Endorsements are restrictions or permissions added to your license that limit how you can drive
An endorsement on your driver's license is a notation that either restricts what you're allowed to do behind the wheel or grants you permission to do something you couldn't otherwise do. The most common endorsements are restrictions — they appear as codes on your license and tell law enforcement and insurance companies that you have conditions attached to your driving privilege. For example, if you wear corrective lenses, your license will carry a restriction code meaning you must wear them every time you drive. If you fail to follow an endorsement restriction, you can be cited for a violation even if your driving was otherwise safe.
Endorsements differ from violations or suspensions. A violation is a ticket for breaking a traffic law. A suspension temporarily removes your driving privilege entirely. An endorsement, by contrast, lets you keep your license but with specific conditions. Some endorsements are permanent — like a vision correction requirement — while others expire or change based on circumstances. Understanding what your endorsements mean matters because ignoring them can result in fines, points on your record, or license suspension.
Key Takeaways
- Endorsements are codes on your license that either restrict how you can drive or grant permission for specialized driving, such as operating a commercial vehicle.
- Restriction endorsements — like corrective lenses or automatic transmission only — are mandatory conditions you must follow every time you drive.
- Violating an endorsement restriction can result in a traffic citation, fines, and points on your driving record, separate from any other traffic violation.
- Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles assigns endorsements based on your medical history, test results, or the class of license you hold.
- You can request removal of some endorsements by retesting or providing updated medical documentation to your DMV.
Common restriction endorsements and what they require
The most frequently seen restriction is corrective lenses — usually shown as code "B" or similar, depending on your state. This means you must wear glasses or contact lenses whenever you operate a vehicle. If you're stopped and you're not wearing them, you can be cited for violating the endorsement, even if your vision without correction is still legal to drive with.
Other common restrictions include automatic transmission only (usually code "A"), which means you cannot drive a manual transmission vehicle. This endorsement is typically assigned after a driving test in an automatic vehicle or if you have a physical condition that makes operating a clutch unsafe. Daylight driving only (often code "D") restricts you to driving during daylight hours and is sometimes assigned to older drivers or those with certain vision conditions. Some states use a hearing aid required endorsement for drivers who need hearing information.
A few states assign an outside mirror endorsement, requiring you to use exterior mirrors because you cannot turn your head far enough to check blind spots safely. Right foot only or left foot only endorsements restrict which foot you can use for the pedals, typically assigned after an injury or surgery. These restrictions are permanent unless you can demonstrate to the DMV that the condition has changed.
Endorsements that grant permission rather than restrict
Not all endorsements are restrictions. Some endorsements grant you permission to do something beyond standard driving. The most common is a commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement, which allows you to operate commercial vehicles — trucks, buses, or vehicles carrying hazardous materials. A CDL itself is a separate license class, but within it, you can hold endorsements like "H" for hazmat, "P" for passenger vehicles, or "T" for double or triple trailers.
Motorcycle endorsements (usually "M") allow you to operate motorcycles and are granted after passing a separate motorcycle skills test or safety course. Some states offer taxi or for-hire vehicle endorsements that permit you to drive passengers for compensation. These permission-based endorsements require additional testing or training beyond a standard driver's license and are not restrictions on your driving — they expand what you're legally allowed to do.
How endorsements appear on your license and what the codes mean
On your physical license card, endorsements typically appear in one of two places: in a dedicated "Restrictions" or "Endorsements" field, or as a series of codes printed on the back. The format varies by state. Some states use single letters (A, B, D, M), while others use two-letter or three-letter codes. Your state's DMV website publishes a key that explains what each code means in your state.
When you renew your license or update your information, the DMV will print any endorsements that are currently active. If you're unsure what a code on your license means, you can look it up on your state DMV's website or call their customer service line. Insurance companies also review endorsements when you explore for a policy, and some restrictions may affect your rates or coverage options.
Why the DMV assigns endorsements in the first place
The DMV assigns restriction endorsements based on information gathered during your license process or renewal. If you report a medical condition during your process — such as vision problems, hearing loss, or mobility limitations — the DMV may require you to take a vision test, hearing test, or driving skills test. Based on the results, they assign endorsements that keep you and others safe while still allowing you to drive.
Some endorsements are assigned automatically. For example, if you take your driving test in an automatic transmission vehicle, many states will place an automatic transmission only restriction on your license. This is meant to may support you only drive the type of vehicle you've demonstrated competency in. Age-based endorsements, like daylight driving only for drivers over a certain age, are assigned in some states as a safety measure based on research about age-related driving risks.
The goal of endorsements is harm reduction: they allow people with certain conditions to drive while limiting the circumstances or vehicle types in which they drive, reducing the risk of accidents or violations.
How to request removal or modification of an endorsement
If you believe an endorsement on your license is no longer necessary, you can request its removal by visiting your local DMV office. For medical-based endorsements — like corrective lenses or hearing aid requirements — you'll typically need to provide updated medical documentation from a doctor or eye specialist stating that the condition has improved or resolved. The DMV may require you to retake a vision test, hearing test, or driving skills test to confirm.
For endorsements based on your vehicle choice — like automatic transmission only — you can request removal by taking a driving test in a manual transmission vehicle and passing. Some states allow you to do this at any time; others require it during a renewal period. Contact your state DMV to learn the specific process and any fees involved.
If you disagree with an endorsement the DMV has assigned, you have the right to request a hearing or appeal. The process and timeline vary by state, but generally you must submit a written request within a certain period after receiving your license. Your state DMV's website will explain the appeal process and any forms you need to file.
Endorsements versus violations and how they affect your record
It's important to distinguish endorsements from violations. An endorsement is a condition on your license. A violation is a citation you receive for breaking a traffic law. If you drive with corrective lenses required but you're not wearing them, you can be cited for violating the endorsement — that citation becomes a violation on your driving record and may result in points, fines, or insurance rate increases.
Endorsement violations are treated like any other traffic violation by insurance companies and courts. They can affect your insurance rates, your ability to renew your license, and your driving record for years. Some states allow endorsement violations to be dismissed if you can show proof that you've corrected the problem — for example, by providing a current prescription for corrective lenses if you were cited for not wearing them.
A suspension, by contrast, temporarily removes your entire driving privilege. An endorsement keeps your license active but with conditions. Understanding this difference helps you know what actions you need to take to stay compliant and avoid citations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without following an endorsement restriction?
No. Endorsement restrictions are legally binding conditions of your license. Violating them — such as driving without required corrective lenses or driving a manual transmission vehicle when your license says automatic only — is a traffic violation that can result in a citation, fines, and points on your record.
Do endorsements show up on background checks or insurance applications?
Insurance companies can see endorsements on your driving record when you explore for a policy. Some endorsements may affect your rates or coverage. Background checks typically do not include endorsement information unless the check specifically requests your full driving record.
What happens if I get a new license in a different state — do my endorsements transfer?
No. Each state has its own endorsement codes and rules. When you move and get a new license, the new state's DMV will review your medical history and test results and assign endorsements based on their own standards. You may need to retake vision, hearing, or driving tests.
Can I get a license without endorsements if I have a medical condition?
That depends on the condition and your state's rules. Some conditions result in endorsements that let you drive with restrictions. Others may result in license denial or suspension. The DMV will evaluate your specific situation and determine whether you can safely drive and under what conditions.
How long do endorsements stay on my license?
Most medical-based endorsements remain on your license until you provide updated documentation showing the condition has changed, or until you retake required tests. Some endorsements expire at your next renewal. Permission-based endorsements like CDL or motorcycle endorsements remain active as long as you maintain that license class and pass any required renewal tests.