Utah Motorcycle Licensing
Motorcycle License Endorsements, Permits, 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 Utah Department of Public Safety – Driver License Division (DLD) or the Motorcycle Operator Manual.
How does Utah Define “Motorcycle”?
In Utah, a motorcycle is a two-wheeled, sometimes three-wheeled, motorized vehicle that is typically powered by an internal combustion engine. Motorcycles are steered using handlebars and are designed to carry one (1) or two (2) passengers on a seat or saddle.
Operating a Motorcycle in Utah
In order to operate a motorcycle in the state of Utah you must:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Hold a Class D driver license and a Class M motorcycle endorsement.
- Title and register your motorcycle with the state of Utah.
- Obtain and carry proof of insurance for your motorcycle and present it to any law enforcement officer upon request.
Getting a Utah Motorcycle Learner Permit & Endorsement
If you’re looking to hit the road on a motorcycle in Utah, you can follow the below steps to obtain a permit and/or endorsement:
- Obtain a Motorcycle Learner Permit
- Gather all required documents.
- Fill out an online application and schedule an appointment at a Driver License office.
- At your appointment, provide all required documents, pass the vision test, pay any applicable fees, and take the 25-question closed-book written knowledge test.
If you pass the written knowledge test, your permit will be issued, and you can proceed with the rider skills test. If you don’t pass the written knowledge test, you can schedule a retake test appointment.
- Satisfy the Skills Test Requirement
The skills test requirement can be satisfied by either: - Completing the skills test at the Driver License Division; or
- Completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course.
- If you pass the skills test, a temporary paper license will be issued to you, and the hard copy with the endorsement will be mailed to you in approximately 4-6 weeks. If you don’t pass the skills test, you can schedule a retake test appointment.
Permit Restructions
For the first two (2) months from the date a motorcycle permit is issued, the following restrictions apply:
- No riding on highways with a posted speed that exceeds 60 miles per hour.
- No carrying passengers.
- No riding between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
After the first two months have passed, the above permit restrictions are lifted.
Anyone under the age of 19, must hold the permit for at least two (2) months. However, this requirement can be waived if you provide proof of completion of the MSF Basic Rider Course.
Endorsement Restrictions
Utah issues motorcycle endorsements based on a tiered system. The applicable restriction is determined based on the size of the motorcycle used during the skills test:
- If you test on a motorcycle 90 cc or less, your endorsement will restrict you to riding motorcycles that are 90 cc or less.
- If you test on a motorcycle 249 cc or less, your endorsement will restrict you to riding motorcycles that are 249 cc or less.
- If you test on a motorcycle 649 cc or less, your endorsement will restrict you to riding motorcycles that are 649 cc or less.
- If you test on a motorcycle 650 cc or higher, the endorsement you are issued will contain no such restriction.
Registration & Insurance
- All motorcycles in Utah must be titled and registered.
- You have to pay a registration fee when you initially register your motorcycle with the state, as well as at each subsequent annual registration renewal.
- Uniform Fees are also due at the time of registration.
- Under Utah state law, a current policy of insurance that includes No-Fault, bodily injury and property damage liability coverage must be maintained on all motorcycles throughout the motorcycle’s registration period.
Next Steps
If you’re a new rider or new to Utah:
- Apply for a motorcycle learner permit at a DLD office.
- Choose whether to take the MSF course or prepare for the skills test.
- After obtaining your permit and satisfying all testing requirements, the “M” endorsement will be added to your driver license.
- Make sure your motorcycle is properly titled, registered, and insured before riding.
- Click here to get a quote in minutes or call 833-70-RIDER for a quote.
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 UT DMV requires motorcyclists to have current coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements on all registered vehicles. Before riding in Utah, 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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