District of Columbia

District of Columbia Motorcycle Licensing

Motorcycle License Endorsement, Training & Insurance

The content below is for informational purposes only and was last updated as of 5/14/2021. For the most up-to-date information, please visit https://dmv.dc.gov/.

Operating a Motorcycle in the District of Columbia

In order to operate a motorcycle in the District of Columbia you must:

  • Meet the District of Columbia’s minimum age requirement
  • Obtain a District of Columbia motorcycle license endorsement
  • Register your motorcycle with the District of Columbia
  • Obtain insurance coverage that meets District of Columbia requirements

The minimum age requirement to operate a motorcycle in the District of Columbia is 18 years old. For specific motorcycle licensing requirements and restrictions by age group, click here.

Getting a District of Columbia Motorcycle License Endorsement

According to the District of Columbia Division of Motor Vehicles, in addition to meeting the requirements necessary to obtain a regular driver’s license, individuals must apply for a motorcycle license endorsement to operate a motorcycle. 

Find out how to obtain a District of Columbia Motorcycle License here.

Motorcycle Education & Training in The District of Columbia

Motorcyclists should sign up for a motorcycle safety course.  In District of Columbia, it is mandatory to complete a motorcycle demonstration course to obtain a District of Columbia motorcycle license, regardless of age. To find a District of Columbia Safety Course, click here. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) website contains operator safety information.

District of Columbia Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

If you’re riding a motorcycle, you will have many of the same requirements regarding registration, licensing and insurance as automobile drivers have in the District of Columbia. For information about District of Columbia insurance requirements, visit https://disb.dc.gov/.   

By now, you should have a good idea about how to proceed in obtaining a District of Columbia motorcycle license. If you are a new resident in the District of Columbia, or you are a new rider and you’re shopping for motorcycle insurance, click here to get a quote in minutes.

Disclaimer: The materials available at this web site are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should review the links within this article, or contact the relevant state agency, for complete and current information.

The DC DMV requires motorcyclists to have current coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements on all registered vehicles. Before riding in the District of Columbia, 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.

Want to find out more about motorcycle coverage requirements in other states?

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