Motorcycle License in Washington
Washington State is renowned for its natural beauty and the unquestionably fresh air produced by its blanket of evergreens. What better way to enjoy them both than by cruising the area in a motorcycle?
To enjoy that perk, you'll first have to earn your motorcycle endorsement, by following the steps designated by the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL).
New to Washington
Welcome to the Evergreen State! You have 30 days after moving to Washington to transfer your out-of-state license—and your motorcycle endorsement.
To switch your motorcycle license over to Washington, visit a local DOL office and:
- Follow the same steps to transfer your out-of-state driver's license.
- Bring proof of your out-of-state motorcycle license/endorsement (if different than your standard license).
- Pay the $55 fee for a standard Washington license or $97 for a Enhanced driver license.
- Additional motorcycle endorsement fee may apply. Ask DOL employees for more fee information.
WA Motorcycle Endorsement Eligibility
To qualify for a Washington State motorcycle endorsement, you'll need to:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Applicants under 18 years old must also:
- Pass a motorcycle education course.
- Have permission of a parent/guardian to apply.
- Applicants under 18 years old must also:
- Have a WA driver's license.
- Pass the motorcycle knowledge and skills tests:
- Through a motorcycle training school.
- As part of an approved motorcycle safety course.
- Pay the appropriate motorcycle endorsement fees.
- Endorsement fees begin at $30.
Read below for more details on wrapping up these steps.
How to Get a WA Motorcycle Instruction Permit
While motorcycle permits are optional in Washington State, they offer a great way to practice your biker skills.
To get your motorcycle instruction permit, you will need to visit a motorcycle training school, and take the motorcycle knowledge test.
After passing your knowledge exam, you'll be given a pink score sheet. You have to take the score sheet to your local DOL office to turn it into a motorcycle permit.
Make sure to also bring:
- Your Washington State driver's license.
- The $35 motorcycle permit fee.
Permit Limitations
Having a permit is an extremely helpful step, but it comes with several specific rules.
Motorcycle permit holders in Washington State are NOT allowed to:
- Carry passengers.
- Ride after dark.
Your permit will be valid for 180 days. If you're not ready to take your skills test and earn your endorsement at that point, it's okay. You can renew your permit for an additional 180 days by:
- Visiting a Department of Licensing office.
- Paying the $35 permit renewal fee.
If you need another permit after this renewal, you'll first need to enroll in a motorcycle safety course. You can then apply for another permit by revisiting the office with your proof of enrollment and paying another renewal fee.
How to Get Your Washington Motorcycle License
To earn your motorcycle license in Washington you can:
- Pass the motorcycle knowledge and skills tests at a motorcycle training school.
- Once you pass the exams, bring your green score sheet to your local DOL office to complete your application within 180 days.
- Complete a motorcycle safety course.
- Once you have successfully completed the course, bring your completion card to your local DOL office within 180 days.
At your local licensing office, you'll need to submit:
- Either your green score sheet or course completion card.
- Your Washington driver's license.
- Your motorcycle permit, if applicable.
- Payment for your motorcycle endorsement fee.
- Fees begin at $30; see below for a breakdown.
When riding your motorcycle, you must carry proof of insurance, so make sure you acquire it before hitting the roads.
WA Motorcycle Safety Courses
An approved motorcycle safety course will offer you hands-on motorcycle training, as well as allow you to take your knowledge and skills tests.
By successfully passing through a state-approved safety course, you will be able to report directly to the WA Department of Licensing to pick up your official motorcycle endorsement.
Motorcycle safety courses cost:
- $125, for residents 18 years old or older.
- This is the subsidized price. Courses may offer different non-subsidized pricing.
- $50, for residents under 18 years old.
You'll have to bring:
- Proper eye gear.
- A DOT-approved helmet.
- A signed parent/guardian permission form, if you're under 18 years old.
After successfully passing through the program, you'll be issued a course completion certificate. Don't lose it! You'll need this to get your motorcycle endorsement.
You can find a complete list of motorcycle safety courses on the Department of Licensing website. Make sure to specifically ask about the motorcycle safety program, as this is different than the state-approved motorcycle training schools.
Motorcycle License Fees in Washington
The Department of Licensing and other agencies charge the following for motorcycle endorsements and related services:
- Motorcycle learner's permit: $35.
- Renewal: $35.
- Motorcycle safety courses:
- Residents 18 years old or older: $125.
- This is the subsidized price. Courses may offer different non-subsidized pricing.
- Residents under 18 years old: $50.
- Residents 18 years old or older: $125.
- Motorcycle endorsement: $30 to $40.