Washington requires a separate endorsement on your driver's license to operate a motorcycle legally

A motorcycle endorsement is an addition to your existing Washington driver's license that permits you to ride motorcycles on public roads. Without it, you cannot legally operate a motorcycle, even if you hold a valid car driver's license. Washington's Department of Licensing (DOL) administers the endorsement process and sets the requirements.

The state offers two paths to endorsement: pass a written test and a riding skills test through DOL, or complete an approved motorcycle safety course and submit a completion certificate. Most riders find the safety course route faster and less stressful, though both lead to the same endorsement on your license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Washington driver's license or instruction permit to pursue a motorcycle endorsement.
  • The two routes are the DOL written and riding test, or completion of a Washington-approved motorcycle safety course followed by a certificate submission.
  • The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course is the most common approved option and typically costs between $200 and $300.
  • After passing the DOL test or submitting your safety course certificate, you visit a DOL office to pay the endorsement fee and receive your updated license.
  • The entire process from course completion to updated license usually takes two to four weeks, depending on DOL office wait times.

Age and license requirements before you start

You must be at least 16 years old to obtain a motorcycle endorsement in Washington. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian's signature on your process. Your age also determines which class of motorcycle you can operate: riders under 18 are restricted to motorcycles with engines of 250cc or smaller.

You must already hold a valid Washington driver's license or an instruction permit. If you do not yet have a driver's license, you will need to complete that process first through DOL. An instruction permit alone is not sufficient to take the endorsement test; you need the full license.

The motorcycle safety course route (faster for most riders)

Washington recognizes courses from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and other DOL-approved providers. The MSF Basic Rider Course is the most widely available option and typically runs two days, either as a weekend intensive or two separate evenings. The course covers classroom instruction, hands-on riding skills, and a final riding test administered by the course instructor.

Course costs vary by provider but generally range from $200 to $300. Some community colleges and vocational schools in Washington offer courses at lower rates. You do not need to own a motorcycle to take the course; most providers supply training bikes. Upon completion, you receive a certificate of completion that you bring to a DOL office.

The advantage of this route is that you do not take the DOL riding test separately. The course instructor's test satisfies Washington's riding skills requirement, and you skip the written test entirely. Many riders prefer this because the course environment is designed for learning, whereas the DOL test is pass-or-fail with no instruction.

The DOL written and riding test route

If you choose not to take a safety course, you can test directly through DOL. You must first pass a written test covering Washington motorcycle laws, road signs, and safe riding practices. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can study using the Washington Motorcycle Operator Manual, available free on the DOL website.

After passing the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the riding skills test. You must bring your own motorcycle or arrange to use one, and the motorcycle must be street-legal and registered. The test takes place in a controlled area and evaluates your ability to start, stop, turn, and maneuver the bike safely. You have one attempt per appointment; if you fail, you must reschedule and pay the test fee again.

This route is less expensive upfront (only test fees, no course tuition), but it requires you to already own or have access to a motorcycle and to study independently. Many riders find the riding test more stressful because there is no instruction component, only evaluation.

Submitting your certificate or test results to DOL

If you completed a safety course, bring your certificate of completion to any DOL office. If you passed the DOL tests, your test results are already in the system, and you straightforward visit an office to finalize the endorsement. In either case, you will need to bring your current Washington driver's license and pay the endorsement fee.

The endorsement fee is a one-time charge that varies depending on your license type and renewal status. As of recent years, the fee is typically under $50, but you should confirm the current amount when you visit or call your local DOL office. Some offices allow you to pay online before your visit to speed up the process.

Processing time at the office is usually 15 to 30 minutes if you have all required documents. Your updated license with the motorcycle endorsement is printed on-site in most cases, though some offices mail it. Ask at the counter which applies to your location.

Finding DOL offices and scheduling your visit

Washington has DOL offices in most cities and counties. You can find the nearest office and current hours on the official Washington Department of Licensing website. Many offices now require appointments for license services, so call ahead or check online before visiting. Walk-in service is available at some locations but may have longer wait times.

If you are submitting a safety course certificate, you do not need an appointment in most cases, but calling ahead is still wise to confirm current procedures. If you are taking the DOL riding test, you must schedule that appointment in advance; test slots fill up, especially during spring and summer.

What to bring and what happens after approval

Bring your current driver's license, your safety course certificate (if applicable), proof of identity, and proof of Washington residency. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian's signature on the process form. Have your endorsement fee ready, either in cash, card, or as arranged online.

Once approved, your license is updated with an "M" endorsement code. This appears on your physical license and in the DOL database. You are now legally permitted to operate a motorcycle on Washington public roads. Your endorsement does not expire separately; it renews with your driver's license on its regular renewal date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a motorcycle safety course, or can I just take the DOL test?

You can choose either route. The safety course is optional but recommended because it includes instruction and the course test counts as your riding skills test. The DOL test route requires you to study independently and pass both a written and riding test at separate appointments.

What if I fail the riding test?

You can reschedule and try again. There is no limit on attempts, but you must pay the test fee each time. Many riders take a safety course after failing the DOL test because the course provides instruction that the test does not.

Can I get a motorcycle endorsement if I am under 18?

Yes, but you must be at least 16 and have a parent or guardian sign your process. You are also restricted to motorcycles with 250cc engines or smaller until you turn 18.

How long does the endorsement stay on my license?

Your motorcycle endorsement does not expire separately. It remains on your license and renews automatically when you renew your driver's license, which happens every five years in Washington.

Can I transfer a motorcycle endorsement from another state?

Washington does not automatically recognize endorsements from other states. You must complete Washington's process: either take the DOL test or submit a certificate from a Washington-approved safety course. Some states' safety course certificates may be recognized, so contact your local DOL office to ask.