Motorcycle License in Mississippi

The South may be known for its slow, steady pace of life, but taking in the Delta views from the seat of a speedy motorcycle can be a thrilling change of pace.

To experience it, you'll need to get a motorcycle endorsement through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS).

New to Mississippi?

Welcome to the Magnolia State! You have 60 days to transfer your out-of-state motorcycle license.

The good news is, if you already have a motorcycle license or endorsement, the MS DPS may waive your motorcycle written and skills exams. The process for switching your motorcycle license over should be similar to transferring your out-of-state license.

Mention your out-of-state motorcycle license when you visit your local DPS office, and ask the staff for information on transferring your motorcycle license.

MS Motorcycle Rider Eligibility

Permission to hop on a hog in Mississippi comes from adding a motorcycle endorsement to your MS driver's license, or obtaining a motorcycle-only license.

To be eligible for a motorcycle endorsement, you'll need to:

Read below to find out more about how to complete these steps.

Written Motorcycle Exam in MS

First thing's first: to earn your Mississippi motorcycle endorsement or license, you must pass the motorcycle written exam.

To do so, you'll have to visit a MS DPS office. Call ahead and ask if your local office offers motorcycle testing.

Don't forget to bring:

  • Your Mississippi driver's license.*
    OR
  • Proof of application for a MS driver's license.

Knowledge exam fees may apply. Ask your Department of Public Safety office for more information.

After passing your written exam, you have a choice. You can either:

While permits are not required in MS, it may be a good idea to practice your skills before hitting the road.

*NOTE: If you've never held a Mississippi driver's license before, you will also have to follow the steps to earning your standard MS license.

Mississippi Motorcycle Permits

If you decide to take the licensing process more slowly, you can spend some extra time practicing with your motorcycle permit before taking a road test.

To earn your motorcycle permit through the Mississippi DPS, you'll have to visit an office that offers motorcycle testing, and:

  • Pass the knowledge (written) exam.
  • Pay the $1 permit fee.

Permits may come with some additional restrictions. For example, it is required that a rider, who is 21 years old and has a motorcycle endorsement on their license, ride alongside of you. Ask your local MS Department of Public Safety office if you'll have to follow any extra rules during this time.

You may also choose to take the riding test on the same day you earn your learner's permit.

MS Motorcycle Road Test & Endorsement

After acing your written exam, there's only one step left toward earning your Mississippi motorcycle endorsement: the road test. For more on the road test, check out the MS motorcycle operator's manual .

You can take the skills exam either:

  • At the same appointment you take your written test.
    OR
  • At a separate appointment, after practicing with your permit.

Regardless of when you decide to complete the process, you'll have to bring:

  • EITHER your:
    • Mississippi driver's license.*
      OR
    • Proof of application for a MS driver's license.
  • The appropriate motorcycle endorsement fee.
    • Additional road test fees may apply. Make sure to ask your local MS DPS office for more information.

After you prove you can ride your bike, you'll be allowed to do so legally when the MS DPS issues your very own motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle license. Congratulations!

*NOTE: If you've never held a driver's license in Mississippi before, you'll have to bring additional documentation and fill out some extra paperwork. You can read all about that process on our guide to applying for a MS driver's license.

MS Motorcycle Endorsement Fees

In Mississippi, you can choose to either have a motorcycle endorsement added to your current MS driver's license, or to have a separate motorcycle license.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety currently charges the following for those services:

  • Motorcycle permit: $1.
  • Motorcycle endorsement: $5.
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