Motorcycle License in Washington DC
Washington, D.C. can always be counted on for a few things: slow-moving government and slower moving traffic. If you prefer a faster pace of life, try blasting through the Beltway on a big bike.
To do so, you'll need your motorcycle license, which you can get through the District of Colombia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV).
New to D.C.?
Just got to town? You can still cruise the streets of Washington, D.C. on your motorcycle—you'll just have to visit a DC DMC service center within 60 days of moving, and take care of the following items:
- Submit your:
- Valid out-of-state motorcycle license OR driver's license with motorcycle endorsement.
- If it has been lost or stolen, provide a certified copy your driving record dated within 30 days.
- Proof of:
- Identity.
- Social Security number.
- Washington, D.C. residency—requires 2 documents that are not from the same business, company, or agency.
- Valid out-of-state motorcycle license OR driver's license with motorcycle endorsement.
- Fill out a D.C. Driver License or Identification Card Application (Form DMVR-4).
- Pass a vision test.
- Have your photo taken.
- Pay the appropriate motorcycle licensing fee (see below for details).
You'll also need to be clear of any debts to the District. Once the above is taken care of, you'll be issued your brand new Washington, D.C. motorcycle license!
D.C. Motorcycle Endorsement Eligibility
In order to get a motorcycle endorsement, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Already have a valid D.C. driver's license.
- If you don't already have a REAL ID, additional requirements may apply.
- Pass the motorcycle knowledge test.
- Complete an approved motorcycle demonstration course.
- Pay the motorcycle licensing fees (see below).
D.C. Motorcycle Knowledge Test
You must pass a motorcycle knowledge test to be eligible for a motorcycle endorsement in Washington, D.C.
It can be a difficult exam to take, so consider studying the DC motorcycle operator manual, and taking an online motorcycle rider's practice test. This can better prepare you for the format of the exam, as well as give you extra preparation—even while waiting at the DMV to take your test!
Once you're ready, you can take the motorcycle knowledge test at any DC DMV office. You must complete the test within 60 minutes.
The exam fee is $10.
After passing, you'll receive a printout to prove you passed your exam. You will need to present this printout to the DMV along with other documents when applying for your motorcycle endorsement.
What If I Fail?
Don't worry if you don't pass your knowledge test right away.
If you fail, you'll be asked to wait 3 days before you can take the exam again.
If you attempt and fail 6 exams within 12 months, you won't be able to take another test until 1 year after your 1st attempt at the knowledge exam.
Motorcycle Skills Courses
The DC DMV doesn't conduct motorcycle skills exams. Instead, it requires all applicants to complete a motorcycle demonstration course.
You can choose any skills course that is approved by the state/jurisdiction where you take it.
Depending on the jurisdiction, you may have the option of taking the motorcycle knowledge test before or after you attend the course.
Course lengths, prices, and curriculums vary. Please check with your specific course for that information.
Once you've wrapped things up at your course, you'll receive a course completion certificate that you must present to the DMV when you are ready to apply for your motorcycle endorsement.
You'll have to visit the DC DMV to finish the licensing process within 6 months of completing your motorcycle course.
Getting Your Motorcycle Endorsement
After you've passed all of your exams, you can get your motorcycle endorsement from the District of Colombia Department of Motor Vehicles.
To complete the process, visit your local DMV office, and:
- Bring your:
- Valid Washington, D.C. driver's license.
- Proof of passing the written exam.
- Course completion certificate for the skills course.
- Fill out a D.C. Driver License or Identification Card Application (Form DMVR-4).
- Pay the $20 motorcycle endorsement fee.
At that point, you should get your new motorcycle license, and be ready to ride off into the sunset!
Motorcycle License Fees in Washington, D.C.
The District of Colombia DMV charges the following for motorcycle licenses and related services:
- Knowledge test: $10.
- Motorcycle endorsement: $20.
- New license (if out-of-state transfer): $47.