What endorsements and restrictions mean on your license

Your driver's license lists what you are and are not permitted to drive. Endorsements are permissions — they expand what you can legally operate. Restrictions are limitations — they narrow what you can do or require you to follow special rules. Both appear as codes on your license, usually on the back or in a dedicated section, and they matter because driving outside your endorsements or violating a restriction can result in a ticket, even if you have a valid license.

The codes themselves are standardized across states, though the way they print on your card varies. A restriction might say you must wear corrective lenses, or that you cannot drive at night. An endorsement might say you are licensed to haul hazardous materials, or to operate a motorcycle. You need to know what yours say because law enforcement will check them, and insurance companies will ask about them when you file a claim.

Key Takeaways

  • Endorsements are permissions that let you drive vehicles or carry cargo you could not otherwise operate legally; restrictions are rules that limit when, where, or how you can drive.
  • Every state uses letter codes for endorsements and restrictions, but the specific codes and their meanings differ by state — your state's DMV website lists what each code means.
  • Common restrictions include corrective lenses, hearing aids, automatic transmission only, and no night driving; common endorsements include motorcycle, air brake, and hazmat.
  • You cannot add an endorsement by yourself — you must pass a written test and sometimes a skills test specific to that endorsement, then visit your DMV to update your license.
  • If a restriction is no longer necessary (for example, you had eye surgery and no longer need glasses), you can request removal by visiting your DMV with documentation from a doctor or eye care provider.

Where to find endorsements and restrictions on your card

The location varies by state. Most states print endorsements and restrictions on the back of the physical card, often in a section labeled "Endorsements" or "Restrictions" with a series of letter codes. Some states put them on the front. A few states use a separate document or a notation in the magnetic stripe or barcode that only appears when scanned.

If you cannot find them on your card, check your state's DMV website — you can usually look up your license record online using your license number and date of birth. This also shows you what each code means. Do not assume you know what a code stands for; the same letter can mean different things in different states. For example, "M" means motorcycle in some states and manual transmission in others.

Common endorsements and what they allow

An endorsement is permission to operate a vehicle class or carry cargo that requires additional training or testing. You cannot drive a motorcycle, haul hazardous materials, or operate a school bus without the correct endorsement, even if you have a valid license for regular passenger vehicles.

The most common endorsements are:

  • Motorcycle (M): Permits you to operate motorcycles and mopeds. Requires a separate written test and usually a skills test or completion of an approved motorcycle safety course.
  • Air Brake (A): Permits you to operate commercial vehicles with air brake systems. Required for many truck drivers; tested separately.
  • Hazmat (H): Permits you to transport hazardous materials. Requires a federal background check and written test; must be renewed every three years.
  • Passenger (P): Permits you to operate a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers. Requires a separate test.
  • School Bus (S): Permits you to operate a school bus. Requires background checks, medical certification, and a separate written and skills test.

If you want to add an endorsement, you must visit your DMV, pay a fee, pass the written test for that endorsement, and sometimes pass a skills test. The process takes a few weeks in most states. You cannot add an endorsement online or by mail.

Common restrictions and what they require

A restriction is a rule that limits how or when you can drive. Unlike endorsements, restrictions are usually placed on your license because of a medical condition, a failed test, or a violation. You must follow all restrictions or you can be cited for a license violation.

The most common restrictions are:

  • Corrective Lenses (1): You must wear glasses or contact lenses whenever you drive. This is the most common restriction.
  • Hearing Aid (3): You must wear a hearing aid when driving if you use one.
  • Automatic Transmission Only (10): You can only drive vehicles with automatic transmissions, not manual.
  • No Night Driving (11): You cannot drive between sunset and sunrise. Often placed on older drivers or those with vision problems.
  • No Freeway Driving (12): You cannot drive on interstate highways or limited-access roads.
  • Daylight Only (13): You can only drive during daylight hours.
  • Mechanical Devices (14): You must use hand controls or other adaptive equipment to operate the vehicle.

Restrictions are usually placed by the DMV during your initial test or renewal, or by a court order following a violation. If you believe a restriction is no longer necessary, you can request removal by visiting your DMV with supporting documentation — for example, a letter from your eye doctor if you no longer need corrective lenses.

How endorsements and restrictions affect insurance and traffic stops

Insurance companies ask about endorsements and restrictions when you get a quote or file a claim. If you were driving outside your endorsements — for example, operating a motorcycle without an M endorsement — the insurer may deny your claim entirely. If you violated a restriction, such as driving at night when your license says you cannot, the insurer may refuse to cover the accident.

During a traffic stop, an officer will scan or read your license and see all endorsements and restrictions. Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate offense from whatever else you might be stopped for. For example, if you have a "no night driving" restriction and are pulled over at 9 p.m., you can be cited for that violation alone, regardless of whether you were speeding or committed any other infraction.

If you are unsure whether you are allowed to do something — drive a certain vehicle, drive at a certain time, carry certain cargo — check your license or call your state's DMV before you drive. The cost of a phone call is far less than the cost of a ticket or a denied insurance claim.

How to update or remove endorsements and restrictions

To add an endorsement, visit your DMV in person with your current license, proof of residency, and payment for the endorsement fee. You will take a written test specific to that endorsement. Some endorsements also require a skills test or a medical examination. Processing usually takes two to four weeks.

To remove a restriction, visit your DMV with documentation showing the restriction is no longer necessary. For corrective lenses, bring a letter from your eye doctor stating you no longer need them. For hearing aids, bring a letter from an audiologist. For restrictions related to a medical condition, bring a letter from your doctor. Some states require you to retake the vision or hearing test at the DMV. You may be charged a small fee to update your license.

You cannot remove a restriction by mail or online in most states. You must appear in person. If the restriction was placed by a court order, you may need to petition the court to have it lifted before the DMV will remove it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a motorcycle if I don't have an M endorsement?

No. Driving a motorcycle without an M endorsement is illegal, even if you have a valid driver's license for regular vehicles. You will be cited for operating without the proper endorsement. You must pass a written test and usually a skills test to add the M endorsement to your license.

What happens if I drive at night when my license says no night driving?

You can be stopped and cited for violating a license restriction, which is a separate offense. This can result in a fine and points on your driving record. If you are in an accident, your insurance may deny your claim because you were driving in violation of your license restrictions.

How do I know what all the codes on my license mean?

Visit your state's DMV website and search for "license endorsements and restrictions" or "license codes." Most states publish a chart showing what each letter or number code means. You can also call your DMV or visit in person and ask an employee to explain your specific codes.

Can I remove a restriction myself, or do I have to go to the DMV?

You must go to the DMV in person. Bring documentation from a medical professional showing the restriction is no longer necessary — for example, a letter from your eye doctor if you no longer need glasses. The DMV will review your documentation and update your license if they agree the restriction should be removed.

Do I need to pass a test to add an endorsement?

Yes. Every endorsement requires a written test specific to that endorsement. Some endorsements, such as motorcycle or school bus, also require a skills test or a medical examination. You cannot add an endorsement without passing the required test.