Washington State Motorcycle Endorsement Requirements

A motorcycle endorsement in Washington State is an addition to your driver's license that permits you to operate a motorcycle legally on public roads. You cannot ride a motorcycle with only a standard driver's license — the endorsement is required by law. Washington issues the endorsement through the Department of Licensing (DOL) and requires you to pass both a knowledge test and a riding skills test, or to complete an approved motorcycle safety course that waives the riding test.

The process takes between one and three weeks from start to finish, depending on whether you take the DOL's riding test or use a safety course completion certificate. You must be at least 16 years old to obtain a motorcycle endorsement, though riders under 18 face additional restrictions on engine size and riding hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington requires both a written test and a riding skills test to add a motorcycle endorsement to your license, unless you complete an approved safety course instead.
  • The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course is the most common way to bypass the DOL riding test and is offered throughout Washington by private instructors and community colleges.
  • You must bring your current driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of Social Security number to the DOL when you test or submit your safety course certificate.
  • Riders under 18 cannot operate motorcycles with engines larger than 250cc and cannot ride between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a valid endorsement.
  • The endorsement fee is a one-time cost added to your license renewal, and you do not need to renew the endorsement separately.

Two Routes to the Endorsement: DOL Testing or Safety Course

Washington offers two paths to the motorcycle endorsement. The first is to pass the DOL's written knowledge test and the DOL's riding skills test at a Department of Licensing office. The second is to complete an approved motorcycle safety course — most commonly the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course — and submit the completion certificate to the DOL without taking either test.

Most riders choose the safety course route because it teaches practical riding skills in a controlled environment, includes classroom instruction on traffic laws and hazard awareness, and eliminates the need to pass the DOL riding test. The course typically runs two days (weekend format) or four evenings and costs between $200 and $350 depending on the provider. The DOL route is faster if you already have significant riding experience, but you must schedule a test appointment and provide your own motorcycle for the riding portion.

Both routes result in the same endorsement on your license. The choice depends on your experience level, schedule, and whether you own a motorcycle already.

The DOL Written Test and Riding Test

If you choose to test directly with the Department of Licensing, you must first pass the motorcycle knowledge test at any DOL office. The written test covers Washington traffic laws, motorcycle-specific rules, hazard recognition, and safe riding practices. You can study using the Washington Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is free on the DOL website. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can retake the test the same day if you fail.

After passing the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the riding skills test. You must bring your own motorcycle, which must be street-legal and registered in Washington. The test takes place in a closed course and evaluates your ability to control the motorcycle, brake safely, turn, and navigate obstacles. If you fail the riding test, you can retake it, but you do not need to retake the written test.

The DOL charges a fee for each test attempt. Check the current fee on the DOL website, as fees change periodically.

Completing a Motorcycle Safety Course Instead

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course is the standard safety course recognized by Washington. The course includes classroom instruction, range exercises on motorcycles provided by the course provider, and a final riding evaluation. You do not need to own a motorcycle or have a current motorcycle endorsement to take the course.

Courses are offered year-round by private instructors, community colleges, and motorcycle dealerships throughout Washington. The course typically costs $200 to $350 and runs either as a two-day weekend intensive or as four evening sessions over two weeks. Upon completion, you receive a certificate of completion that you bring to the DOL along with your driver's license and proof of identity.

When you submit the certificate to the DOL, you do not take any test. The DOL adds the endorsement to your license within one to two weeks. This route is often faster overall because you avoid scheduling delays for the DOL riding test, and the course teaches practical skills that the written test alone does not cover.

Documents and Fees You Will Need

To obtain a motorcycle endorsement through either route, you must bring specific documents to the Department of Licensing. You need your current Washington driver's license, a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return). If you are using a safety course certificate, bring that as well.

The endorsement itself does not have a separate fee — instead, it is added to your license at your next renewal. However, if you want the endorsement added when ready rather than waiting for renewal, the DOL charges a fee to reissue your license with the endorsement. The fee for a reissued license varies; check the DOL website for the current amount. If you take the DOL riding test, there is also a test fee per attempt.

If you take a safety course, the course provider charges the tuition directly. This is separate from any DOL fees.

Age Restrictions for Riders Under 18

Washington imposes restrictions on motorcycle riders under 18 years old, even after they obtain a valid endorsement. Riders aged 16 and 17 cannot operate motorcycles with engines larger than 250 cubic centimeters (cc). This restriction applies to the engine displacement, not the motorcycle's overall size or weight.

Additionally, riders under 18 cannot operate a motorcycle between midnight and 5 a.m., regardless of the engine size. These restrictions remain in effect until the rider turns 18, at which point they can operate any street-legal motorcycle during any hours.

Young riders must still pass the same knowledge and skills tests (or complete the same safety course) as adult riders. The restrictions are separate from the endorsement process itself.

What Happens After You Receive the Endorsement

Once the Department of Licensing adds the motorcycle endorsement to your license, you can legally operate a motorcycle on Washington public roads. The endorsement appears on your license as an "M" designation. You do not need to renew the endorsement separately — it remains valid as long as your driver's license is valid.

When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews automatically at no additional cost. If your license is suspended or revoked, the endorsement is suspended or revoked along with it. If you lose your license or it is stolen, the replacement license will include the endorsement if it was on the original.

Washington does not require motorcycle-specific insurance, but most insurance companies offer motorcycle coverage as an add-on to an auto policy or as a standalone policy. Motorcycle insurance is separate from your car insurance and covers liability, collision, and theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a motorcycle endorsement if I have an out-of-state license?

No. You must have a valid Washington driver's license before you can add a motorcycle endorsement. If you hold an out-of-state license, you must first convert it to a Washington license at the Department of Licensing, then follow the endorsement process. You can do both in the same visit if you bring all required documents.

Do I have to take the safety course, or can I just take the DOL test?

You can choose either route. The safety course is not mandatory, but it is the most common choice because it teaches practical skills and waives the DOL riding test. If you prefer to test directly with the DOL, you can take the written and riding tests without taking a course.

What if I fail the DOL riding test?

You can retake the riding test after paying the test fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts. You do not need to retake the written test if you already passed it. If you fail multiple times, taking a safety course may help you develop the skills needed to pass.

Can I ride a motorcycle with just a learner's permit?

No. A learner's permit does not allow you to operate a motorcycle. You must have a full motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license. Some states offer motorcycle learner's permits, but Washington does not.

How long does the endorsement stay on my license?

The motorcycle endorsement remains on your license for as long as your driver's license is valid. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews automatically. You do not need to retake any test or reapply for the endorsement at renewal.