How to Get a Motorcycle License in Washington

How to get a motorcycle license in Washington usually means adding a motorcycle endorsement to an existing Washington driver license. For the 2-wheel route, the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) requires riders to be at least 16 and complete the permit-level and endorsement-level knowledge and riding tests, under its motorcycle licensing guide. Riders under 18 also need approved safety training and parental consent.

Last verified: November 8, 2026

Key takeaways

Washington’s motorcycle route separates supervised learning authority from the completed endorsement and distinguishes vehicle types.

• Washington’s 2-wheel permit and endorsement applicants must be at least 16.
• Washington’s motorcycle learner permit lasts 180 days.
• Washington allows one initial motorcycle permit and one renewal within a 5-year period.
• Washington’s first motorcycle learner-permit fee is $35, according to DOL’s fee schedule.

Which Washington motorcycle authorization matches your machine?

Washington DOL requires the appropriate 2-wheel or 3-wheel permit or endorsement for motorcycles and qualifying scooters under its vehicle-type guide. A Washington passenger-car license alone does not authorize ordinary motorcycle riding. Choose the correct route before paying a school or buying equipment for the wrong vehicle type.

These engine-size and speed conditions come from DOL’s vehicle guide. The rest of this walkthrough focuses on the two-wheel route. Do not carry its exam sequence over to a sidecar or trike without using the corresponding DOL instructions.

What must you complete before a two-wheel permit is issued?

A Washington 2-wheel motorcycle permit requires a valid Washington driver license, minimum age 16 and passed permit knowledge and riding skills tests, according to DOL’s permit prerequisites. Washington applicants under 18 also need parent or guardian consent. A written-test pass by itself is not the complete motorcycle permit qualification.

Take the exams through an approved motorcycle safety training school. DOL recommends completing them within an approved course. Training lets you develop physical control alongside the knowledge topics, instead of treating a passing written result as evidence that you can already handle the motorcycle.

Read the Washington Motorcycle Operator Manual before attending. For someone who has driven a car for years but never used motorcycle controls, start with the school’s beginner route rather than assume car experience covers braking, balance and turning.

How do the school results become legal riding authority?

Washington DOL tells riders to wait 3 business days for the school to enter test or course results, then apply for the permit within 365 days of testing, under its issuance instructions. Washington riders must complete the licensing transaction; the school’s successful result does not automatically add the permit to the driver license.

• Use DOL’s online service or visit a driver licensing office to add the authorization.
• Follow the replacement or renewal prompts appropriate to your current driver license.
• Review the authorization shown on the new-card summary before completing payment.
• Print and carry the temporary driver license with the motorcycle authorization until the updated card arrives.

Minors need the parent or guardian’s consent at a licensing office under DOL’s motorcycle instructions. Bring the existing Washington credential and the records needed for that office transaction. If the online summary does not show the expected motorcycle authorization, resolve the record before riding.

What limits apply during Washington motorcycle practice?

Washington motorcycle instruction permits last 180 days and prohibit passengers and riding during darkness on public roads, according to DOL’s permit rules. The Washington permit system allows one initial permit and one renewal within a 5-year period. Plan training and endorsement testing before the learning authority expires.

A learner commuting after an evening shift cannot treat an empty rear seat as the only restriction. Darkness is a separate prohibition. Arrange daylight practice and transportation that fit the permit’s conditions rather than use the motorcycle for a trip the credential does not allow.

Which additional steps earn the full two-wheel endorsement?

The Washington 2-wheel endorsement requires endorsement knowledge and riding skills tests in addition to valid permit-level qualifications, under DOL’s endorsement route. Washington riders can show a valid permit instead of repeating its tests. Applicants under 18 must complete an approved two-wheel motorcycle safety course and obtain parental consent.

Endorsement tests are valid for 365 days, but DOL also requires an active permit or valid permit knowledge and skills results when applying. After the school enters the results, complete the DOL transaction and carry the updated temporary license. Keep the validity of each requirement in mind rather than watching only the final test date.

DOL’s fee schedule lists $35 for the initial motorcycle permit, $15 for a permit renewal and $27–$41 to add an original two- or three-wheel endorsement, depending on the time remaining on the license. School testing and course charges are separate and vary by provider. Those state charges are not a total training budget.

Keep motorcycle-specific licensing in the Washington motorcycle hub. For shared traffic situations, review Washington yielding rules; someone still obtaining passenger-car authority can use the car permit guide.

Frequently asked questions

Washington DOL also distinguishes an existing endorsement transfer from a first-time motorcycle application.

Should I transfer my existing motorcycle endorsement when moving?

Yes. Washington DOL instructs eligible applicants to bring proof of the valid existing motorcycle credential when applying for the Washington license. Transfer eligibility depends on the issuing jurisdiction.

Can an Ignition Interlock License holder add the endorsement?

Washington DOL says the Ignition Interlock License restriction must be removed before a motorcycle endorsement can be added.

Does the motorcycle need insurance?

Yes. Washington DOL’s motorcycle licensing guide says motor vehicles must carry insurance. Arrange coverage as part of preparing to ride.