The cost of a motorcycle license varies by state, but most people pay between $20 and $100 for the endorsement itself
A motorcycle endorsement (also called a motorcycle license or "M" endorsement) is not a separate license — it is an addition to your existing driver's license. You pay a fee to the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state to add it. The endorsement fee alone typically ranges from $15 to $50, though a few states charge more. However, the total cost you pay depends on whether you already have a valid driver's license, whether you need to take a written test, and whether you take a motorcycle safety course.
Some states waive the riding test if you complete an approved motorcycle safety course, which can save you money on test fees but costs money upfront. Other states require the riding test no matter what. A few states bundle the endorsement fee with your license renewal, so you might not pay extra at all if your renewal is due.
Key Takeaways
- The endorsement fee itself ranges from $15 to $50 in most states, but your total cost depends on what tests you need and whether you take a safety course.
- A state-approved motorcycle safety course costs $100 to $300 and can waive the riding test in many states, potentially saving you money overall.
- If you do not take a safety course, you will pay a separate riding test fee, which ranges from $10 to $50 depending on your state.
- Some states charge extra if you need to retake the written or riding test, and a few charge more if you add the endorsement between license renewals.
Breaking down the endorsement fee by state
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles sets the endorsement fee, and it does not change based on your age or driving history. Most states charge between $15 and $40. California charges $35, Texas charges $20, Florida charges $15, and New York charges $20. A handful of states charge more — some charge $50 or slightly above. A few charge less than $15. You can find your state's exact fee by visiting your state DMV website or calling your local office.
If you are renewing your driver's license at the same time you add the motorcycle endorsement, some states roll the endorsement fee into your renewal fee rather than charging it separately. Others charge both. A few states let you add the endorsement without renewing your license, so you pay only the endorsement fee. Check your state's rules before you go to the DMV, because the total cost depends on your renewal status.
The cost of a motorcycle safety course
A state-approved motorcycle safety course typically costs $100 to $300, depending on your state and the organization running it. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offers courses in most states, and many local community colleges and riding schools offer them too. The course usually takes one or two days and includes both classroom time and hands-on riding practice.
Taking a safety course has two financial benefits. First, many insurance companies offer a discount on motorcycle insurance if you complete an approved course — often 5 to 15 percent off your premium. Second, most states waive the riding test if you pass the course, which saves you the riding test fee (usually $10 to $50). In many cases, the insurance discount alone covers the course cost within the first year. Even if it does not, you avoid the riding test fee and you learn skills that reduce your accident risk.
A few states require the riding test even if you complete a safety course, so check your state's rules before you enroll. If your state waives the test, you still pay the endorsement fee — the course does not replace that.
Written test and riding test fees
If you do not take a state-approved motorcycle safety course, you must pass a written test and a riding test to get the endorsement. The written test is usually given at the DMV when you explore. Most states do not charge a separate fee for the written test — it is included in the endorsement fee or your license renewal fee.
The riding test is where an additional fee usually appears. Most states charge $10 to $50 for the riding test, though a few charge more. You take the test at a DMV location or an approved testing site, and you must bring your own motorcycle or use one provided by the testing site (if available). Some states charge extra if you fail and need to retake the test — typically another $10 to $25. A few states let you retake it free within a certain window.
Adding the endorsement between license renewals
If your driver's license is not due for renewal, you can still add the motorcycle endorsement. Most states charge only the endorsement fee in this case — usually $15 to $50. However, a few states charge an additional fee if you add an endorsement outside your renewal cycle, sometimes called an "interim" or "non-renewal" fee. This fee is typically $5 to $15 extra. Check your state DMV website to see whether your state charges this fee.
When you do renew your license later, the motorcycle endorsement carries over automatically — you do not pay the endorsement fee again unless you are adding a different endorsement or your state has changed its fee structure.
What happens if you fail the test
If you fail the written test, most states let you retake it the same day or within a few days at no extra charge. If you fail the riding test, you usually pay the riding test fee again to retake it — typically $10 to $50. Some states allow one free retake within 30 days, but this varies. A few states charge a retake fee even for the written test if you fail multiple times.
Taking a safety course reduces the chance you will fail the riding test, because the course includes hands-on practice with an instructor. This is another reason many riders choose the course route even though it costs money upfront.
Total cost examples by situation
| Situation | Typical Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Endorsement fee only (license not renewing) | $15–$50 |
| Endorsement fee + written test + riding test | $35–$100 |
| Safety course + endorsement fee (riding test waived) | $115–$350 |
| Endorsement fee + license renewal (bundled) | Varies by state; check your DMV |
These are estimates based on typical state fees. Your actual cost depends on your state, whether you renew your license at the same time, and whether you take a safety course. Some states fall outside these ranges, so verify your state's fees before you budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take a motorcycle safety course to get the endorsement?
No. You can pass the written and riding tests instead. However, most states waive the riding test if you complete an approved course, which can save you money and gives you hands-on instruction. The course is optional, not required.
Can I use someone else's motorcycle for the riding test?
Yes, in most states. You can bring a friend's motorcycle as long as it is street-legal and registered. Some DMV locations also have motorcycles available to rent for the test. Check your local DMV to see what options are available.
Does the motorcycle endorsement cost more if I add it to a commercial driver's license?
The endorsement fee is usually the same regardless of your license class. However, if you need a commercial motorcycle endorsement (Class A CDL with motorcycle), the requirements and fees may differ. Contact your state DMV to confirm the cost for a commercial endorsement.
Will my insurance go down if I get the endorsement?
The endorsement itself does not affect your insurance rate. However, completing a state-approved motorcycle safety course often qualifies you for a discount on motorcycle insurance — typically 5 to 15 percent. Ask your insurance company what discounts they offer for safety course completion.
What if I fail the riding test — do I pay the fee again?
Yes, in most states you pay the riding test fee again if you retake it. The fee is typically $10 to $50. A few states allow one free retake within a certain timeframe, so check your state's policy before you schedule your test.