Do All States Require a Motorcycle License or Endorsement?
Yes. Every U.S. state and Washington, D.C. requires either a motorcycle-specific license or an “M” endorsement to operate a motorcycle on public roads. The specific rules (age, permits, training, test waivers) vary by jurisdiction.Overview
- Universal rule: An M endorsement or motorcycle-only license is required nationwide.
- Testing & training: Written knowledge + skills tests are standard; many states waive skills tests with an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course.
- Youth riders: Under-18 riders typically face restrictions (permit period, daylight riding, no passengers) before full licensing.
State-by-State Table (50 States + D.C.)
Quick snapshots below. Always verify via your state DMV for the latest requirements.| Jurisdiction | Minimum Age & Training Snapshot | Official Info |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 14 for motorcycle license; written + road tests required. | AL – Motorcycle License |
| Alaska | 14–15 restricted (Class M2); 16+ full Class M. Road test or MSF waiver. | AK DMV |
| Arizona | 16 minimum; under 18 must hold permit 6 months + complete driver ed or training. | AZ MVD |
| Arkansas | 14–15 restricted Class MD (≤250cc); 16+ Class M. Knowledge + skills test. | AR Driver Services |
| California | Permit from 15½; training required if under 21 (CMSP DL389). Knowledge + skills tests. | CA DMV |
| Colorado | 16+ for endorsement. Under 18 needs motorcycle instruction permit + MSF or road test. | CO DMV |
| Connecticut | 16+ with license; under 18 must complete state-approved training. Written + skills test or waiver. | CT DMV |
| Delaware | 17 minimum; learner’s permit required; training mandatory under 18. | DE DMV |
| District of Columbia | 18 minimum; must hold regular license + pass knowledge & skills or MSF waiver. | DC DMV |
| Florida | 16 minimum; under 18 needs Learner’s 1 yr clean record; MSF BRC required. | FLHSMV |
| Georgia | 17 minimum; learner’s permit available at 16; training strongly recommended. | GA DDS |
| Hawaii | 15½ minimum for instruction permit; Class 2 license at 16. Road test required. | HI DOT |
| Idaho | 15 minimum with permit restrictions; 16+ full endorsement. MSF waiver available. | ID DMV |
| Illinois | 16 minimum; riders 16–17 must complete IDOT Motorcycle Rider Course. Written + skills test unless waived. | IL SOS |
| Indiana | 16 minimum; must hold motorcycle learner’s permit 180 days before endorsement. Training can waive skills test. | IN BMV |
| Iowa | 14 minimum for restricted license; 16 for full endorsement. MSF course accepted. | IA DOT |
| Kansas | 14 minimum (restricted, ≤250cc); 16+ full Class M. Knowledge + skills test. | KS DOV |
| Kentucky | 18+ direct; 16–17 must complete safety course. Permit required before endorsement. | KY DMV |
| Louisiana | 16 minimum; knowledge & road test or completion of Motorcycle Safety Course. | LA OMV |
| Maine | 16 minimum with course; under 18 must complete safety training. | ME BMV |
| Maryland | Under 18 must complete MD BRC; course may waive tests. Permit first required. | MD MVA |
| Massachusetts | 16½ permit; 18 license. Under 18 requires Junior Operator License and restrictions. | MA RMV |
| Michigan | 16 minimum; permit required; Basic Rider Course recommended. CY endorsement added to license. | MI SOS |
| Minnesota | 16 minimum with permit; under 18 must complete safety course. Endorsement added after skills test or waiver. | MN DVS |
| Mississippi | 15 minimum for permit; endorsement at 17 after tests or MSF course. | MS DPS |
| Missouri | 15½ for permit; under 16 ≤250cc restriction. Skills test or safety course completion required. | MO DOR |
| Montana | 16+ for endorsement; 15 with driver ed. Skills test or MSF waiver. | MT DOJ |
| Nebraska | 17 minimum; must hold Provisional Operator’s Permit. MSF Basic Rider Course accepted. | NE DMV |
| Nevada | 16 minimum; skills test or MSF Basic Rider Course. Permits available. | NV DMV |
| New Hampshire | 16 minimum; under 18 needs driver ed. MSF BRC waives skills test. | NH DMV |
| New Jersey | 17 minimum; knowledge & skills tests or completion of MSF course. | NJ MVC |
| New Mexico | 13 minimum for some restricted; 15 for standard. Knowledge + skills test required. | NM MVD |
| New York | MJ at 16; M at 18 (or 17 with driver ed). BRC accepted; testing required unless waived. | NY DMV |
| North Carolina | 16 minimum; must pass knowledge + skills or MSF course. Learner’s permit available. | NC DMV |
| North Dakota | 14 for permit (≤250cc); 16 for full. Knowledge + skills tests required. | ND DOT |
| Ohio | 15½ minimum for TIPIC permit; endorsement after skills test or MSF course. | OH BMV |
| Oklahoma | 14 minimum permit; 16 full endorsement. Training recommended. | OK DPS |
| Oregon | 16 minimum; Team Oregon course required for new riders under 21. Endorsement after completion. | OR DMV |
| Pennsylvania | 16 minimum; PAMSP Basic Rider Course waives skills test. 3-wheel graduates restricted. | PA DMV |
| Rhode Island | 16 minimum with learner’s permit; road test or MSF waiver. | RI DMV |
| South Carolina | 15 minimum for beginner’s permit; 17 for full license. Knowledge + skills tests required. | SC DMV |
| South Dakota | 14 for instruction permit; under 18 must hold permit 180 days (or 90 with driver ed). | SD DPS |
| Tennessee | 15 minimum (Class P-M permit, ≤50cc); 16+ for Class M. Knowledge + road test required. | TN Safety |
| Texas | 15 minimum with J restriction (≤250cc). MSF course mandatory. 16+ unrestricted Class M. | TX DPS |
| Utah | 16 minimum for endorsement; learner’s permit (engine restrictions) at 15. Endorsement after skills or training. | UT DLD |
| Vermont | 16 minimum; must hold permit + complete course or test. | VT DMV |
| Virginia | 16⅓ minimum; under 19 must hold permit 9 months. Training may waive skills test. | VA DMV |
| Washington | 16 minimum; under 18 needs parental consent. Knowledge + skills via approved providers. | WA DOL |
| West Virginia | 16 minimum; F endorsement required; MSF BRC may waive skills test. | WV DMV |
| Wisconsin | 16 minimum; under 18 requires MSF BRC and parent/guardian consent. | WI DOT |
| Wyoming | 16 minimum; motorcycle endorsement (M) required; skills test or approved training. | WY DOT – Driver Services |
*These snapshots are for convenience only. Laws change—always verify on your state’s official page.
FAQs
Is a motorcycle learner’s permit available?
Nearly every state offers a permit with restrictions (e.g., no passengers, daylight-only) before earning the full endorsement.Does an MSF course replace the skills test?
Often yes, if it’s a state-approved course. Check your DMV and local MSF providers.What about autocycles/3-wheelers?
Some states treat autocycles differently from motorcycles; licensing can differ. Verify on your official page.Compliance & Sources
Information only; not legal advice. Requirements change—verify with your state licensing authority. Disclaimer: This information is provided by Traffic Safety Store for general informational and educational purposes only—it is not intended as, and should not be construed as, legal advice or an official interpretation of any laws or regulations. Traffic Safety Store is not an authoritative source, government agency, or legal entity responsible for motorcycle licensing. Requirements, rules, and processes can vary by jurisdiction and may change at any time without notice. We strongly recommend verifying all details directly with your state’s official Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent licensing authority to ensure compliance and accuracy. Reliance on this information is at your own risk.Learn more about Safety Vests, Road Flares, and Traffic Cones at TrafficSafetyStore.com – for all your traffic safety needs.
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