How To Get a Michigan Motorcycle License
Michigan law requires drivers to add a motorcycle endorsement to their valid driver’s license to operate a motorcycle. Learn more here.
Written by Pat Roache
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Instead of a motorcycle license, you’re legally required to add a motorcycle endorsement to your valid driver’s license to operate your motorcycle on
Michigan’s
public roads. To add the endorsement to your license, you’ll need to complete the Michigan Rider Education Program or an approved motorcycle rider skills test. 
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Do you need a license to operate a motorcycle in Michigan?
Yes—Michigan law
section 257.312a
requires motorists to add a motorcycle endorsement to their driver’s or chauffeur’s license before operating a two- or three-wheeled motorcycle that can exceed 30 mph on public roads and highways.The legal age to operate a motorcycle in Michigan is 16 years old. You’ll have to specify whether you’re riding a two- or three-wheeled motorcycle with a straddle seat, as a three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement does not permit you to ride a two-wheeled motorcycle.
If your motorcycle has bucket or sports seats and safety restraints in place of a straddle seat, it’s considered an autocycle. If your motorcycle can’t exceed 30 mph and its engine displacement is smaller than 100 cubic centimeters, it’s considered a moped. Neither requires an additional endorsement, so long as you already have a valid driver’s license or a special restricted license for moped operation.
How to add a motorcycle endorsement to your Michigan driver’s license
There are a few different ways to add a motorcycle endorsement to a valid Michigan driver’s license. All of them require successful completion of an approved motorcycle rider education course or a motorcycle rider skills test.
You can complete a Michigan Rider Education Program (MI-REP) through any approved public or private sponsor. The Basic RiderCourse (BRC) requires a valid Michigan driver’s license and safety wear including a DOT-approved hamlet and eye protection. Advanced courses—including BRC2, RRBRC, and ARC—also require a motorcycle with valid
proof of insurance
. Public courses typically cost $50, but private course costs may vary.If you choose not to take a training course, you’ll need to apply for a Temporary Instruction Permit (CY TIP) at your secretary of state office to prepare for a rider skills test. The CY TIP allows you to practice operating a motorcycle with an experienced, endorsed motorcyclist for up to 180 days. Once you feel prepared, you can take your rider skills test through any approved driver’s testing administrator.
Once you have proof that you’ve passed an approved course or test, you can apply for your motorcycle endorsement online, in office, or by using a self-service station. The Michigan motorcycle endorsement costs $16, though additional fees for different methods may vary.
Apply for a Michigan motorcycle endorsement online
You must be at least 18 years old to add a motorcycle endorsement to your Michigan license online. Here are the steps to apply online.
- Choose “More Driver Services” from the section for Driver’s License and ID.
- Login to your Secretary of State account or create one for free.
- Follow the prompts to add a motorcycle endorsement to your license.
You can pay the $16 motorcycle endorsement fee with a credit or debit card—processing fees apply—or through a bank account number or e-check.
Apply for a Michigan motorcycle endorsement in office
You can
schedule an appointment
at your local Secretary of State office to add a motorcycle endorsement to your license so long as you meet the legal minimum age of 16 years old. Make sure to bring the following: - Proof of course or test completion
- Valid Michigan driver’s license
- Cash, check, credit/debit card, or a money order to pay the $16 fee
Apply for a Michigan motorcycle endorsement at a self-service station
This option is only available to individuals who also need to renew their Michigan driver’s license. If you’re eligible, follow these application steps:
- Bring your proof of course or test completion and driver’s license to aconvenient self-service station.
- Enter your driver’s license number.
- Follow the instructions to add a motorcycle endorsement while you renew your license.
- Pay the necessary fees with a debit/credit card—processing fees apply—or cash if this option is available at your specific location.
In addition to the $16 motorcycle endorsement fee and any debit/credit card fees, you’ll also need to pay a $7 renewal fee and a $3.95 service fee per transaction.
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How to purchase or add a motorcycle insurance policy
Motorcycle insurance
is required to register a motorcycle in Michigan to cover potential liabilities. Generally, motorcycle insurance is cheaper than car insurance
—but that’s not saying much in the Wolverine State where car insurance costs are some of the highest in the country!You can typically bundle your motorcycle insurance with car insurance to get a deal on both. You can also use the
Jerry
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licensed insurance broker app
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FAQs
Is there a motorcycle license test in Michigan?
Yes, successfully passing a motorcycle rider’s skills test with a valid Temporary Instruction Permit is one option to qualify for a Michigan motorcycle endorsement on your license. The other option is to complete an approved Michigan Rider Education Program.
What happens if you drive a motorcycle without a license in Michigan?
Driving a motorcycle without a proper endorsement on your license is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days imprisonment and/or $500 in fines.
Can you drive a motorcycle without insurance in Michigan?
No—motorcycle insurance is required in Michigan.
