Where to find endorsements on your license
Your endorsements and restrictions are printed on the back of your physical license card, usually in a section labeled "Endorsements" or "Restrictions." On the front, you'll see a code or letter next to the word "Endorsements" — that code refers to the full text on the back. Every state prints this information in the same location on the card, so once you know where to look on yours, you'll recognize it when ready.
If you've lost your license or need to check your record without the card in front of you, you can contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) directly. Most states let you look up your license information online through their DMV website, though you'll typically need your license number, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number to log in.
Key Takeaways
- Endorsements appear on the back of your license card in a dedicated section, with a code on the front that matches the full text on the back.
- Common endorsements include air brake certification (for commercial vehicles), motorcycle riding, and passenger transport — each one expands what you're legally allowed to drive.
- Restrictions limit what you can do with your license, such as corrective lenses, automatic transmission only, or no night driving — violating a restriction can result in a ticket even if you're otherwise driving legally.
- You can check your endorsements online through your state's DMV website or by calling your local DMV office if you don't have your card available.
- If your endorsements or restrictions are wrong, contact your DMV to request a correction — you may need to retake a test or provide new documentation.
What endorsements mean and why they matter
An endorsement is a special permission added to your license that allows you to operate a specific type of vehicle or perform a specific driving task. Without the endorsement, you are not legally allowed to do that thing, even if you think you can do it safely. For example, a motorcycle endorsement means you passed the motorcycle skills test and can legally ride a motorcycle. Without it, riding one is illegal, regardless of your experience.
The most common endorsements are for commercial driving (Class A, B, or C commercial licenses), air brakes on large trucks, passenger transport (like school buses or shuttles), and motorcycles. Some states also issue endorsements for hazardous materials transport or for towing. Each endorsement requires you to pass a written test, a skills test, or both before it's added to your license.
Endorsements stay on your license until they expire (usually with your license renewal) or until you request their removal. If you earned an endorsement years ago and no longer need it, you don't have to keep it — but there's usually no penalty for having it either.
Understanding restrictions on your license
A restriction is the opposite of an endorsement: it's a limitation on what you can do with your license. Common restrictions include corrective lenses (you must wear glasses or contacts while driving), automatic transmission only (you cannot drive a manual transmission vehicle), no night driving, or no highway driving. Some restrictions are temporary — for example, a new driver might have a restriction on driving between midnight and 5 a.m. — while others are permanent based on your vision or medical condition.
Violating a restriction is a traffic violation. If you're pulled over and you're not wearing required glasses, or you're driving at night when your license says you can't, you can be ticketed even if you weren't speeding or breaking any other law. The officer can see your restrictions on their computer when they run your license.
Some restrictions are added automatically when you renew your license based on your vision test results or medical history. Others are added because you requested them — for example, some new drivers ask for a night driving restriction to help them build experience gradually. If a restriction is on your license and you believe it shouldn't be, contact your DMV to request a review or a new vision test.
How to read the endorsement codes on your card
The front of your license shows endorsement codes as single letters or numbers — for example, "M" for motorcycle, "H" for hazmat, or "P" for passenger transport. These codes are shorthand; the full description appears on the back. If you see a code you don't recognize, flip the card over and find that code in the endorsements section to read what it means.
Restrictions also use codes. You might see "B" for corrective lenses, "E" for automatic transmission only, or "J" for no night driving. Again, the back of the card explains what each code stands for. If your card is worn or the text is hard to read, your DMV can print you a replacement card with the same endorsements and restrictions.
Checking your endorsements online or by phone
Most state DMV websites have a "License Status" or "Driver Record" lookup tool where you can enter your license number and date of birth to see your current endorsements and restrictions. This is useful if you've lost your card, if you're explore for a job that requires specific endorsements, or if you just want to verify what's on file before you renew.
If you can't find the online tool or prefer to speak with someone, call your local DMV office. Have your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready. The DMV staff can read your endorsements and restrictions to you over the phone and answer questions about what each one means.
Some states charge a small fee for a driver record printout, while others provide it free. Ask when you call or check your state's DMV website for the current fee.
What to do if your endorsements or restrictions are wrong
If you see an endorsement on your license that you never earned, or a restriction that shouldn't be there, contact your DMV as soon as possible. Errors can happen during data entry, license renewal, or when records are transferred between systems. The DMV will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed.
If the error involves an endorsement you're missing — for example, you earned a motorcycle endorsement but it's not showing on your renewed license — you may need to retake the written test or skills test to have it added back. Bring any documentation you have (old license photos, test certificates, or training records) to speed up the process.
If a restriction was added in error, the DMV may ask you to take a new vision test or provide medical documentation to remove it. This protects both you and other drivers on the road. Once the correction is made, you can request a replacement card with the updated information.
Endorsements and restrictions when you renew your license
When you renew your license, your endorsements and restrictions carry over automatically — you don't have to reapply for them. However, if you fail the vision test at renewal, new restrictions may be added (such as corrective lenses). If you pass the vision test and had a vision-related restriction, it may be removed.
If you want to add a new endorsement during renewal — for example, you want to get your motorcycle endorsement — you can do that at the same time. You'll need to pass the required tests, but you won't have to renew your license early. Some states let you add endorsements between renewals, while others require you to wait until your renewal date. Check with your DMV about their policy.
If you want to remove an endorsement, you can request that during renewal or at any time by contacting your DMV. There's usually no fee to remove an endorsement you no longer need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between an endorsement and a restriction?
An endorsement gives you permission to do something extra — like drive a motorcycle or transport passengers. A restriction prevents you from doing something — like driving at night or without glasses. Endorsements expand your driving privileges; restrictions limit them.
Can I drive without an endorsement I need?
No. Driving without a required endorsement is illegal, even if you're skilled at it. For example, driving a motorcycle without a motorcycle endorsement is a violation. You must have the endorsement before you operate that vehicle.
What happens if I violate a restriction on my license?
You can be ticketed for violating a restriction just as you would for any other traffic violation. For example, driving at night when your license says you can't, or driving without required glasses, is a traffic offense that can result in a fine and points on your record.
Do endorsements expire?
Endorsements expire when your license expires, and they renew automatically when you renew your license — as long as you still meet the requirements. You don't have to retake the endorsement test at renewal unless your state requires it or you let your license lapse for a long period.
How do I add a new endorsement to my current license?
Contact your DMV to find out whether you can add an endorsement before your renewal date or if you must wait until renewal. You'll need to pass the written test and skills test for that endorsement. Some states let you add endorsements anytime; others only at renewal.