Colorado requires a separate endorsement on your driver's license to ride a motorcycle

You cannot ride a motorcycle legally in Colorado with a standard driver's license. You need an M endorsement added to your existing license, or you can obtain a motorcycle-only license if you do not drive cars. The Colorado Department of Revenue handles both routes, and the process differs depending on whether you already hold a driver's license and whether you choose to take a skills test or use a training course waiver.

The fastest path for most people is to complete an approved motorcycle safety course, which waives the riding skills test at the DMV. Without the course, you must pass both a written test and a riding test at a Colorado DMV office. Either way, you will need to pay a fee and provide proof of identity and residency.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado requires an M endorsement on your driver's license or a separate motorcycle-only license to legally ride a motorcycle.
  • Completing an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course waives the riding skills test and is the most common route for new riders.
  • If you skip the course, you must pass a written test and a riding skills test at a Colorado DMV office using your own motorcycle.
  • The M endorsement costs $20 and takes effect when ready after you pass the test or submit your course completion certificate.
  • You must be at least 16 years old to obtain a motorcycle license in Colorado, and riders under 18 face additional restrictions on engine size and riding hours.

The motorcycle safety course route (most common)

Taking an approved motorcycle safety course is the path most Colorado riders choose because it eliminates the need to pass a riding test at the DMV. The course teaches basic motorcycle operation, safety, and road awareness over two to three days, usually on weekends. At the end, you receive a certificate of completion that you bring to a Colorado DMV office.

The Colorado Department of Revenue recognizes courses taught by instructors certified through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). You can find approved courses by searching the MSF website or calling local motorcycle shops and community colleges—many offer courses year-round, though availability is higher in spring and summer. Courses typically cost between $150 and $250 and include the use of a training motorcycle, helmet, and protective gear.

After you complete the course, visit any Colorado DMV office with your certificate, proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and the $20 endorsement fee. The M endorsement is added to your license on the spot, or if you do not yet have a Colorado driver's license, you will obtain a motorcycle-only license. You can ride legally when ready.

The written and riding test route (without a course)

If you do not take a safety course, you must pass a written test and a riding skills test at a Colorado DMV office. The written test covers traffic laws, motorcycle-specific rules, and safe riding practices. You can study using the Colorado Driver's Handbook, which includes a motorcycle section, available free on the Colorado Department of Revenue website.

The riding test is conducted by a DMV examiner at a designated test location. You must bring your own motorcycle, which must be street-legal and registered in Colorado. The test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes and includes basic maneuvers like figure-eights, braking, and turning. You must wear a helmet and protective gear that meets Colorado standards.

This route is less common because most riders find the safety course easier and faster. The course waives the riding test, and many people feel more confident after professional instruction. However, if you are an experienced rider or prefer to test without formal training, this option is available. The $20 endorsement fee applies either way.

Age requirements and restrictions for riders under 18

Colorado allows riders as young as 16 to obtain a motorcycle license or endorsement. However, riders under 18 face engine size restrictions and riding hour limits. A rider under 18 cannot operate a motorcycle with an engine larger than 250 cubic centimeters (cc) during the first 12 months of holding the endorsement.

Additionally, riders under 18 cannot ride between midnight and 5 a.m. unless they are traveling to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. These restrictions lift on the rider's 18th birthday or 12 months after obtaining the endorsement, whichever comes later. Riders under 18 must also wear a helmet at all times—this is a legal requirement for all Colorado motorcycle riders regardless of age.

What you need to bring to the DMV

Bring the following documents to a Colorado DMV office to add the M endorsement or obtain a motorcycle-only license:

  • Proof of identity: a valid passport, birth certificate, or state ID.
  • Proof of Colorado residency: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Your current Colorado driver's license (if you already have one).
  • Certificate of completion from an approved motorcycle safety course (if you took one).
  • The $20 endorsement fee, paid by cash, check, or debit card.

If you are taking the written and riding test without a course, you do not need the certificate. Bring your motorcycle to the test location, and the examiner will conduct the riding portion on-site. Check the Colorado Department of Revenue website to find which DMV offices offer riding tests—not all locations do.

Helmet and protective gear laws

Colorado law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet that meets Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The helmet must have a DOT sticker on the back. Riders under 18 must wear a helmet at all times; riders 18 and older are required to wear one only if they are riding on public roads at night or if they have held their endorsement for less than one year.

While Colorado does not legally require protective gear beyond a helmet, wearing a jacket, gloves, and boots rated for motorcycle use significantly reduces injury in a crash. Many safety courses emphasize this, and most experienced riders wear full gear regardless of the law.

Renewing or replacing your M endorsement

Your M endorsement renews with your driver's license on the same schedule—typically every five years for adults. When you renew your license, the endorsement renews automatically at no additional cost. You do not need to retake the test or submit a new safety course certificate.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any Colorado DMV office. The replacement fee is $20, and your M endorsement transfers to the new license. If you let your license expire and then renew it more than two years later, you may be required to retake the written test or submit a new safety course certificate—contact your local DMV office to confirm the requirement before your license expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a motorcycle endorsement if I do not have a Colorado driver's license?

Yes. You can obtain a motorcycle-only license without holding a standard driver's license. You will still need to pass the written test and either a riding test or submit a safety course certificate. Bring proof of identity and Colorado residency to the DMV, and pay the $20 fee.

How long does it take to get the M endorsement after I complete a safety course?

You can add the endorsement the same day you visit the DMV with your course certificate. The process takes about 15 minutes. Your new license with the M endorsement is issued on the spot, and you can ride legally when ready.

What if I fail the riding test?

You can retake the riding test at any Colorado DMV office that offers it. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the $20 fee each time you test. Many riders choose to take a safety course after failing the test, which waives the riding portion on the next visit.

Do I need to register my motorcycle separately from my car?

Yes. Motorcycles are registered separately through the Colorado Department of Revenue. You will need proof of ownership, proof of Colorado residency, and the registration fee, which varies by motorcycle weight and value. Registration is handled at the same DMV offices where you obtain your endorsement.

Can I ride out of state with a Colorado motorcycle endorsement?

Your Colorado M endorsement is recognized in all U.S. states. However, some states have different helmet laws or age restrictions, so check the rules of any state where you plan to ride. Your motorcycle must also be registered in Colorado to ride legally in other states.