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BMV > Driver's Licenses And Permits > Getting A Motorcycle License Or Endorsement Getting A Motorcycle License Or Endorsement

Indiana requires motorcycle riders to have either a motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsement. If you do not have a valid Indiana driver's license, you may get a motorcycle license allowing you to operate only motorcycles. If you already have a valid Indiana driver's license, you may add an endorsement to your license allowing you to operate a motorcycle. 

To get a motorcycle license or endorsement you must hold a motorcycle learner's permit or a temporary motorcycle learner's permit for 30 days.

Indiana has a process in place for recognizing approved safety courses completed in other states and all five branches of the military.

Getting A Motorcycle License Or Endorsement

To get a motorcycle license, you must be at least 16 years and 30 days old, hold a temporary motorcycle learner's permit for at least 30 days, and complete an ABATE motorcycle safety course. You need to visit a license branch and pass a standard vision screening test. When you visit a license branch to apply for your motorcycle license, you must present the completion card from your ABATE motorcycle safety course, and pass a standard vision screening test. You must also present certain documents of identification.

To add a motorcycle endorsement to your valid Indiana driver's license, you must hold a motorcycle learner's permit for 30 days, and either pass a motorcycle skills test or an ABATE motorcycle safety course. When you visit a license branch to apply for your motorcycle endorsement, you must provide proof that you have passed a motorcycle skills test or safety course, and pass a standard vision screening test. You must also present certain documents of identification.

You may get a motorcycle endorsement without taking the skills test for one year after passing an ABATE motorcycle safety course. To waive the skills test you must present your course completion card when applying for your motorcycle endorsement.

If you are 16 or 17 years old when you apply for a motorcycle license or endorsement, you must have a parent or guardian sign an agreement of financial responsibility.

The vision screening test

The vision screening tests an applicant's visual acuity and visual fields. If your visual ability does not meet state standards, you will be referred to an eye doctor for an eye examination.

Documents of identification

When you apply for a motorcycle license or endorsement you must present documents of identification proving your identity, residency status, and Social Security number.

How Long Is My Motorcycle License Or Endorsement Valid?

If you are younger than 75 years of age, your Indiana motorcycle license or endorsement is valid for six years. If you are 75 to 84 years old, your motorcycle license or endorsement is valid for three years. If you are 85 years or older, your motorcycle license or endorsement is valid for two years.

You may renew your motorcycle license at any Indiana license branch up to one year before the license expires. If you are 16 or 17 years old when you get your license, you must renew your license on or before your 21st birthday.

How do I replace my motorcycle license?

To replace your motorcycle license you will need to visit a license branch and present certain documents of identification.

Getting A Driver's License After Holding A Motorcycle License

If you hold an Indiana motorcycle license but would like to get an Indiana driver's license you must surrender your motorcycle license and apply for a learner's permit or a driver education learner's permit. Once you hold your learner's permit or driver education learner's permit for 60 days and pass the required tests, you will be issued a driver's license.

Sign-Up For E-Mail Reminders

Congratulations on your new motorcycle license or endorsement! Don't forget to establish an online myBMV account to receive e-mail reminders of your license renewal date, print your driving record, and update your personal information.

Still Have Questions? Contact The BMV

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