Texas requires a motorcycle endorsement, not a separate license
You do not get a different license card for riding a motorcycle in Texas. Instead, you add an endorsement to your existing driver's license — a notation that says you are permitted to operate a motorcycle. This endorsement is marked with an "M" on your license and costs less than a full license renewal.
The endorsement requirement applies to any two-wheeled motorized vehicle with an engine larger than 50 cubic centimeters. Mopeds and motorized bicycles with smaller engines fall under different rules and may not require the endorsement, but anything you would recognize as a motorcycle does.
You can add the endorsement to a license you already hold, or you can get your first license and endorsement at the same time. Either way, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles the process through their driver license offices.
Key Takeaways
- A motorcycle endorsement is an "M" added to your current Texas driver's license, not a separate card.
- You must pass a written test on motorcycle safety and a riding skills test on an actual motorcycle to receive the endorsement.
- You can skip the riding test if you hold a current Motorcycle Safety Institute (MSI) course completion certificate.
- The endorsement costs $20 and is valid for the same period as your driver's license.
- Riding a motorcycle without the endorsement is illegal in Texas and can result in a traffic citation.
Who needs the endorsement
Any person operating a motorcycle on a public road in Texas must have the endorsement on their license. This includes riders who own the motorcycle, borrow one, or rent one. The only exception is if you are riding on private property that is not open to the public — but the moment you ride on a street, highway, or parking lot open to traffic, you need the endorsement.
If you are under 18, you must also hold a valid learner's permit or license before you can receive the motorcycle endorsement. Riders 18 and older can pursue the endorsement without a learner's permit first, though DPS still requires you to pass both the written and riding tests.
The written test and what it covers
The motorcycle written test is administered at any DPS driver license office and covers Texas motorcycle safety laws, road hazards, and riding techniques. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the office, and results are available when ready.
The test covers topics like how to brake on a motorcycle, what to do if you hit gravel or oil, how to position yourself on the road, and the rules specific to motorcycles in Texas — such as lane-splitting laws (which are prohibited) and helmet requirements. You can study using the Texas Motorcycle Operator Manual, which DPS provides free online and in print at license offices.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another time. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will pay the endorsement fee each time you test.
The riding skills test or the MSI course alternative
After you pass the written test, you must demonstrate that you can operate a motorcycle safely. Texas offers two paths: take the riding skills test administered by DPS, or complete a Motorcycle Safety Institute (MSI) course and submit your certificate.
The riding skills test takes place at a DPS testing site and lasts about 20 minutes. You bring your own motorcycle or use one provided by the testing facility (availability varies by location). The examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers — starting, stopping, turning, and obstacle avoidance — and scores your performance. You must pass this test to receive the endorsement.
The MSI course alternative is often faster and less stressful. You attend a classroom and range session (usually one or two days), learn motorcycle operation and safety, and ride under instructor supervision. If you pass the course, you receive a completion certificate. You bring this certificate to a DPS office, pay the endorsement fee, and receive your endorsement without taking the DPS riding test. Many riders choose this route because the instruction is thorough and the certificate waives the skills test entirely.
MSI courses are offered by private training schools across Texas. The course fee varies but typically ranges from $150 to $300. DPS maintains a list of approved providers on their website.
How to add the endorsement to your license
Visit any DPS driver license office with your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099). Bring the same documents you would bring to renew your license.
Tell the office staff you want to add a motorcycle endorsement. They will direct you to take the written test first. Once you pass, you will either schedule a riding skills test at that office or another location, or you can leave and return with your MSI course certificate if you choose that route.
If you pass the riding test or submit an MSI certificate, DPS will update your license and mail you a new card with the "M" endorsement within 7 to 10 business days. You can ride a motorcycle legally once you receive the updated license in the mail.
Cost and validity period
The endorsement fee is $20 and is valid for the same length of time as your driver's license — either 5 years or 8 years, depending on your age and license type. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews automatically at no additional cost, as long as you have not had it suspended or revoked.
If you are adding the endorsement to a license that is about to expire, you may want to renew your license first, then add the endorsement. This way, both expire at the same time and you renew them together later. DPS staff can advise you on the most cost-effective order for your situation.
What happens if you ride without the endorsement
Riding a motorcycle without the endorsement is a traffic violation in Texas. A police officer can cite you, and you face a fine. The violation does not automatically suspend your license, but it creates a record and can affect your insurance rates or future license renewal.
If you are stopped and do not have the endorsement, be honest with the officer. Having the endorsement is a straightforward process, and addressing it quickly is better than accumulating citations. If you have already been cited, you can still obtain the endorsement — it does not erase the citation, but it prevents future violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a motorcycle with just a learner's permit?
No. A learner's permit does not authorize motorcycle operation. You must have a full driver's license with the motorcycle endorsement to ride legally on public roads. If you are under 18 and want to ride, you need to get your license first, then add the endorsement.
Do I have to wear a helmet in Texas?
Texas law requires all motorcycle riders under 21 to wear a helmet. Riders 21 and older may choose not to wear one, but it is strongly discouraged for safety reasons. Check your insurance policy, as some insurers require helmets regardless of age.
What if I have a motorcycle endorsement from another state?
If you move to Texas with a valid motorcycle endorsement from another state, you can transfer it when you get a Texas license. Bring your out-of-state license to a DPS office, and they will add the endorsement to your new Texas license without requiring you to retake the tests.
Can I take the MSI course before I have my driver's license?
Yes. You can complete the MSI course before you have a license, and the certificate will be valid when you later get your license and are ready to add the endorsement. However, you still need a valid driver's license before you can legally ride on public roads.
How long does the whole process take?
If you take the DPS riding test, plan for two to four weeks from start to finish — one visit to pass the written test, a second visit or appointment for the riding test, then 7 to 10 days for the new license card to arrive. If you take an MSI course, the course itself takes one to two days, and the license arrives within 7 to 10 days after you submit your certificate.