Michigan

Michigan Motorcycle Licensing

Motorcycle License, Training & Insurance

The content below is for informational purposes only and was last updated as of 3/26/2021. For the most up-to-date information, please visit https://www.michigan.gov.

Operating a Motorcycle in Michigan

In order to operate a motorcycle in the state of Michigan you must:

  • Meet the state’s minimum age requirement
  • Obtain a Michigan motorcycle license endorsement (in some instances you may need to obtain a learner’s permit)
  • Register your motorcycle with the state of Michigan
  • Obtain insurance coverage that meets Michigan state requirements

The minimum age requirement to operate a motorcycle in Michigan is 16 years old.  For specific motorcycle licensing requirements and restrictions by age group, click here.

Getting a Michigan Motorcycle License

According to the Michigan Secretary of State, in addition to meeting the requirements necessary to obtain a regular driver’s license, individuals must procure a motorcycle endorsement for their operator’s or chauffeur’s license to operate a motorcycle. 

Find out how to obtain a Michigan motorcycle endorsement here.

Motorcycle Education & Training in Michigan

Motorcyclists should sign up for a motorcycle safety course.  In Michigan, it is not mandatory to complete a motorcycle safety course to obtain a Michigan motorcycle endorsement unless you are under the age of 18. To find a Michigan Department of State Safety training site, click here. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) website contains operator safety information.

Michigan 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 Michigan.  For information about Michigan insurance requirements, visit the https://www.michigan.gov/difs.  

By now, you should have a good idea about how to obtain a Michigan motorcycle license endorsement. If you are a new resident in Michigan, 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 MI SOS requires motorcyclists to have current coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements on all registered vehicles. Before riding in Michigan, 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?

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA DC WV WI WY