Nat'l membership is mandatory for local membership. Year patches come with each new renewal. When you renew you get the patch, atlas, pin, and some benefits that they will describe to you like free towing for 100 miles or so. The little brass pin that they send is an exact replica of the patch. FWIW...

 

I wasn't gonna rejoin Nat Hog this year until I got an offer in the mail saying they'll drop the $45 fee to $25. I can afford that. Once again I'm a "wild Hog".,,

 

Got the national for free when I bought the bike. Joined the local to get dealer discounts on accessories (Need to be a national member first). I'll probably renew them both when they're due. I seem to get my moneys worth with free towing, atlas, HOG patches and pins, HOG Mileage patches and pins, HOG magazines, dealer discounts, chapter rides, etc.

 

In order to be a member of your local HOG Chapter, you must be a member of National HOG. You would pay the National Dues and also the Chapter Dues.

To answer the question regarding the year patches. They are from the National HOG and you will get a current year when you renew your membership. So if you renew now you will get a 2009 patch.

 

Iam a life H.O.G member so I get my patch and pin and touring handbook yearly,have a desk drawer ful of patches and pins,I joined in 88 and became a lifer in 94....I did it for road assestance and the fly and ride bennys.......
Would I do it again,doubt it.......................................