Motorcycle License in Alabama

New to Alabama?

As a new Alabama resident, you may turn in your out-of-state motorcycle license for an Alabama motorcycle license. To do so, bring the following to your local Department of Public Safety(DPS) office:

Your out-of-state driver's license and/or motorcycle license (if your former state issued them separately).
Your Social Security card.
One primary form of identification.
Payment for the $5 transfer fee and $36.25 license fee (no checks allowed).

AL Motorcycle Age Requirements

14 years old: eligible for a motor-driven cycle license.
16 years old: eligible for a Class M motorcycle license.

Motorcycle Versus Motor-Driven Cycle

The Alabama DPS recognizes two classes of engine-equipped cycles―motor-driven cycles and motorcycles. You'll need to make sure you understand the difference, as some of the requirements for proper licensing and registration are bike-based.

A motor-driven cycle is defined as any motorcycle or motor scooter that has:

A motor that produces no more than 5 HP (hp).
An engine size of 150 CC (cc) or less.
A weight of less than 200 lbs. when fully equipped.

If you're looking to get licensed for and register your scooter, moped, or motor-driven cycle, you'll want to visit our page on Scooters and Mopeds in Alabama.

A motorcycle is defined as being:

A motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider.
Designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, excluding a tractor.

Earning Your Alabama Motorcycle or Motor-Driven Cycle License

To qualify for an AL motor-driven cycle license, you must be at least 14 years old. The minimum age for a motorcycle license is 16 years old.

You must have a motorcycle (M) endorsement on your license to legally operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle. To get a motorcycle (M) endorsement, you must either pass the DPS' motorcycle knowledge exam or complete a motorcycle safety course.

If you opt for taking the knowledge test, you'll need to do the following:

Study the material found in the Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual. You can pick one up at any DPS station, State Trooper Office, or Probate Judge or License Commissioner Office.
Take at least one practice test to assess if you're ready to pass Alabama's motorcycle knowledge exam.
Make a test appointment with your local AL DPS office.

If you're interested in taking an motorcycle safety course instead, call (800) 446-9227 or visit Motorcycle Safety Foundation for more information.

When you're ready to apply for your M endorsement, bring the following documents to your local DPS office:

Birth certificate.
Social Security card.
A third form of acceptable secondary identification.
Applicants 15 years old must provide acceptable proof of school enrollment or graduation by providing any one of the following:
―A certified letter from your school stating that you are enrolled.
―A GED or diploma.
―An Enrollment/Exclusion (Form DL1/93).

At the DPS office, be prepared to:

Take the written knowledge exam or present proof that you've completed a motorcycle safety course.
Pay the $5 testing fee (if applicable) and $36.25 licensing fee (checks are not accepted).

Alabama Motorcycle License Riding Restrictions

Riders 14 and 15 Years Old

Riders who are 14 and 15 years old will receive a Class M license with a "B" restriction. This restriction indicates that you may only operate a motor-driven cycle. When you turn 16 years old, you will become eligible to take the exams for an unrestricted Class M motorcycle license. The AL Class M license is valid for 4 years.

Riders 16 Years and Older

If you're the age of 16 years old or older and have met the requirements and passed the tests, you'll be issued an unrestricted Class M driver's license. This license allows you to legally operate either a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle.

For questions about your license, contact your local DPS Office by calling (800) 499-1667 or by sending questions to:

Alabama Department of Public Safety

Driver License Department

P.O. Box 1471

Montgomery, AL 36102