Motorcycle license fees vary by state and depend on whether you're adding an endorsement to an existing license or getting a separate motorcycle-only license
A motorcycle endorsement or license costs between $15 and $85 in most states, depending on where you live and what you already hold. If you're adding a motorcycle endorsement to a current driver's license, you'll pay less — usually $10 to $40 — because you're not renewing the whole license. If you're getting a motorcycle-only license in a state that offers one, the cost typically runs $25 to $75. Some states bundle the endorsement fee with a written test fee; others charge them separately. A few states charge nothing for the endorsement itself but require you to pay for the knowledge test or skills test separately.
The total cost also depends on whether you take the test at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or through a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course. An MSF Basic Rider Course runs $150 to $300 and includes both classroom and riding instruction, but many states waive the riding test if you complete it — so you save the $25 to $50 test fee at the DMV. If you go straight to the DMV without a course, you pay the endorsement fee plus the test fees, which together often cost less upfront but require you to pass both a written and riding exam on your own.
Key Takeaways
- Motorcycle endorsement fees range from $10 to $40 when added to an existing license, and motorcycle-only licenses cost $25 to $75 depending on your state.
- An MSF course costs $150 to $300 but often waives the DMV riding test, which can save you $25 to $50 and gives you a better chance of passing on your first try.
- Some states charge the endorsement and test fees separately, while others bundle them, so your total out-of-pocket cost depends on how your state structures its fees.
- Renewal fees for a motorcycle endorsement are usually the same as the initial endorsement fee and are due every four to eight years depending on your state's license renewal cycle.
Endorsement versus separate motorcycle license: which costs less
Most states offer a motorcycle endorsement added to your regular driver's license rather than a separate license. An endorsement costs less upfront — typically $10 to $40 — because you're not paying to renew your entire license. You keep your current license and the endorsement appears on it as a restriction or privilege code. This is the cheapest route if you already hold a valid driver's license and want to ride a motorcycle.
A handful of states — including California, Florida, and a few others — offer a separate motorcycle-only license for riders who don't hold a regular driver's license or prefer not to renew their car license. These cost more, usually $25 to $75, because they function as a complete license rather than an add-on. If you already have a driver's license and want to ride a motorcycle, the endorsement is almost always cheaper. Choose the separate license only if you don't drive a car or your car license has expired and you don't plan to renew it.
Written test, riding test, and MSF course fees
The DMV charges separately for the written knowledge test and the riding skills test in most states. A written test costs $5 to $15, and a riding test costs $15 to $50. If you fail either test, you typically pay the fee again to retake it. Some states allow you to retake a failed test the same day; others require you to wait a few days or schedule a new appointment.
An MSF Basic Rider Course costs $150 to $300 depending on the course location and whether it's offered by a nonprofit or a for-profit training center. The course usually runs two to three days and includes classroom time, a written test, and a riding test on a motorcycle provided by the school. Most states recognize an MSF completion certificate as proof that you've passed the riding test, so you can skip the DMV riding exam. This saves you $15 to $50 in test fees and often increases your chances of passing because you've had professional instruction. Some states also offer a discount on your motorcycle insurance if you complete an MSF course, which can offset the course cost over time.
If you take the MSF route, your total cost is the MSF course fee ($150 to $300) plus the endorsement fee ($10 to $40), for a total of $160 to $340. If you go straight to the DMV, your total is the endorsement fee plus the written test fee plus the riding test fee, which usually totals $30 to $105. The MSF course costs more upfront but includes instruction and often saves you from failing the riding test and paying to retake it.
State-by-state fee ranges and what's included
Motorcycle endorsement and license fees are set by each state's DMV or equivalent agency, so costs vary significantly. The table below shows representative fees for common scenarios; check your state's DMV website for exact current fees, as they change periodically.
| Scenario | Typical Cost Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Endorsement added to existing license | $10–$40 | Endorsement fee only; written and riding tests charged separately |
| Endorsement plus written test at DMV | $20–$55 | Endorsement and written test; riding test charged separately |
| Endorsement plus written and riding tests at DMV | $30–$105 | All three fees combined |
| MSF Basic Rider Course | $150–$300 | Classroom, riding instruction, written test, riding test; waives DMV riding test in most states |
| Motorcycle-only license (separate from car license) | $25–$75 | License fee; test fees charged separately |
States in the Northeast and West Coast tend to charge higher endorsement fees ($30 to $40), while Southern and Midwestern states often charge less ($10 to $25). A few states — including Vermont and New Hampshire — charge under $20 for an endorsement. California and Florida, which offer separate motorcycle licenses, charge $25 to $50 for the license itself. Always verify your state's current fees on the DMV website before you go in, because fees are updated regularly and may have changed since this article was written.
Renewal fees and how often you'll pay
A motorcycle endorsement renews on the same schedule as your driver's license in most states — every four, five, six, or eight years depending on your state. When you renew your license, you pay the same endorsement fee you paid initially, usually $10 to $40. You do not pay the test fees again unless your state requires a new riding test at renewal, which is rare.
Some states charge a slightly higher renewal fee than the initial endorsement fee, or they bundle the endorsement renewal with a license renewal fee. Check your state's DMV website to find out your renewal schedule and whether the endorsement renews automatically with your license or requires a separate step. If you let your license expire, you may have to retake the written and riding tests to reinstate the endorsement, which means paying test fees again.
Discounts, waivers, and fee reductions
A few states offer fee reductions or waivers for specific groups. Some states waive or reduce the endorsement fee for military members or veterans, and a handful offer discounts for seniors. These discounts are not common, but they exist in some places, so ask at your DMV office or check the website. More commonly, states waive the riding test fee if you complete an MSF course, which is a significant savings if the test fee is $25 to $50.
Some insurance companies offer a discount on motorcycle insurance premiums if you complete an MSF course, typically 5 to 15 percent off for three years. If you plan to insure your motorcycle, the insurance discount can offset the MSF course cost over time. Contact your insurance company before you take the course to confirm they offer the discount and what proof they need.
What happens if you fail the test and have to retake it
If you fail the written test at the DMV, you pay the written test fee again to retake it. If you fail the riding test, you pay the riding test fee again. Some states allow you to retake a failed test the same day or within a few days; others require you to wait a week or schedule a new appointment. Each retake costs the full test fee, so failing twice means paying the test fee three times total.
This is one reason the MSF course is often worth the upfront cost: you get professional instruction and practice on a real motorcycle before you take the DMV test, which reduces the chance of failing. If you do fail the MSF riding test, you can usually retake it through the MSF course for a lower fee than the DMV charges, or you can go to the DMV and pay their test fee. Check with your local MSF provider about their retake policy before you enroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a motorcycle endorsement to an expired driver's license?
No. You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license to add a motorcycle endorsement in most states. If your license has expired, you'll need to renew it first, which means paying the license renewal fee plus the endorsement fee. A few states allow you to get a separate motorcycle-only license if your car license is expired, but this is uncommon.
Do I have to take the MSF course, or can I just go to the DMV?
You can go straight to the DMV in every state. The MSF course is optional but recommended because it includes instruction and often waives the riding test. If you're confident in your riding skills and want to save money upfront, you can take the written and riding tests at the DMV for a lower total cost, though you'll need to pass both on your own.
What if I move to a different state after I get my motorcycle endorsement?
Most states recognize motorcycle endorsements from other states, so you can ride legally in your new state on your old license. When your license expires, you'll renew it in your new state and pay their endorsement fee. Some states require you to pass a new written test; others don't. Check your new state's DMV website to find out what's required.
Is there a fee to take the written test online instead of in person?
A few states offer online written tests for motorcycle endorsements, but most require you to test in person at a DMV office. The fee is usually the same whether you test online or in person. Check your state's DMV website to see if online testing is available in your area.
Do I have to pay the endorsement fee every time I renew my license?
Yes. The endorsement fee is due each time you renew your driver's license, which happens every four to eight years depending on your state. The fee is usually the same amount you paid initially, though some states increase fees periodically. You do not pay test fees at renewal unless your state requires a new riding test, which is rare.