Washington Motorcycle Licensing
Motorcycle License Endorsements, Permits, Training & Insurance
The content below is for informational purposes only and was last updated as of April 2026. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) and the Motorcycle Operator Manual.
What do you Need to Operate a Motorcycle in Washington?
In order to operate a motorcycle in the state of Washington you must either have a 2-wheel motorcycle endorsement on your Washington state driver license or a motorcycle instruction permit that authorizes you to learn how to operate a motorcycle on public roadways.
Permit & Endorsement Requirements
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Have a valid Washington driver license.
- Pass the 2-wheel permit knowledge and skills tests. If you present your permit while applying for an endorsement, you won’t have to take these tests again. However, you will still have to pass the 2-wheel endorsement knowledge and skills tests.
Permit Rules & Restrictions
Once you are issued a permit, it will be valid for 180 days. You are only allowed to renew your permit once within a 5-year period of when you initially received your permit. Permit holders in Washington are subject to certain rules and restrictions, as follows:
- No passengers
- No nighttime riding
Motorcycle Education & Training in Washington
In Washington, riders under age 18 are required to complete an approved motorcycle safety training course. Riders 18 and older are not required to complete training, but are strongly encouraged to take an approved safety training course.
Washington motorcycle training is provided through DOL-approved motorcycle training schools, offering both classroom instruction and on-cycle training. The Novice Rider Course for beginners can usually be completed across two days. Before starting the course, your motorcycle must pass a pre-ride inspection, and you must provide proof of insurance.
Washington Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Washington law requires motorcyclists to carry minimum liability insurance coverage that meets state financial responsibility requirements. The minimum insurance coverage individuals who operate motorcycles in Washington must have is:
- $25,000 of bodily injury or death of one person in any one accident;
- $50,000 of bodily injury or death of two people in any one accident; and
- $10,000 of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident.
You must be able to present proof of insurance to law enforcement any time you operate a motorcycle on Washington roadways. If you’re unable to present this proof upon request, you may receive a traffic infraction, and if you knowingly provide false proof of coverage, you may be charged with a misdemeanor.
Next Steps
By now, you should have a solid understanding of how to legally operate a motorcycle in Washington — from endorsement requirements to rider education and insurance rules.
If you’re a new rider or a new resident shopping for motorcycle insurance, click here or call 833-70-RIDER to get a quote in minutes, and make sure you have the right coverage before hitting the road.
Disclaimer: This article has been provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is based on the most reliable information available as of the date of publication. Motorcycle laws are subject to change. For legal guidance and to ensure you have the most up-to-date information, please consult qualified legal counsel or your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
The WA DOL requires motorcyclists to have current coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements on all registered vehicles. Before riding in Washington, 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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