ATTENTION: Are you getting your motorcycle endorsement? Make sure you satisfy your state's insurance requirements. Click below for a free quote.
Please enter your zip to get started:
A motorcycle endorsement is required to operate of motorcycle in Virginia.
This page will go over the process for applying for your first motorcycle license and transferring an existing motorcycle endorsement from another state.
VA Motorcycle License Overview
To apply for a motorcycle license or endorsement in Virginia, you’ll need to:
- Visit the Virginia DMV 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.
- Hold the motorcycle permit for the required time frame.
- Pass the motorcycle road skills test OR complete an approved motorcycle safety training course.
If you are younger than 19 years old, you’ll need to satisfy additional Virginia motorcycle permit requirements before receiving your full motorcycle license.
Please visit https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/#/ for official application information and to schedule appointments.
Virginia Motorcycle License Classes
The Virginia DMV offers 3 classes of motorcycle licenses, which include:
- Class M.
- Class M2.
- Class M3.
Class M allows you to operate 2 or 3-wheeled motorcycles.
Class M2 is for 2-wheeled motorcycles only.
Class M3 is for 3-wheeled motorcycles only.
If there is a “6” restriction on your license, you are only able to operate motorcycles.
Virginia Rider Education Course & Training Program
If you complete an approved rider training course, you’ll be exempt from taking the written exam and the skills test.
Your course completion certificate will be valid for up to 1 year after the date of completion. Be sure to take this with you when you visit the DMV.
If you are at least 19 years old, the completion certificate will also serve as a temporary M2 or M3 endorsement when carried with your driver’s license. You’ll need to visit the DMV within 30 days to get your endorsement to continue riding after that.
Learn more about Virginia motorcycle training here.
VA Motorcycle Learner’s Permit
A motorcycle learner’s permit is required if you are under 19 years old.
Riders under 18 years old are required to hold the permit for at least 9 months before they can apply for their full motorcycle endorsement.
If you are 19 years old or older, you’ll need to either complete a rider training course or hold a motorcycle permit for at least 30 days before you can receive a full endorsement.
To get the permit you’ll need to pass the motorcycle written exam or complete a training course.
The motorcycle permit will allow you to practice riding:
- When wearing a motorcycle helmet, eye protection, and face protection.
- Under the supervision of another licensed rider who is at least 21 years old.
- With no passengers.
Get a Virginia Motorcycle Endorsement
If you already hold a standard VA driver’s license, you’ll be able to add a motorcycle endorsement.
To do so, you’ll need to:
- Visit your local DMV office.
- Submit an application and proof of identity.
- Pass the written exam or present your motorcycle training course completion certificate.
- Pass the skills test or present your motorcycle training course certificate.
- Satisfy the learner’s permit holding requirements.
- Pay the required fees.
VA Motorcycle-Only License
If you don’t already have a standard driver’s license, you also have the option of applying for a motorcycle-only license.
In addition to the requirements for the motorcycle endorsement, you’ll also need to pass the standard driver’s license knowledge test.
Riders under 18 years old will also need to pass a standard driver’s education course.
Fees for a Motorcycle License in Virginia
Your motorcycle endorsement will need to be renewed at the same time as your driver’s license, which typically expire every 8 years.
Fees for you VA motorcycle license are as follows:
- Motorcycle-only license: $48 for 8 years. ($6 per year)
- Motorcycle endorsement: $16 for 8 years. ($2 per year).
- Motorcycle Learner’s Permit: $3.
Transfer an Out-of-State Motorcycle License When Moving to Virginia
If you’ve recently moved to Virginia, you can transfer your out-of-state motorcycle license or endorsement. To do so:
- Visit your local DMV office within 60 days.
- 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 Virginia 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 Virginia.