To replace motorcycle license cards in Washington, drivers can submit a request to the WA State Department of Licensing in multiple formats. Drivers can get duplicate motorcycle license credentials by completing the necessary application and gathering the supporting documents for submission online, in person and by mail.

All applications must be accompanied by the appropriate processing fees as well. In most cases, drivers with a motorcycle permit can request a duplicate using the same basic procedures as applicants for duplicate full licenses.

WA drivers must replace a destroyed, stolen or lost motorcycle license as soon as possible after. While there are no specific procedures for declaring a license lost or stolen with the licensing office locations, drivers may want to look into filing a police report.

All drivers eligible for a duplicate can apply in person, while different eligibility requirements exist for drivers submitting a request online or by mail. Keep reading to learn more about how to replace a license for motorcycle drivers in Washington state.

When is a motorcycle license replacement required in Washington?

Drivers need to replace M1 license credentials in Washington if their previous license has been lost, stolen or severely damaged. Replacing motorcycle license cards is required if the information or photo on the document is illegible for any reason. Driving any type of motor vehicle without a valid license is considered illegal in the state of Washington.

Applying for a motorcycle license only is not possible in Washington, as the State Department of Licensing does not issue separate licenses for motorcycle drivers. Instead, an M endorsement on the driver’s other current license instead. No additional documentation is required by drivers applying to replace a lost or stolen license.

Documents Required to Replace a Motorcycle License in Washington

The Washington State Department of Licensing requires drivers to prepare just a few motorcycle license replacement documents in order to be able to successfully submit an application. In addition to this documentation, duplicate motorcycle license eligibility requirements for WA drivers include being at least 18 years of age and not ordering more than three replacement licenses in any given year. All drivers applying by mail will be asked to complete the following application forms:

• Notice of Surrender (all drivers)
• The Washington Driver License/ID Card Change of Address (currently in the state) OR
• The Driver License Renewal/Replacement Request While Out-of-State (currently out of state)

To apply for a duplicate motorcycle license from the Washington State Department of Licensing online, drivers must provide their identifying information to sign up for an account. Operators ordering a motorbike license replacement who are younger than 18 years of age will also have to include a signed affidavit of permission from the driver’s parent or guardian.

Drivers who would like to submit a request in person or through the mail must complete an application form and provide one proof of identification from the following documents:

• A valid and current U.S. passport, with the driver’s signature and photo
• A regular driver’s license or state-issued ID card with the driver’s signature and photo
• A U.S. Military ID with the driver’s photo
• A government-issued employee ID with the driver’s signature and photo

How to Replace a Washington Motorcycle License Online

When drivers need to replace an M1 license in Washington, many use the state’s online web portal for a quick and simple application process. However, not all drivers meet the state’s motorcycle license replacement requirements.

Some drivers will be required to apply for a replacement license in person. Drivers who meet the following criteria are not eligible for online replacement in Washington:

• Drivers whose driver’s license is set to expire within the next three months (in which case, the license renewal process is required)
• Drivers whose license has already expired or is otherwise invalid
• WA residents holding a commercial driver’s license
• Drivers with records indicating any of the following:
  • Unpaid traffic tickets
  • Unpaid reissuance fee
  • A driver’s license cancelation
  • A license suspension
  • A license revocation
  • A dishonored check

Drivers must be able to pay the duplicate motorcycle license fee by major debit or credit card in order to apply online. Washington motorcycle drivers can take the following steps to apply for an M license replacement online:

1. Head to the web portal of the Department of Licensing to create an account. Provide your identifying information and previous driver’s license number to sign up.
2. Prepare the applicable processing fee by major credit or debit card.
3. Follow the online application instructions to officially submit the duplicate request.
4. Wait to receive your replacement license in the mail within two to four weeks.

How to Replace a Washington Motorcycle License by Mail

Many Washington drivers choose to apply for a duplicate M license by submitting a request by mail. Unfortunately, motorcycle license replacements issued by mail must be in standard form, as security requirements prohibit the issuance of Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) by mail.

EDLs are REAL-compliant documents, meeting federal standards for use even after 2020. Replacement licenses issued by mail will not include a photograph and will, therefore, not be considered valid identification.

How to replace a motorcycle license by mail does not change regardless of where the driver lives in Washington. Mail-in procedures for license replacements also apply to military personnel stationed outside of the state. When ready, WA drivers can take the following steps to apply for a duplicate M license by mail:

1. Print out or request the necessary application forms online, by phone at 1-360-902-3900 or by email at CustomerCare@dol.wa.gov. All drivers applying by mail must complete the Notice of Surrender explaining why they are requesting a duplicate. Applicants currently in the state must complete the Washington Driver License/ID Card Change of Address form. Applicants currently out of the state are required to fill out the Driver License Renewal/Replacement Request While Out-of-State form.
2. Prepare the appropriate duplicate motorcycle license fee by check or money order.
3. Package the necessary application forms and fees and mail them to Driver Records – Record Updates, Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9048, Olympia, WA 98507-9048.
4. Wait to receive the permanent replacement in the mail at the registered address. It is important for drivers to complete the process to change an address on driver’s licenses before requesting a duplicate.

How to Replace a Washington Motorcycle License in Person

Any drivers who are not eligible for replacing a motorcycle license online or by mail can submit a duplicate request in person at a nearby WA State Department of Licensing office. To apply for a duplicate motorbike license in person in Washington, drivers can take the following steps:

1. Prepare an acceptable form of identification, such as your passport or Military ID, to show a representative when submitting the application.
2. Prepare the appropriate application fee by cash, credit or debit card, check or money order.
3. Head to your nearest Department of Licensing and submit your complete application packet.
4. Eligible drivers will immediately receive a temporary license. Wait to receive the permanent replacement in the mail at the registered address within 10 days.

Out-of-State Motorcycle License Replacement in Washington

Drivers looking to replace a lost M license from outside of Washington can follow the online or mail-in application procedures to receive a duplicate. Those drivers who would like to receive their new replacement motorbike license at their temporary out of state address must apply by mail. Applications submitted by mail must include the Driver License Renewal/Replacement Request While Out-of-State form and the Notice of Surrender.

How to Report a Lost Motorcycle License in Washington

The Washington State Department of Licensing includes one requirement for replacing an M1 license that asks the driver to report on his or her motive for ordering a duplicate. Applicants must complete the Notice of Surrender form attesting to the reason for their request. No further reporting requirements are stated by the Department of Licensing.

Washington Motorcycle License Replacement Fees

How much does it cost to replace a motorcycle license in Washington? The motorcycle license replacement cost for both standard and enhanced driver’s licenses is $20 in Washington.

All applicants applying by mail must pay by check or money order. Drivers applying online can pay with American Express, Mastercard and Visa cards or e-checks only (no Discover).

Drivers paying the motorcycle license replacement fee in person can usually pay by card, cash, check or money order. The following WA counties accept payment only by cash or check: Republic Davenport, Friday Harbor, South Bend Forks, Newport, Goldendale and Coulee Dam.

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