How to Get an Iowa Motorcycle License

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Age Requirements for an Iowa motorcycle license/endorsement are as follows:

  • Motorcycle permit: At least 14 years old.
  • Motorcycle license/endorsement: At least 16 years old.

Requirements for a Motorcycle License in Iowa

To apply for a motorcycle license or endorsement in Iowa, you’ll need to:

  • Visit the Iowa DOT office.
  • Complete an application.
  • Provide proof of your identification, residency, and legal presence.
  • Pass a vision exam.
  • Pay the required application and testing fees.
  • Pass the motorcycle written knowledge exam.
  • Pass a motorcycle skills test or complete an approved motorcycle rider safety course. 

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Iowa Motorcycle Instruction Permit

The above steps will get you your motorcycle instruction permit.

You can use this permit to practice riding and enroll in a motorcycle safety course.

If you are under 18, you are required to complete a course.

If you are over 18, completing the course will waive your skills testing requirements.

Motorcycle permits are valid for up to 4 years and cannot be renewed.

Your permit will allow you to ride while accompanied by an adult who holds a valid motorcycle endorsement who can see and communicate with you at all times.

Get a Motorcycle License in Iowa

To get your standard motorcycle license/motorcycle endorsement:

Please visit https://iowadot.gov/mvd for official application information and to schedule appointments. 

If you have an existing driver’s license, the motorcycle license will be added as an endorsement.

If you do not have a driver’s license, you have the option to apply for a Class M – motorcycle only license.

A Motorcycle Only license will require you to pass both the motorcycle knowledge test and the standard operator knowledge test.

How Much Does a Motorcycle License Cost in Iowa?

The fees for an Iowa motorcycle license are as follows:

  • Motorcycle learner’s permit: $2 per year up to 4 years when adding to an existing license/
  • Motorcycle permit only: $14.
  • Motorcycle endorsement: $2 per year.
  • Class M (motorcycle only): $6 per year.

Transfer an Out-of-State Motorcycle License When Moving to Iowa

If you’ve recently moved to Iowa, you can transfer your out-of-state motorcycle license or endorsement. To do so:

  • Visit your local DOT office.
  • Surrender your out-of-state license.
  • Complete the application and provide proof of your identity, residency, and legal presence. 
  • Pay the required application fees.
  • Pass an eye exam.
  • Pass the Iowa motorcycle written exam.

If your out-of-state motorcycle license/endorsement is valid you typically will not need to pass a road test or complete another motorcycle safety course.

Once you’ve received your motorcycle license, be sure to come back to MotorcycleZombies.com to learn how to title and register a motorcycle in Iowa.