Motorcycle License in Idaho

With an ID motorcycle endorsement, you'll enjoy the crisp Idahoan air whisking across your face as you speed past snow-capped mountains and wildflower fields for miles on end.

If this is how you'd like to get around the Gem State, keep reading to find out how you can get your Idaho motorcycle endorsement.

New to Idaho?

If you've just moved to Idaho and already hold a motorcycle license/endorsement from another state, you may be able to transfer it quite easily.

As long as your out-of-state license/endorsement hasn't been expired for more than 25 months, you can go to your local Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driver licensing office and:

  • Surrender your out-of-state motorcycle license.
  • Submit proof of your:
  • Pass the DMV's written motorcycle knowledge test.
  • Pay the required fees:
    • Knowledge test: $5.
    • Endorsement: $15.

Motorcycle Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for an Idaho motorcycle endorsement, you must:

  • Already have a Class A, B, C, or D Idaho driver license.
  • Earn a motorcycle permit.
  • Complete an Idaho Skills Training Advantage for Riders (STAR) motorcycle education course IF you are under 21 years old.
    • If you are older than this, the course is not required; however, passing it will waive your DMV motorcycle road skills test.
  • Pass the on-road motorcycle skills test if you did NOT complete a motorcycle education course.

Idaho Motorcycle Permits

Before you can get an Idaho motorcycle endorsement, you'll need to earn a motorcycle instruction permit, and already possess a standard Idaho driver's license.

When you're ready, visit your local DMV licensing office and:

Motorcycle Permit Restrictions

Although you may be anxious to get out on the road with your permit, note that during this period, you are prohibited from riding your motorcycle:

  • At night or when lighting is minimal.
  • On freeways.
  • While transporting passengers.

How to Get an Idaho Motorcycle Endorsement

Once have your motorcycle permit, you'll need to do one of two things— EITHER:

  • Enroll in and pass a motorcycle safety education course (see below for details).
    • This is REQUIRED for riders under 21 years old, but will also waive the DMV road skills test for all other applicants.
    OR
  • Practice with your permit and pass the DMV road skills exam.

After you've either passed your course or your exam, visit your local Division of Motor Vehicles office and present the following:

  • Proof of your:
  • Either your:
    • Motorcycle safety course completion certificate; OR
    • Written proof of passing the DMV road exam.
  • Payment for the $15 endorsement fee.

You will then be issued your Idaho motorcycle endorsement! Congratulations, and enjoy the ride!

Idaho STAR Motorcycle Education

If you're younger than 21 years old, you're required by the state to complete a “Skills Training Advantage for Riders" safety and education course before applying for your ID motorcycle endorsement.

Even if a course isn't required for you, enrolling in a motorcycle education course can be extremely beneficial. The Idaho STAR courses (overseen by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation) will waive your DMV road skills exam requirement, as you will pass a test at the end of your course. It will teach you skills like:

  • Communicating and sharing the road with other drivers.
  • Making smooth turns.
  • Finding the safest riding path.
  • Dealing with emergency situations.

The Idaho Skills Training Advantage for Riders program is the only course approved by the ID Division of Motor Vehicles. To learn more or register for a course, check out the Idaho STAR website.

How Much Does an Idaho Motorcycle Endorsement Cost?

The fees associated with getting your ID motorcycle endorsement are as follows:

  • Testing fees:
    • Written knowledge test—$5.
    • On-road motorcycle skills test—$25 (paid to third-party tester).
  • Motorcycle instruction permit—$15.
  • Motorcycle endorsement—$15.
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