Louisiana Motorcycle Licensing
Motorcycle License Endorsements, Training & Insurance
The content below is for informational purposes only and was last updated as of March 2026. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles or the Motorcycle Operator Manual.
Operating a Motorcycle in Louisiana
Requirements to legally operate a motorcycle in Louisiana include:
- Satisfy minimum age requirements.
- Obtain a Louisiana motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license or learner’s permit.
- Register your motorcycle with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).
- Carry motorcycle insurance that meets state-required minimums.
Getting a Louisiana Motorcycle License Endorsement
According to the Louisiana OMV, riders must hold a valid Louisiana driver’s license or learner’s permit and obtain a motorcycle endorsement to operate a motorcycle legally. A separate license to operate a motorcycle is not issued in Louisiana. Rather, the endorsement is added to an existing license or learner’s permit.
To obtain your endorsement, you must:
- Pass the vision exam.
- Pass the knowledge (written) exam.
- Pass the skills (riding) exam.
- Furnish the motorcycle and helmet to be used for the skills exam yourself. The motorcycle must have a current license plate, proof of current insurance and a current inspection sticker.
- Present your driver’s license, proof of residency and proof of insurance at an OMV office.
- Pay the applicable fee.
If you successfully complete the Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Motorcycle Safety, Awareness and Operators Training Program (DPS Program), you will be exempt from both the knowledge and skills exams.
If you take another approved safety course instead of the DPS Program, you will be exempt from the skills exam only.
Safety, Motorcycle Education & Training in Louisiana
While Louisiana does not require riders to complete motorcycle education to obtain an endorsement, DPS course graduates are exempt from the written and riding exams when applying for an endorsement.
Safety and Equipment Requirements:
- You must wear an approved safety helmet.
- You must wear approved eye protective devices.
- You must have your motorcycle inspected annually.
Insurance Requirements
Louisiana is a compulsory insurance state — meaning, you must maintain and carry proof of insurance at all times while operating a motorcycle. According to the Louisiana Department of Insurance, the minimum liability requirements are:
- $15,000 bodily injury per person
- $30,000 bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 property damage
For more details, visit the Louisiana Department of Insurance at https://www.ldi.la.gov/.
Registering Your Motorcycle in Louisiana
Motorcycles must be titled and registered through the Louisiana OMV. The title fee is $68.50 and the registration fee is $12. Motorcycle registration is valid for four (4) years.
Ready to Ride in Louisiana?
By now, you should have a solid understanding of how to obtain a Louisiana motorcycle endorsement — from testing requirements to insurance and registration rules.
If you’re a new rider or a new resident shopping for motorcycle insurance, click here 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 LA OMV requires motorcyclists to have current coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements on all registered vehicles. Before riding in Louisiana, 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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