FEBRUARY 1, 2005

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced that motorcyclists will find it even easier to renew their registrations thanks to a new law that changes the expiration from the fixed date of March 31 to the owner’s birthday.

Public Act 163 of 2004 takes effect today. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, sponsored the legislation.

"We’re always looking for cost-effective ways to make it easier to do business with the department, and the change in motorcycle registrations is a ‘win-win’ for everyone," Land said. "This new law reduces the number of times motorcyclists interact with the department which means they can spend more time on the road.

"I would like to thank Representative Huizenga for his leadership in guiding this measure through the legislative process."

Land explained that changing the expiration date to the birthday aligns motorcycle registrations with those of other privately owned vehicles, providing several benefits to the customer and the Department of State. It reduces the number of times customers must interact with the department, which means fewer people and faster service in branch offices.

Most owners also will have only one date to remember for most vehicle renewals – their birthday.

In addition, the change allows the department to consolidate the processing and mailing of vehicle and motorcycle renewals.

This is the last year that all individually owned motorcycle registrations expire on March 31. To assist with the transition, fees will be prorated for this first renewal cycle based on the number of months from April 1 to the owner’s birthday. Motorcycle registrations renewed by March 31 will be prorated based on the following schedule:

Renewals processed after March 31 will be assessed a $10 late fee.

Subsequent renewals will be calculated for a full year from the owner’s birthday. Registrations may be renewed online at www.Michigan.gov/sos, by touch-tone telephone or mail, or in person at a branch office.

The law also allows motorcyclists to renew up to six months early, a convenience already afforded other motorists. Prior to the change, motorcyclists could renew their tabs only up to six weeks before the March 31 deadline, creating headaches for those who wanted to take their motorcycles to warmer climates at the start of winter.