How To Get an Indiana Motorcycle License

To drive a motorcycle in Indiana, you’ll need to be at least 16 years and 90 days old and hold a valid Indiana driver’s license.
Written by Liz Jenson
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
You’ll need a motorcycle license or endorsement to operate a motorcycle in
Indiana
. To get this certification, you must be at least 16 and 90 days old and hold a valid Indiana driver’s license.
Whether you’re brand new to motorcycle ownership or just moving your bike to a new state, learning about licensing laws in your area is important. To drive your motorcycle on the rolling hills in Indiana, you’ll need to either add a motorcycle endorsement to your existing license or obtain a second license specifically for operating your bike.
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Do you need a license to operate a motorcycle in Indiana?

Yes. In the state of Indiana, anyone operating a motorcycle must have either a valid motorcycle learner's permit or a motorcycle endorsement. Those caught driving a motorcycle without the correct type of licensing will be fined up to $500 for their first offense.
However, it’s important to note that
Indiana licensing requirements
vary by age. If you are less than 16 and 270 days old, you’ll be required to attend an authorized motorcycle safety course with a Ride Safe Indiana provider. If you are 16 and 270 days old or older, however, you will not be required to attend this course.
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Adding a motorcycle endorsement to your Indiana driver’s license

If you are 16 years and 90 days old and attempting to get licensing to operate a motorcycle, you’ll need to get a motorcycle endorsement. The requirements for this are as follows:
  • You must have a valid Indiana driver’s license.
  • You must ​​successfully complete a safety course with an authorized Ride Safe Indiana provider.
  • You must bring your graduation documentation to the BMV when you visit to get your endorsement.
  • You must pass a vision screening.
  • Your parent or guardian must sign an Agreement of Financial Liability, which places legal responsibility on them if you get into an accident.
  • You must pay a one-time $19 fee.
Once you complete these steps, you’ll receive a motorcycle endorsement on your Indiana driver’s license.
If you are 16 years and 270 days old or older and attempting to get a motorcycle license, the process will look a little different. You’ll still need a valid driver’s license, of course, but you won’t need to complete the safety course if you don’t want to. Instead, you’ll just need to do the following:
  • Pass a motorcycle knowledge exam based on information found in the Indiana Motorcycle Manual.
  • Obtain a motorcycle learner's permit from your local BMV.
  • Pass a motorcycle skills exam with an approved Ride Safe Indiana testing provider
  • Pass a vision exam.
  • If you are under 18, have your parent or guardian sign an Agreement of Financial Liability.
  • Pay the one-time $19 fee.
Once you do all of this, you’ll receive your motorcycle endorsement on your license.
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Does Indiana have motorcycle-only licensing?

When you’re getting your Indiana motorcycle endorsement, you’ll probably go through a period where you have a motorcycle
learner’s permit
. However, this is the closest that you’ll get to a motorcycle-only license in Indiana. Once you’re officially motorcycle-licensed, it will show up as an endorsement on your regular driver’s license.

How to save on motorcycle insurance in Indiana

While the state of Indiana doesn’t specifically require
motorcycle insurance
, you will need to show
proof of insurance
when you register your bike! Fortunately, motorcycle insurance is typically cheaper than car insurance, so it won’t break the bank to add this to your policy.
However, most motorcycle owners also have a car— and in that case, of course, insurance is legally required. That’s where
Jerry
comes in.
All you have to do is download Jerry and take the 45-second quiz to tell the app more about your needs. Then, Jerry will perform a cross-analysis of over 55 insurance providers to find the one that suits your needs the best. The average user saves close to $900 per year!
“When we added a new car to our family, we were shocked at how high our current insurer was going to hike our rates. We used
Jerry
for some comparison shopping and are now saving around $1000 a year. Thank you, Jerry!” —Darius P.
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FAQs

Yes! You’ll need to pass a motorcycle skills exam with an approved Ride Safe Indiana instructor to receive your motorcycle endorsement.
You’ll pay a one-time fee of $19 to get your motorcycle endorsement.
If you’re found operating a motorcycle without proper licensing in the state of Indiana, you may be fined up to $500.
You will need motorcycle insurance to register your bike in Indiana, but you aren’t technically legally obligated to maintain that insurance policy after your registration has been completed.
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