Nevada Motorcycle Licensing
Motorcycle License Endorsements, Permits, Training & Insurance in Nevada
The content below is for informational purposes only and was last updated in March 2026. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the Nevada Motorcycle Operator Manual.
Definition of a Motorcycle
Under Nevada law, “motorcycle” means every motor vehicle equipped with a seat or a saddle, designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. The term “motorcycle” excludes electric bicycles, electric scooters, tractors, mopeds or autocycles.
All Nevada residents who operate a motorcycle must have a Nevada Class M driver’s license. Nevada does not issue endorsements. Your Class A, B, or C and Class M are listed on one license.
Nevada Motorcycle Instruction Permits
Riders Age 18 and Under
- Must obtain and hold a motorcycle instruction permit for at least six (6) months.
- Once a permit is obtained, you must complete 50 hours of supervised experience on a motorcycle, which must be documented on a DMV drive log.
- Your supervising rider must hold a valid motorcycle license, be at least 21 years old, have at least one (1) year of driving experience, and must ride on a separate motorcycle from you.
- Must complete a motorcycle safety course. If no course is available within 30 miles of your home, you can satisfy this requirement by completing an additional 50 hours of supervised experience.
Permit is valid for one (1) year and can be renewed multiple times until you turn 18 years old.
Riders Age 18 and Over
- If you take and pass a course offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), you are not required to receive an instruction permit.
- If you choose to take the written and if applicable, vision test, at the DMV instead of completing an MSF course, you can decide whether you want to obtain a permit or not. If you choose not to obtain a permit, you cannot operate a motorcycle until you complete the skills test.
- Permit is valid for six (6) months and may be renewed once every five (5) years.
Permit Restrictions
Nevada motorcycle permit holders cannot:
- Ride at night.
- Ride on freeways or other high speed roadways.
- Carry passengers.
Getting a Nevada Motorcycle License (Class M)
Nevada offers two pathways to earn your Class M license: completing a state-approved motorcycle safety course or taking the DMV tests.
If you choose to take an MSF course, follow these steps to obtain your license:
- Once you have successfully completed the MSF course, bring the Certification of Completion (MSF card) and your existing driver’s license to a DMV office.
- If the DMV determines that the requirements are met after you submit all required documentation, your new license will be mailed to you.
Note: the DMV accepts MSF courses up to one (1) year after they have been completed.
If you choose to take the tests administered at the DMV, follow these steps to obtain your license:
- Once you have passed the written and vision test (if any), take and pass the skills test at the DMV.
- If you fail the skills test two or more times, you will have to take a course to obtain a Class M license instead.
- The DMV will take your picture and your new license will be mailed to you.
Class M Motorcycle Restrictions
If you take your skills test on a motorcycle under 90cc, your license will be restricted to 90cc or less (Restriction Q).
Motorcycle Registration & Insurance Requirements
Registration
Motorcycles are subject to the same registration requirements as other vehicles. To register a motorcycle in Nevada, you will need to provide:
- Nevada Evidence of Insurance; and
- Properly signed-off title or Dealer’s Report of Sale.
Additional Registration Notes
- If you purchased your motorcycle from a Nevada dealer, you can register it online without having to visit a DMV office.
- Motorcycles are exempt from emission inspections and odometer reporting.
- Nevada charges a $6 fee to fund the Nevada Rider Motorcycle Safety Program within the Department of Public Safety.
Insurance Requirements
Nevada riders must maintain at least the following minimum liability coverage:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $20,000 property damage
For more information, consult the Nevada Department of Insurance.
Next steps
If you’re a new rider or new to Nevada, you now know how to get started with motorcycle permits, Class M licensing, registration and insurance requirements. Before you hit the road, make sure your motorcycle is properly insured!
Click here or call 833-70-RIDER to get a quote in minutes.
Disclaimer: This article has been provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This content is based on the most reliable information available on the date of publication. Motorcycle laws are subject to change. For legal guidance and the most up-to-date regulations, consult qualified legal counsel or the Nevada DMV.
The NV DMV requires motorcyclists to have current coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements on all registered vehicles. Before riding in Nevada, make sure your coverage meets the state’s requirements.
To make sure you have the right coverage at the right price, come see what Rider can do for you.
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