How Much Does a Motorcycle License Cost?
A motorcycle license that is certified by the state is necessary before taking your motorcycle on the highway or open road. This will be your proof that you are legally able to drive your motorcycle, just like a driver’s license.
While anyone is allowed to purchase and ride a motorcycle, there is a specific license needed since driving a motorcycle is much different than driving a car.
The main factor of the price of a motorcycle license will be dependent upon the state you reside in.
How much does a motorcycle license cost?
On average, the motorcycle license alone is going to cost anywhere from $15 to $50. This is not going to include your skills test and other miscellaneous fees in order to become licensed. Refer to our table below to see what each state charges for just the license.
When all the courses, permit fees and road test is factored in, the costs can be closer to $300.
| State | Costs |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $5 testing + $23.50 license |
| Alaska | $20 |
| Arizona | $10 to $25 (based on age) |
| Arkansas | $20 |
| California | $28 |
| Colorado | $23 |
| Connecticut | $40 exam + $15 permit |
| Delaware | $8 |
| Florida | $33 |
| Georgia | $20 to $32 (depending on length) |
| Hawaii | $10 to $40 (depending on length) |
| Idaho | $13 tests + $15 license |
| Illinois | $10 |
| Indiana | $11 to $24 (depends on age) |
| Iowa | $12 to $30 |
| Kansas | $9 to $12.50 |
| Kentucky | $24 |
| Louisiana | $19 |
| Maine | $10 exam + $30 license |
| Maryland | $72 |
| Massachusetts | $30 |
| Michigan | $13.50 |
| Minnesota | $21 |
| Mississippi | $6 to $14 |
| Missouri | $10 to $20 |
| Montana | $40 |
| Nebraska | $26.50 for first time |
| Nevada | $21.25 |
| New Hampshire | $30 |
| New Jersey | $65 |
| New Mexico | $18 to $34 (depending on length) |
| New York | $23.50 for permit + 12.50 for license |
| North Carolina | $15 for permit + $1.75 per year |
| North Dakota | $5 |
| Ohio | $25 |
| Oklahoma | $21.50 |
| Oregon | $87 for 8 years |
| Pennsylvania | $31 |
| Rhode Island | $26.50 |
| South Carolina | $12.50 to $25 (depending on length) |
| South Dakota | $8 |
| Tennessee | $20.50 |
| Texas | $25 |
| Utah | $27.50 |
| Vermont | $2 to $8 for endorsement |
| Virginia | $6 per year |
| Washington | $25 |
| West Virginia | $10 |
| Wisconsin | $22 |
| Wyoming | $23 |
Note: This is for the license alone. This will not include any testing, permit or additional fees that your state may require.
Motorcycle license overview
Obtaining a motorcycle license is very similar to a driver’s license. It will require you pass a written test and demonstrate your safety skills by passing a road test.
Before you acquire a motorcycle license, you will first need to apply for a learner’s permit. All states will have a minimum age requirement, and depending on the state you live in, the waiting period before you apply for your license can vary anywhere from as little as 20 days to as long as six months. All states will have requirements in regards to the minimums that have to be met while using your learner’s permit.
When ready, you will visit your local vehicle agency and will be required to fill out an application, along with the fees mentioned above. You will then be asked to verify your insurance, license plates and motorcycle registration. When approved, you will schedule a day to take your road test. If necessary, you will also be asked to take a written test before receiving your license.
Once you pass, a motorcycle endorsement will be added to your driver’s license.
What are the extra costs?
The fees above won’t include any study materials, permit fees, classes and/or road tests.
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