Motorcycle License in Delaware
Are you revving to explore the First State on top of a motorcycle? The unmatched freedom that comes with cruising down the road by motorcycle can be yours if you apply for a Delaware motorcycle endorsement.
Keep reading for information on getting your official motorcycle endorsement.
New to Delaware?
If you've just moved to Delaware, you have 60 days to transfer your out-of-state license to a Delaware license with a motorcycle endorsement through the DE Division of Motor Vehicles. To do so, visit your local DE DMV and do the following:
- Turn in your out-of-state license OR provide a certified copy of your driving record.
- Give proof of your:
- Identity and legal presence in the United States.
- Delaware residency (2 documents).
- See the DMV's list of acceptable documents.
- Pass the required exams:
- Vision exam.
- Written and road tests IF your out-of-state license is expired.
- Pay the applicable license and endorsement fees (see below).
If you're under 18 years old, the DE DMV will:
- Issue you a graduated driver's license UNLESS you:
- Meet the graduated driver's license requirements.
AND - Have held your out-of-state license for more than 1 year.
- Meet the graduated driver's license requirements.
- Confirm that you've completed a driver's education course approved by the Delaware Department of Education.
DE Motorcycle Eligibility Requirements
In Delaware, if you'd like to ride a motorcycle, you'll need to apply for a motorcycle endorsement on your current Class D driver's license.
Depending on your age, you'll be required to follow different steps when applying for your DE motorcycle endorsement. If you're:
- Over 18 years old, you can EITHER:
- Obtain a motorcycle learner's permit by passing the following exams:
- Written knowledge.
- Road sign.
- Vision.
- Take a state-approved motorcycle education course and waive the written and road skills tests.
- The vision exam is still required.
- Obtain a motorcycle learner's permit by passing the following exams:
- Under 18 years old, you'll need to complete a motorcycle education course and get your parent's signature to earn your motorcycle endorsement.
DE Motorcycle Permits
Unless you've opted to take a motorcycle education course, applicants who are 18 years old or older must get a Delaware motorcycle permit valid for 6 months before earning an endorsement. In order to get your permit, you'll need to visit your local Delaware DMV office and:
- Pass the following exams:
- Written knowledge test.
- Road sign test.
- Vision test.
- Provide the necessary identification documents.
- Pay the appropriate motorcycle licensing fee (see below for a breakdown).
You can extend your permit 1 time before it expires date for an additional 6 months, for a fee of $5.
All of the information you need to know for the DMV's written knowledge and road sign tests can be found in the Delaware motorcycle manual.
DE Motorcycle Permit Restrictions
Once you have your motorcycle permit, you can practice riding your bike as long as you're mindful of the state's restrictions, which prohibit:
- Transporting passengers.
- Operating your bike between sunset and sunrise.
- Riding without a helmet and eye protection.
- Using interstate highways.
Getting Your DE Motorcycle Endorsement
The steps to getting your official Delaware motorcycle endorsement differ depending on your age.
Younger Applicants
If you're younger than 18 years old, you must complete a state-approved motorcycle education course (see DE Motorcycle Education Courses below for details).
Upon completion of the course, you'll receive a Student Completion Card (SCC), which is valid for 6 months. Don't lose track of this!
When you're ready to get your motorcycle endorsement, visit your local DMV office branch with the following:
- Student Completion Card.
- Required identification documents.
- Written permission and signature from your parent or legal guardian.
- Payment for applicable motorcycle licensing fee (see below).
When you've met all the requirements, you'll receive your official Delaware motorcycle endorsement! You can pay for an endorsement that's valid for 8 years.
Adult Applicants
If you're 18 years old or older, before you go to get your motorcycle endorsement, you'll either need to have:
- Applied for a motorcycle permit AND held it for at least 10 days.
OR - Completed a state-approved motorcycle education course.
To apply for your DE motorcycle endorsement, visit your local DE DMV branch, where you'll be asked to:
- EITHER:
- Show your permit and pass the on-road skills test.
OR - Present a certificate of completion for the DE motorcycle rider education course you enrolled in.
- Show your permit and pass the on-road skills test.
- Submit the required identification documents.
- Pay the applicable motorcycle licensing fee (see below).
Once you've completed all the necessary steps, you'll receive your Delaware motorcycle endorsement! You have the option of either paying for an endorsement that's valid for 8 years.
DE Motorcycle Education Courses
As you've read, motorcycle education plays a big part in getting a Delaware motorcycle endorsement. While younger applicants are required to enroll in classes, adult applicants can use motorcycle education to waive the written and road exams.
If you're interested in registering for a course, or want to learn more about Delaware motorcycle education, check out the Division of Motor Vehicles guide to motorcycle training.
Fees for DE Motorcycle Endorsements
The fees associated with getting your Delaware motorcycle endorsement are as follows:
- Out-of-state transfer:
- Driver license: $40.
- Motorcycle endorsement: $12.
- Learner's permit renewal: $5.
- Endorsement valid for 8 years: $12.
Note that if you obtain a motorcycle permit, you will pay your endorsement fee at that time.
