How to Get a Motorcycle Endorsement in Michigan

What You Need to Do to Add a Motorcycle Endorsement to Your Michigan License

A motorcycle endorsement in Michigan 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 Michigan without this endorsement, even if you hold a valid car license. The process involves passing a written knowledge test, a riding skills test, and paying a fee. You do not need a separate license — the endorsement attaches to your existing license class.

Michigan offers two routes to the endorsement: the standard DMV route with the written and riding tests, or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course waiver route, which lets you skip the riding test if you complete an approved safety course. Most riders choose the MSF route because it teaches you to ride safely before you test, and the course completion certificate counts as your riding test pass.

Key Takeaways

You must pass a written test about motorcycle laws and safety, and either pass a riding test at the Secretary of State or complete an MSF-approved safety course.
The MSF course route is faster and safer for most riders — you take a two-day or three-day course, receive a completion certificate, and skip the state riding test.
You need a valid Michigan driver's license before you can add a motorcycle endorsement; you cannot test for the endorsement alone.
The endorsement fee is added to your license renewal or replacement cost, and the total depends on your license type and how long you want it valid.
You must bring proof of identity, residency, and your current license to the Secretary of State office when you finalize the endorsement.

The Two Routes: MSF Course or State Riding Test

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course route is the most common path. You enroll in an MSF-certified Basic Rider Course (BRC) or Experienced Rider Course (ERC) through a training provider in Michigan. These courses run two or three days depending on the provider and course level. You pay the course provider directly — costs vary but typically range from $200 to $350. At the end, you receive a course completion certificate that you bring to the Secretary of State.

The state riding test route requires you to show up at a Secretary of State office with your own motorcycle or a borrowed one, pass a written test, and then demonstrate riding skills on a closed course. You must schedule this in advance. This route is free except for the endorsement fee itself, but it requires you to already know how to ride, and test slots fill up quickly in spring and summer.

If you choose the MSF course, you still take the written test at the Secretary of State after you complete the course — the course certificate only waives the riding test. Plan to visit the Secretary of State office within 60 days of finishing your course, because the certificate expires if you do not use it.

Step-by-Step: The MSF Course Route (Most Common)

Step 1: Find an MSF-certified provider. Visit the MSF website or call the Michigan Department of State to get a list of approved training providers near you. Providers include community colleges, motorcycle dealerships, and independent riding schools. Check their schedules and course dates.

Step 2: Enroll and complete the course. Register with your chosen provider and pay the course fee. Bring a valid ID and your current driver's license to the first day of class. The course covers motorcycle operation, safety, hazard awareness, and braking. You will ride a motorcycle provided by the course (usually a small, beginner-friendly model). You must pass the riding portion of the course to receive the completion certificate.

Step 3: Take the written test at the Secretary of State. After you finish the course, schedule an appointment at your local Secretary of State office to take the motorcycle knowledge test. Bring your course completion certificate, valid ID, proof of Michigan residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your current driver's license. The written test covers Michigan motorcycle laws, road signs, and safe riding practices. You must score at least 16 out of 20 questions correct to pass.

Step 4: Pay the endorsement fee and receive your new license. Once you pass the written test, you pay the endorsement fee and the Secretary of State issues you a new license with the motorcycle endorsement added. Your new license will show an "M" restriction code. You can ride legally as soon as you receive the new license.

Step-by-Step: The State Riding Test Route

Step 1: Schedule your riding test appointment. Call your local Secretary of State office or book online through the Michigan SOS website. You must schedule in advance; walk-ins are not accepted for riding tests. Ask which office locations offer motorcycle testing and what days they test.

Step 2: Prepare your motorcycle and documents. You must bring a street-legal motorcycle that is registered and insured in Michigan. The bike must have working lights, mirrors, horn, and brakes. Bring your valid ID, proof of residency, current driver's license, and proof of motorcycle insurance. Wear a DOT-approved helmet and protective gear (jacket, gloves, long pants, closed-toe shoes).

Step 3: Pass the written test. Before the riding test, you take the same 20-question knowledge test as the MSF route. You must score at least 16 out of 20. If you fail, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule a new riding test appointment.

Step 4: Pass the riding test. The examiner will watch you perform a series of riding maneuvers on a closed course — starting, stopping, turning, swerving, and braking. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You must demonstrate safe control and follow all instructions. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must schedule a new appointment and pay the test fee again.

Step 5: Pay the endorsement fee and receive your license. Once you pass both tests, you pay the endorsement fee and receive your new license with the motorcycle endorsement.

Documents You Need and Fees

Before you visit the Secretary of State, gather these documents: your current Michigan driver's license, a valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of Michigan residency dated within the last 12 months (utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance policy). If you are using the MSF course route, bring your course completion certificate.

The endorsement fee depends on your license type and renewal cycle. A motorcycle endorsement added to a standard driver's license costs between $10 and $20, but this is added to the cost of a license replacement or renewal. If your license is not expiring soon, you will pay a replacement fee (usually $25 to $30) plus the endorsement fee. If you are renewing your license anyway, you only pay the endorsement fee. Ask the Secretary of State office for the exact total before you pay.

The MSF course itself is not free — you pay the training provider $200 to $350 depending on the course and provider. Some employers, insurance companies, or motorcycle clubs offer discounts on MSF courses, so ask your provider if you may have access to.

Age Requirements and Restrictions for New Riders

You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Michigan. If you are under 18, you are subject to graduated licensing restrictions. You cannot carry passengers, cannot ride between midnight and 5 a.m., and must wear a helmet at all times. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you hold the endorsement for one year, whichever comes first.

All motorcycle riders in Michigan, regardless of age, must wear a DOT-approved helmet. This is a legal requirement, not just a safety recommendation. Riders under 21 must also wear eye protection (goggles or a face shield).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is not bringing the right documents to the Secretary of State. Bring your current license, a valid photo ID, and proof of residency — do not assume your ID alone is enough. If you are using the MSF route, bring the course completion certificate; without it, you cannot waive the riding test.

Another mistake is waiting too long to visit the Secretary of State after finishing your MSF course. The completion certificate is valid for 60 days. If you miss that window, you will have to retake the course or schedule the state riding test instead.

Riders also sometimes show up to the state riding test without proper gear or a street-legal motorcycle. The examiner will not test you if your bike is not registered and insured or if you do not have a helmet. Check all these details before you schedule your appointment.

Finally, do not skip the written test preparation. The test covers Michigan-specific motorcycle laws and road signs. Study the motorcycle section of the Michigan Driver's Manual before you test. Many riders pass the MSF course but fail the written test because they did not review the state laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the MSF course if I have never ridden a motorcycle before?

Yes. The MSF Basic Rider Course is designed for beginners with no riding experience. The course teaches you everything from the ground up, and the motorcycles used in training are small and manageable. You do not need to know how to ride before you enroll.

What if I fail the written test at the Secretary of State?

You can retake the written test. If you used the MSF route, your course certificate is still valid, so you only need to retake the written test — you do not retake the course. You can schedule another appointment at the Secretary of State. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, but you must pass within 60 days of your course completion.

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

No. For the MSF course route, the training provider supplies the motorcycle. For the state riding test route, you can borrow a motorcycle as long as it is street-legal, registered, and insured. You do not need to own one to test.

How long does the motorcycle endorsement stay on my license?

The endorsement stays on your license for as long as your license is valid. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews with it. You do not need to retake any test or pay an additional endorsement fee at renewal — the endorsement is permanent once you have it.

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

No. You must have a valid Michigan driver's license before you can add a motorcycle endorsement. If you have an out-of-state license, you must first convert it to a Michigan license at the Secretary of State, then explore for the motorcycle endorsement.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.