The Hells Angels has a formal but secretive recruitment process
The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club does not post job openings or hold public sign-ups. Membership requires an invitation from an existing member, a motorcycle of a specific engine size, and a willingness to go through a multi-stage vetting process that can take years. The club operates chapters in dozens of countries, and each chapter sets its own rules within the broader organization, so the exact steps vary by location.
The process typically moves through four stages: prospect, probationary member, full member, and officer. Each stage has different responsibilities, restrictions, and levels of access to club activities. The entire progression from prospect to full member can take anywhere from one to five years, depending on the chapter and how quickly you move through each phase.
Key Takeaways
- You must own a motorcycle with an engine of at least 750cc and be invited by a current member — there is no way to join without both.
- The prospect phase typically lasts six months to a year, during which you attend meetings and events but have limited voting rights and must follow strict rules set by the chapter.
- Probationary membership comes next and usually lasts another six months to a year, with more responsibilities and closer integration into club operations.
- Full membership requires a unanimous or near-unanimous vote from existing members, and you must be sponsored by a current member throughout the process.
- Each chapter enforces its own code of conduct, and violations can result in suspension, demotion, or expulsion at any stage.
You need a motorcycle and an invitation from a current member
The first requirement is non-negotiable: you must own a motorcycle with an engine displacement of at least 750cc. This is a club-wide standard. The specific make and model matter less than the engine size, though the club has historical ties to Harley-Davidson motorcycles. You cannot prospect or join without this motorcycle, and you cannot borrow one for meetings or events.
The second requirement is an invitation. You cannot walk into a clubhouse and ask to join. A current member must sponsor you and vouch for you to the chapter leadership. This sponsor becomes responsible for your behavior during the prospect phase. Most people who become members know someone in the club already — through family, friendship, work, or the motorcycle community. If you do not have that connection, there is no formal pathway to create one.
The prospect phase is a six-month to one-year trial period
Once you are invited and your sponsor brings you to the clubhouse, you enter the prospect phase. During this time, you are not yet a member but are being evaluated by the chapter. You will be required to attend meetings and events, wear prospect colors (a vest or jacket with the club's insignia), and follow the chapter's rules. Prospects typically have no voting rights and limited say in club decisions.
The prospect phase serves as a mutual evaluation period. The club is watching how you behave, whether you follow orders, how you treat other members, and whether you fit the culture. You are also learning how the club operates, what is expected of you, and whether you actually want to commit to this level of involvement. Many people do not make it past this stage — some leave voluntarily, and others are asked to leave by the chapter.
During this phase, you will likely be assigned tasks or "work" by senior members. This might include helping with club events, maintaining the clubhouse, or running errands. You are expected to show up when called and to complete these tasks without complaint. Your sponsor will be monitoring your progress and reporting back to chapter leadership.
Probationary membership comes with more responsibility and closer scrutiny
If the chapter votes to move you forward, you become a probationary member. This phase typically lasts another six months to a year. You now wear probationary colors and have more access to club activities and information, but you still do not have full voting rights. You are expected to attend more meetings and take on more significant responsibilities within the chapter.
Probationary members are held to the same code of conduct as full members and can be disciplined for violations. However, they can also be removed from the club more easily than full members if they break rules or do not fit. The chapter is still evaluating whether you are trustworthy enough to be a permanent part of the organization. Your sponsor continues to be responsible for your actions and conduct.
Full membership requires a vote and means lifelong commitment
To become a full member, you must be voted in by the chapter. The voting process varies by chapter, but most require either unanimity or a strong majority. Once you are voted in, you receive your full colors — the official club insignia and patches that identify you as a member. This is a significant moment in the club, and full members often describe it as a major life milestone.
Full membership comes with rights and responsibilities. You can vote on chapter decisions, attend all meetings and events, and participate fully in club operations. You are also bound by the club's constitution and bylaws, which govern everything from how you conduct yourself in public to how disputes are resolved within the organization. Violating these rules can result in suspension, demotion back to probationary status, or expulsion.
Full membership is typically understood as a lifetime commitment. While members can leave voluntarily, the club views membership as permanent. Leaving the club or being expelled can have serious social and sometimes legal consequences, depending on the chapter and the circumstances.
Each chapter enforces its own rules and code of conduct
The Hells Angels operates as a federation of independent chapters rather than a single centralized organization. While there is a global leadership structure and a set of core principles, each chapter has significant autonomy in how it runs its operations and enforces rules. This means the experience of being a prospect or member in one chapter can differ substantially from another chapter, even within the same country.
Common rules across chapters include strict loyalty to the club, prohibition on using hard drugs, rules about how you represent the club in public, and consequences for breaking the code of silence about club activities. However, the specific details and how strictly they are enforced vary. Some chapters are more involved in criminal activity than others, and some are more focused on motorcycle culture and social activities. Your experience will depend heavily on which chapter you join.
The timeline from prospect to full member typically spans one to five years
The entire process from the day you are invited as a prospect to the day you are voted in as a full member usually takes between one and five years. The prospect phase alone can last six months to a year. The probationary phase adds another six months to a year. After that, the chapter may take additional time before calling a vote on your full membership.
Some chapters move faster than others, and some individuals move through the stages more quickly if they are highly regarded by the chapter leadership. However, there is no way to rush the process. The club uses this extended timeline intentionally — it allows them to observe your behavior over time and may support you are genuinely committed before granting you full membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can women become Hells Angels members?
Traditionally, the Hells Angels has been an all-male organization, and most chapters do not admit women as full members. However, some chapters have created associate or auxiliary organizations for women, and a small number of chapters have begun admitting women as full members in recent years. This varies significantly by chapter and country, so the answer depends on which chapter you are asking about.
What happens if you leave the Hells Angels?
Members who leave voluntarily are typically required to return their colors and may face social consequences within the motorcycle community. The club views membership as permanent, and leaving is often seen as a betrayal. In some cases, leaving can result in conflict with the club or former members. The specific consequences depend on how you leave and the chapter's culture.
Can you be kicked out after becoming a full member?
Yes. Full members can be expelled for violating the club's constitution or code of conduct. Common reasons include breaking the code of silence, using hard drugs, or committing acts the club views as disloyal. Expulsion is typically decided by a vote of the chapter and can result in loss of your colors and exclusion from club activities and properties.
Do you have to participate in illegal activities to be a member?
The club's official position is that membership does not require illegal activity. However, some chapters and individual members are involved in criminal enterprises, and the extent of this varies widely by location and chapter. The club's code of silence means members are expected not to cooperate with law enforcement, which itself can create legal complications for members.
What is the cost of membership?
There are dues that members pay to the chapter, but the amount varies by chapter and is not publicly disclosed. Beyond dues, there are costs associated with owning and maintaining a motorcycle, purchasing club-approved gear and colors, and attending events. These expenses can be substantial, but the specific amounts depend on the chapter and how active you are.