What a Washington Motorcycle Endorsement Is and How to Get One

A Washington motorcycle endorsement is an addition to your regular driver's license that permits you to operate a motorcycle on public roads. You cannot legally ride a motorcycle in Washington without this endorsement — riding without one is a traffic violation. The endorsement itself is not a separate license; it appears on your existing driver's license as an "M" designation.

To get the endorsement, you have two paths: pass the Department of Licensing (DOL) knowledge and skills tests on your own, or complete an approved motorcycle safety course that waives the DOL skills test. Most riders choose the safety course route because it is shorter and the course completion certificate counts as proof you can ride safely.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington requires an "M" endorsement on your driver's license to legally ride a motorcycle; you cannot get around this requirement.
  • You can test directly through the Department of Licensing or take an approved safety course that waives the riding test portion.
  • The safety course route typically takes one or two days and costs between $150 and $250, while the DOL test route is free but requires you to pass both a written exam and a riding test.
  • You must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Washington driver's license or instruction permit before you can get the endorsement.
  • After you pass the test or course, you visit a DOL office to pay the endorsement fee and have it added to your license.

Age and License Requirements Before You Start

You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Washington. You also must already hold a valid Washington driver's license or an instruction permit — you cannot get the endorsement on its own without a base license first.

If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian signature on your process. If you do not yet have a Washington driver's license, you will need to get one first by passing the written and vision tests at a DOL office. This is a separate step from the motorcycle endorsement process.

The Safety Course Route (Fastest for Most Riders)

Taking an approved motorcycle safety course is the most common path because it combines classroom instruction with hands-on riding practice, and the course completion certificate lets you skip the DOL skills test. Washington recognizes courses run by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and other approved providers. You can find a list of approved courses on the DOL website under "Motorcycle Safety Course Providers."

Most courses run for one or two days, with the single-day option being more intensive. You will spend time in a classroom learning traffic laws and motorcycle mechanics, then ride a small motorcycle (usually provided by the course) through a series of exercises designed to test your control and awareness. The course instructors watch you ride and sign off on your completion certificate if you demonstrate safe riding skills.

Cost varies by provider but typically ranges from $150 to $250. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course, which can offset the cost. After you finish, you take your completion certificate to a DOL office, pay the endorsement fee (currently $20), and the "M" is added to your license on the spot or within a few days.

The Department of Licensing Test Route (Free but Requires Two Tests)

If you do not take a safety course, you can test directly through the DOL. This route is free except for the endorsement fee itself, but it requires you to pass two separate tests: a written knowledge test and a riding skills test.

The written test covers Washington traffic laws, motorcycle-specific rules, and safe riding practices. You schedule this at any DOL office and take it on a computer. The test has 25 questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it after waiting one day.

The riding skills test is administered by DOL examiners at designated test sites. You bring your own motorcycle (or borrow one) and ride through a course that tests your ability to start, stop, turn, and maneuver at low and higher speeds. The examiner watches for control, awareness, and safe decision-making. If you fail the riding test, you must wait one week before retesting. Many riders find this test stressful because it is one-on-one with an examiner and you must provide your own bike.

What to Bring to the DOL Office

When you go to the DOL office to finalize your endorsement, bring your current Washington driver's license or instruction permit, proof of your Social Security number (your card or a tax document), and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days). You will also need to bring either your motorcycle safety course completion certificate or proof that you passed the DOL written and riding tests.

Bring cash or a debit card for the endorsement fee. Some DOL offices accept credit cards, but not all, so calling ahead to confirm payment methods is wise. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you to sign the process in person.

Timeline and What Happens After You Pay

If you take the safety course route, the entire process can be completed in as little as two to three days: one or two days for the course, then a same-day or next-day visit to the DOL office. If you test through the DOL, the timeline depends on how quickly you pass both tests and how soon you can schedule appointments, which may take one to three weeks depending on office availability.

After you pay the endorsement fee at the DOL office, the "M" is usually added to your license when ready if you are renewing your license at the same time, or within a few business days if you are just adding the endorsement to an existing license. You will receive a temporary paper document confirming the endorsement while your updated license is printed and mailed to you.

Once the endorsement is on your license, you are legally permitted to ride a motorcycle on Washington public roads. You still must follow all traffic laws, wear a helmet (required by Washington law), and carry proof of insurance and registration for your motorcycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to own a motorcycle before I get the endorsement?

No. You can take the safety course or DOL test without owning a bike. The safety course provides a motorcycle for you to ride during the test. If you test through the DOL, you will need to borrow or rent a motorcycle for the riding test, but you do not need to own one before you start the process.

What if I fail the safety course or the DOL test?

If you fail the safety course, most providers allow you to retake it, though you may have to pay the course fee again. If you fail the DOL written test, you can retake it after one day. If you fail the riding test, you must wait one week before retesting. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test.

Can I ride a motorcycle with just my regular driver's license while I am waiting for the endorsement?

No. Riding a motorcycle without the endorsement is illegal in Washington, even if you have a valid driver's license. You must have the "M" on your license before you ride on public roads. You can practice on private property with permission from the owner.

Is the motorcycle safety course worth the cost if I can test for free?

Most riders find the course worth it because it teaches you to ride safely in a controlled environment, skips the stressful one-on-one DOL riding test, and often qualifies you for insurance discounts that can pay back the course cost within a year or two. The course also takes less total time than scheduling and passing two separate DOL tests.

Do I need to renew my motorcycle endorsement?

No. Once you have the endorsement on your license, it stays there for the life of that license. You do not need to retake any test or pay any additional fee when you renew your regular driver's license — the endorsement renews automatically with it.