How to Apply for an Iowa Motorcycle License

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.

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. 

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 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.

To get your standard motorcycle license/motorcycle endorsement:

• Pass the motorcycle road skills test OR complete an approved motorcycle safety training course.

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

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.