Michigan Motorcycle Licensing
Motorcycle License, Training & Insurance
The content below is for informational purposes only and was last updated in March 2026. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the Michigan Department of State and the Motorcycle Operator Manual.
Operating a Motorcycle in Michigan
To legally operate a motorcycle in Michigan, you must have a valid Michigan driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement. You must pay a separate cost for the motorcycle endorsement, in addition to your regular driver’s license fee.
Motorcycle Endorsement (CY)
In Michigan, the cycle (CY) endorsement is issued for the operation of motorcycles. However, you don’t need a CY endorsement to purchase a motorcycle. Individuals who are issued a CY endorsement have a “CY” in the Endorsement section of their regular driver’s license.
If you renew your CY endorsement every four (4) years when you renew your driver’s license, your CY endorsement will never expire.
How to Obtain a CY Endorsement
There are two (2) different ways you can get a CY endorsement in Michigan:
- Successfully complete an approved motorcycle safety course; or
- Obtain a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) by passing the vision and written knowledge tests, practice riding with an experienced motorcyclist for up to 180 days, and then pass the skills test.
Penalties for Riding Unendorsed
Operating a motorcycle in Michigan without an endorsement may result in a fine and/or imprisonment. Specifically, the punishment for riding unendorsed in Michigan is:
- Civil infraction citation and a $250 fine, for a first offense.
- Misdemeanor charge, with a $500 fine and/or 90 days in jail, or both, for a second offense.
Michigan Motorcycle Education & Training (MI-REP)
Michigan offers the Michigan Motorcycle Rider Education Program (MI-REP), which administers the Basic RiderCourse (BRC), as well as intermediate and advanced courses.
The various course types include:
- BRC — for new riders.
- Intermediate Rider License Waiver/Basic RiderCourse 2 (IRLW/BRC2) — for motorcyclists with riding experience who want to brush up on their skills.
- Three-Wheel Basic RiderCourse (3WBRC) — for three-wheeled motorcycles.
- Advanced RiderCourse (ARC) — for experienced riders seeking advanced skills.
The BRC course consists of:
- About 5 hours of learning, often through online eCourse
- About 10 hours of on-motorcycle training, spread over two (2) days
Why take the BRC course?
- Completion of the BRC course is one of two ways to obtain the CY endorsement on your driver’s license
- Successful completion of the BRC course may qualify you for an insurance discount depending on your carrier
Helmet Laws
In Michigan, all motorcyclists must wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle. However, the helmet requirement is waived if you can satisfy the below conditions:
- Minimum age: 21 years old
- Have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits
- Have a motorcycle endorsement for at least two (2) years or have passed an approved motorcycle safety course
The helmet requirement also extends to motorcycle passengers. However, passengers may also waive the helmet requirement if they are at least 21 years old and have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits insurance, in addition to the insurance coverage required of the motorcycle operator.
Reinstating Your Endorsement
If you previously had a CY endorsement but let it lapse within the last four (4) years and you can establish proof of the endorsement, the endorsement can be reissued without a skills or knowledge test.
However, if you let your CY endorsement lapse more than four (4) years prior, you have to complete and pass a motorcycle rider safety course, or obtain a motorcycle TIP by passing a knowledge test and then pass the skills test.
Disclaimer: This article has been provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute as legal advice. This article is based on the most reliable information available on 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 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.
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