Motorcycle License in North Carolina

Have you always wanted to explore North Carolina on the back of a motorcycle? Well, it's time to put those bike wheels to the tar, and experience the Tar Heel State like never before.

Keep reading to find out how you can get your NC motorcycle endorsement.

New to North Carolina?

If you recently moved to North Carolina and already have motorcycle credentials from another state, you may be able to transfer them fairly easily.

You're required to transfer your motorcycle license within 60 days of establishing NC residency. To transfer your out-of-state license, go to your local NC Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driver licensing office and:

  • Provide proof of your:
    • Full name and date of birth.
    • North Carolina residency.
    • Legal presence in the United States.
    • Social Security number (SSN).
  • Surrender your out-of-state license.
  • Take a vision screening.
  • Pass the required written and road exams.
  • Pay the $2.55 motorcycle endorsement fee for each 1 year the endorsement is valid

NC Motorcycle Endorsement Eligibility

In order to be eligible to apply for a North Carolina motorcycle endorsement you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Already hold any of the following:
    • NC full provisional license.
    • Standard, NC driver's license.
    • North Carolina commercial driver's license.
  • Pass the following motorcycle tests:
    • Written knowledge.
    • On-road motorcycle skills.
  • Pay the $2.55 motorcycle endorsement fee for each 1 year the endorsement is valid.

Additionally, if you're between 16 years old and 18 years old, you must also:

NC Motorcycle Permits

If you want to apply for a motorcycle learner's permit in North Carolina, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Be between 16 years old and 18 years old.
  • Already hold either:
    • Full provisional NC license.
      OR
    • Standard NC driver's license.
  • Get your parent or legal guardian's signature of approval.

If you've determined you're eligible to apply for a motorcycle permit, visit your local North Carolina DMV driver license office and:

  • Provide proof of your:
  • Pass the written knowledge tests for:
    • Traffic sign identification.
    • Motorcycle license.
  • Take a vision screening.
  • Pay the $21.50 motorcycle permit fee.

You'll then receive your NC motorcycle learner's permit! Your permit will be valid for 12 months and can be renewed once for an additional 12 months.

While you practice riding with a motorcycle permit, you may not transport passengers.

Getting Your NC Motorcycle Endorsement

In order to earn your NC motorcycle endorsement, you'll need to visit your local DMV driver licensing office and:

  • Present a certificate of motorcycle education course completion IF you're under 18 years old.
  • Provide proof of your:
    • Legal name and birthday.
    • North Carolina residency.
    • Legal presence in the U.S.
    • Social Security Number.
  • If you were NOT required to hold a motorcycle permit, pass the following written knowledge tests:
    • Traffic signs.
    • Motorcycle license.
  • Pass the on-road motorcycle skills test.
  • Pay the motorcycle endorsement fee$2.55 for each 1 year the endorsement is valid.

You'll then receive your North Carolina motorcycle endorsement! Congratulations, and enjoy your ride off into the sunset.

NC Motorcycle Education

Although enrolling in a motorcycle education course is not required of all motorcycle endorsement applicants, choosing to do so can be very beneficial.

Taking a beginner's rider course either through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or the North Carolina Motorcycle Safety Education Program (MSEP) will prepare you for the NC DMV's on-road motorcycle skills test. You'll learn essential skills like:

  • Scoping out the safest route for riding.
  • Making smooth turns and stops.
  • Communicating and sharing the road with other drivers.
  • Handling emergencies.

If you'd like to learn more or are interested in registering for a course, take a look at the MSF and NC MSEP websites.

Fees for NC Motorcycle Licensing

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

  • Motorcycle learner's permit: $21.50.
  • Motorcycle endorsement: $2.55 for each 1 year that the endorsement is valid.
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