Drivers must apply for a motorcycle license renewal in South Carolina at least once every eight years. The application process to renew a bike license is carried out by the SC Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). Motorcycle drivers must apply for a renewed regular license with the M endorsement to renew their motorcycle privileges. The SCDMV welcomes applications for renewal licenses online, in person and by mail. All drivers must meet the necessary application requirements and pay the associated application fees.

SC drivers also have the option to renew a motorcycle permit through the DMV to extend their period of instruction. The process of renewing a driver’s permit is similar to that of renewing a license. License holders will receive a renewal reminder in the mail months before their license’s expiration date at their registered residence. Different eligibility criteria apply to applicants applying through different application methods. Keep reading to learn more about motorcycle licenses and permits in South Carolina.

When to Renew a Motorcycle License in South Carolina

Most drivers do not need to complete a bike license renewal more often than once every eight years. Adult drivers who are American citizens may not need to renew an M1 license more than once every ten years.

Motorists who are younger than 17 years of age or older than 65 years of age or older are required to renew their licenses and endorsements once every five years. Drivers who apply for renewals online are issued five-year licenses. Once a license has been expired for nine months or more, the driver must take state exams to renew.

Eligibility for Motorcycle License Renewal in South Carolina

To be eligible to renew a motorcycle license in South Carolina, the SCDMV requires drivers to be at least 15 years of age for a permit and 16 years of age for a license. Motorcycle renewal requirements include already holding a valid driver’s license with motorcycle privileges and residing in the state of South Carolina. The SCDMV requires drivers who have received more than five points on their driving license in the last two years to pass a vision screening as well.

The documents required to renew a motorcycle license through any application method in South Carolina are simple, consisting of two items:

• The Renew a Driver’s License by Mail (SCDMV Form DL-63) form, completed and signed
• The necessary application fee

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Motorcycle License in South Carolina

Renewing a motorcycle license is not possible for all drivers with an M endorsement in South Carolina. Drivers cannot renew a motorcycle endorsement on a license that has been expired for nine months or more.

If a license is expired more than nine months, the driver will have to visit an SCDMV licensing office in person to submit a license application and retake the state’s knowledge and driving skills tests. Several other restrictions limit which drivers can apply for renewal by submitting a request online or by mail.

How to Renew a South Carolina Motorcycle License Online

Can I renew my motorcycle license online in South Carolina? Drivers can best see how to renew a motorcycle license online by visiting the SCDMV online web portal directly. To begin the M1 license renewal process, SC drivers must create a profile and access their record within the DMV system. Not all drivers are eligible to apply for renewal online, however. Only drivers that meet the following criteria are eligible to renew online:

• Is a U.S. citizen
• Holds a regular non-commercial driver’s license (Class D, E, F, G, M or any combination)
• Holds a non-expired driver’s license
• Has not received more than five points on their license
• Holds a license that has not been suspended or revoked
• Is not considered a Convicted Violent Offender by the SCDMV
• Does not hold a conditional or restricted license

Drivers should also prepare to pay the motorcycle license renewal cost by major debit or credit card to submit the request online. Once prepared, SC drivers can take the following steps to submit an online bike license renewal request at least three days before their license’s expiration date:

1. Head to the SCDMV services web portal. Log in and access your account information.
2. Follow the online instructions to complete the application.
3. Prepare to pay the application fee by major credit or debit card.
4. Submit the online renewal application and pay the necessary fee by card.
5. For a temporary license, print your application submission receipt.
6. Wait to receive your permanent renewed license in the mail within seven to ten business days. Your new license will be valid for eight years.

How to Renew a South Carolina Motorcycle License by Mail

Drivers also have the option of paying the motorcycle license renewal cost and submitting the necessary application fee by applying through the mail. Not all drivers are eligible to renew an M endorsement by mail, however. Drivers must meet the following conditions to be eligible for renewal by mail in South Carolina:

• Is a U.S. citizen
• Holds a regular non-commercial driver’s license (Class D, E, F, G, M or any combination)
• Holds a non-expired driver’s license
• Has not received more than five points on their license
• Holds a license that has not been suspended or revoked
• Is not considered a Convicted Violent Offender by the SCDMV
• Does not hold a conditional or restricted license

According to the SCDMB, other motorcycle renewal requirements include having all of the necessary documentation and information on file with the state. Drivers with profiles that are missing information will not be eligible for a REAL ID and can instead only request a license with the designation “Not for Federal Identification” by mail. Motorcycle drivers can take the followings steps to renew a bike license in South Carolina at least 15 days before their license’s expiration date:

1. Print out the Renew a Driver’s License by Mail (SCDMV Form DL-63) form. Complete and sign it. Minors must include a parental signature.
2. Prepare the required application fee by check or money order made out to “SCDMV”.
3. Package all of the application material together and mail it to:

SCDMV
Alternative Media
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0035

4. Wait to receive your permanent renewed license in the mail within seven to ten business days. Your new license will be valid for eight years.

How to Renew a South Carolina Motorcycle License in Person

Drivers whose motorcycle license expiration date is very near may prefer to request a renewal by visiting an SCDMV office in person. Drivers can choose where to renew a motorcycle license from several DMV licensing offices around the state. All drivers can renew an M license in person if they are eligible for license renewal.

To renew in person, drivers can visit their nearest DMV licensing agency with their current license and the necessary application fee. They can complete the application form at the licensing office. Like drivers renewing through other methods, the driver’s new license will be mailed to him or her after application submission.

How to Renew a Motorcycle Permit in South Carolina

New drivers can ask the SCDMV for a motorcycle permit renewal if they would like more time to practice operating a motorcycle before they apply for a full operator’s license. The SCDMV generally allows drivers to renew one motorcycle permit expired in recent months. To receive the renewal, the driver must attempt the road test.

Drivers will be required to take a state-approved motorcycle safety course if they fail the road skills exam three times before they can apply again for a license. Drivers must be 15 years of age in South Carolina to renew or hold a permit for motorcycles.

South Carolina Motorcycle License Renewal Costs

How much does it cost to renew a motorcycle license in South Carolina? The motorcycle license renewal fee that a driver will pay depends on what type of license or permit the driver is requesting.

SC drivers will be required to pay a combination of the following fees for a renewed M endorsement:

• Written Knowledge Test: $2.00
• Motorcycle Learner’s Permit: $2.50
• Commercial Driver’s License Renewal: $15.00
• Regular Operator’s License (validity of five years or less): $12.50
• Regular Operator’s License (validity of eight years or less): $25.00

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