Motorcycle License in Florida

Do you crave the freedom that comes with cruising through the Sunshine State on the back of a motorcycle? Imagine palm trees and beach scenes whizzing by as the cool ocean air hits your face—and experiencing this every day.

With the right FL motorcycle credentials, you can stop imagining and start riding. Keep reading for information about getting your Florida motorcycle license and endorsement.

New to Florida?

If you've just moved to Florida, in most cases, as long as your motorcycle license/endorsement is valid, you WON'T have to take a safety course or go through testing for your Florida motorcycle credentials.

When you're ready to transfer your out-of-state motorcycle endorsement/license, go to your local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) driver licensing office with your:

  • Valid, out-of-state motorcycle license/endorsement.
  • Required identification and legal residency documents.
    • Visit the DHSMV's GatherGoGet site for a complete list.
  • Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course completion card IF you're from Alabama. For more on the course, see our section on Motorcycle Education in Florida.
    • For all other out-of-state licenses, Florida will reciprocate your existing endorsement without requiring you to take (or re-take) the course.
  • Payment for any required license transfer fees.

How to Get a Florida Motorcycle License

FL motorcycle licensing requirements differ depending on whether you're trying to get a:

  • Motorcycle endorsement on your existing driver's license.
  • Motorcycle Only" license.

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a motorcycle license.

FL Motorcycle Endorsement

A motorcycle endorsement is a credential added to your current, valid Florida driver's license authorizing you to operate your bike with that license. To apply for a Florida motorcycle endorsement, you'll first need:

  • A Class E FL driver's license.
  • A certificate of completion* of a MSF Basic Rider Course (see our section below on Florida Motorcycle Education for information).

Visit your local DHSMV driver licensing office or tax collector location with the above documents as well as:

After completing the necessary steps, you'll receive a motorcycle endorsement on your license! The endorsement will be valid for as long as you have a Florida Class E license in Florida.

* NOTE: For the MSF certificate to be considered valid, you must apply for your FL motorcycle endorsement within 1 year of completing the Basic Rider Course.

Florida “Motorcycle Only" License

If you don't already have a FL Class E license, you can apply for a “ Motorcycle Only" driver's license. The requirements differ depending on your age—if you're:

  • Younger than 18 years old:
    • Hold a Class E learner's license for 1 year.
      AND
    • Incur no moving traffic violations.
  • 18 years old or olderEITHER:
    • Already hold a Class E learner's license.
      OR
    • Pass the following tests:
      • Vision test.
      • Written knowledge exams*.

You'll then need to take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course. See our section on Florida Motorcycle Education below for more details.

Finally, when you've met all the necessary requirements, you can visit your local driver license office or tax collector office and provide your:

  • Certificate of completion for the MSF Basic Rider Course.
  • Learner's license (if applicable).
  • Necessary identification documents.
    • Visit the DHSMV's GatherGoGet site for a complete list.
  • Payment for the required motorcycle licensing and endorsement fees (see below).

After completing all of the required steps, you'll get your “Motorcycle Only" Florida license. Renew and update your license just as you would a regular Class E driver's license.

*NOTE: To prepare for the DHSMV's written knowledge exams, review Florida's driver handbook and motorcycle manual—and to be sure you pass on your first try, take a couple practice tests!

Florida Motorcycle Education

Motorcycle education is an integral part of getting your Florida motorcycle credentials. The DHSMV requires all applicants to complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic Rider Course prior to application.

The Basic Rider Course will teach you the foundations of proper motorcycle operation, including how to:

  • Communicate and share the road with other drivers.
  • Make safe, smooth turns.
  • Deal with emergency situations.

To learn more or enroll in the MSF safety courses, check out the FL Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' guide to motorcycle rider training courses.

Motorcycle License Fees in FL

Whether you're applying for a Florida motorcycle endorsement or a “Motorcycle Only" license, you'll need to pay BOTH of the fees below:

  • Licensing fee: $48.
    • If applicable, includes learner's license.
  • Motorcycle endorsement fee: $7.

You must pay an additional fee of $6.25 if you decide to get your endorsement or license at a DHSMV tax collector office (as opposed to a driver licensing office).

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