licensure for other vehicles. These credentials designate whether the bearer has the right to operate a two-wheeled, three-wheeled or both types of motorcycle.

Motorcycle renewal requirements vary for each of these types of licensure and by the applicant’s age and driving record. Motorcycle or motor scooter learners in Ohio receive a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC) for one year leading up to official licensure. These temporary permits do not allow for renewal. In standard cases, Ohio riders renew bike license credentials on the same four-year expiration schedule as any non-commercial license. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) oversees all license renewals and new credentials obtained via any of the BMV’s several options typically arrive by mail within 10 business days.

When to Renew a Motorcycle License in Ohio

Ohio bike license renewal for a current license or endorsement can be completed at any time prior to the listed expiration date. Bike licenses or endorsements that have been expired for six months or less may also take advantage of this service. Licenses renewed more than 90 days prior to their listed expiration will be given a new expiration of three years. If renewed anytime 90 days or under the expiration date, the new expiration date on the license will be four years away.

To successfully renew an m1 license as a young rider on the verge of a 21^st birthday requires renewal 30 days or less before the birthday. Ohio state law regards all motorcycle license recipients as “novice” for the first full year of official licensing or endorsement, and the license will show the exact date the novice status ends.

Eligibility for Motorcycle License Renewal in Ohio

Ohio motorcycle renewal requirements changed as of July 2, 2018 to incorporate the new federal regulations concerning identity protection. Residents have the option at renewal time to decide if they want to obtain a Compliant DL-ID or a Standard DL-ID.

Only the Compliant DL-ID meets national security requirements and can be utilized for boarding flights, enter military bases or gain access to federal facilities. Active members of the United States military and their spouses/dependents, Peace Corps and AmeriCorps volunteers, members of VISTA and all US Department of State Foreign Service applicants enjoy special exemptions and motorcycle renewal privileges.

Required Documents

Documents required to renew a motorcycle license in Ohio depend on several factors. If you are planning to invoke a name change during renewal, you will need to bring proof of the legal name change. If for any reason you do not have the license itself to present at the time of renewal, you will need to be prepared to supply:

• Full legal name and date of birth
• Social Security number
• Proof of Ohio residency
• Proof of citizenship or legal presence

The identity documents required for a Standard DL-ID follow this same list. Residents seeking to renew motorcycle endorsement information on a new Compliant DL-ID must have all of the above in addition to one extra document showing Ohio street address. This second document showing street address cannot originate from the same source as the first document proving Ohio residency.

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Motorcycle License in Ohio

Renewing Ohio motorcycle endorsements and licenses becomes a more complex and expensive process if you allow your credential to expire for more than six months. If you have allowed this to happen, you will not be permitted to renew but will be forced to obtain a temporary permit before proceeding through the entire testing battery associated with original licensure.

Remember that motorcycle license expiration is automatic for underage riders approaching their 21st birthday. The 21st birthday, even if only a year or less away, functions as the default expiration date for such a license. “Under 21” licenses cannot be renewed as such and must be upgraded to “Over 21” status within 30 days prior to the expiration date.

Motorcycle license renewal cannot be granted to any license or endorsement that has been suspended or revoked. Bearers of such licenses must follow set guidelines for reinstatement. Riders who have received any sort of Driving While Impaired (DWI) citation or who have been involved in a serious accident may be legally banned from renewal and forced to meet state requirements before seeking motorcycle licensure again.

How to Renew an Ohio Motorcycle License Online

Many Ohio riders may wonder, “Can I renew my motorcycle license online?” Unless you are a service member of the United States military currently on active duty, or a volunteer/diplomat of a similar kind, no online renewal services apply to you at present. The BMV offers test scheduling, driving records, reinstatement fee payment and license plate renewal online but not renewal of licenses themselves.

How to Renew an Ohio Motorcycle License by Mail

Ohio currently offers the option of renewing motorcycle license documents by mail only to temporarily out-of-state residents and/or active duty military members. Renewal packets can be processed by mail if the rider meets all of the following mandatory criteria:

• Valid Ohio address on record with the BMV
• If not a US citizen, can show proof of permanent residency and valid USCIS I-551 status
• Not attempting to renew a CDL (unless wishing to downgrade to a standard Class D credential)
• No suspensions or warrants
• Not currently incarcerated

Out-of-state residents attempting to renew a motorcycle license that has been expired for less than 180 days can request a renewal packet by calling the BMV at 614-752-7600. Renewal packets can be sent to a family member or friend with an Ohio address if you wish and must be postmarked back to the address provided on the self-addressed envelope within 180 days of the license expiration date. All renewed licenses obtained in this manner must, by law, be mailed to the original applicant at his or her valid out-of-state address.

Active duty military members who wish to renew an expired motorbike license while they are serving outside of the state of Ohio have the right to waive the associated knowledge and driving tests.

How to Renew an Ohio Motorcycle License in Person

If you are wondering where to renew motorcycle license information in Ohio, any deputy registrar license agency approved by the BMV can help you. You must meet the preset Minimum Visual Acuity Standards, present your old license (if you have it) and pay the appropriate renewal fee.

Appointments are encouraged to save time but not mandatory. Riders in need of taking one of the state-mandated safety courses for pre-licensure or endorsement upgrade can do so through any recognized provider or via Motorcycle Ohio, Ohio’s official motorcycle riders’ community cohort.

Motorcycle Ohio functions as one of the state’s most unique offerings aimed at keeping motorcycle license renewal cost and procedures feasible for all aspiring riders. Contact Motorcycle Ohio for information about classes at MOgen@dps.ohio.gov.

How to Renew a Motorcycle Permit in Ohio

Motorcycle permit renewal for TIPIC holders in Ohio is not permissible by law. TIPICs are issued for one year only with no program in place for renewal. Riders are expected to graduate to full motorcycle license or endorsement status with the timeframe of the TIPIC’s one-year lifespan. If your motorcycle permit expired without you having reached license or endorsement status, you must begin the entire process of obtaining the TIPIC again from the start.

Applicants seeking to start over at motorcycle novice status due to an expired motorcycle permit can visit any driver exam station for the vision screening and knowledge test. Full name, Social Security number and date of birth will be mandatory in this first step. Applicants who fail the knowledge test must wait one full business day before retesting.

Within 60 days of passing the knowledge and vision tests, applicants must move forward to a deputy registrar license agency to purchase a motor scooter or motorcycle TIPIC. At this stage, have the following items ready:

• Full legal name and date of birth
• Social Security number
• Proof of Ohio residency
• Proof of Citizenship or legal presence

TIPIC applicants younger than 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign permission for the TIPIC.

Ohio Motorcycle License Renewal Costs

The common question, “How much does it cost to renew a motorcycle license in Ohio?” may be answered in several ways depending on several factors. An applicant’s age, type of license, vision requirements and driving history can impact this cost. The standard Ohio motorcycle license renewal fee is $25.75.

To renew a moped TIPIC costs $21.00 while a moped license renewal costs $19.50. If you are renewing a CDL with the motorcycle endorsement added onto it, the cost is $43.00. The BMV accepts cash, checks, money orders and credit cards for payment.

California Privacy R. Request

California Opt-Out