Obtaining a Maryland Motorcycle License

Obtaining a motorcycle (Class M) license can vary. It depends on whether you are at least 18 or younger, your current license, and whether you have ever held a motorcycle license in the past.

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Do I have to complete a motorcycle safety course?

 

• Yes, if you are not yet 18 years old. Anyone under the age of 18 must complete the Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program’s Basic Rider Course before applying for a motorcycle license.

• Riders with some experience are encouraged, but not required, to take a motorcycle safety course. However, if you take a Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program course and have a valid certificate of completion, you will not be required to:

 

• obtain a learner’s permit; or

• take the knowledge test; or

• take the skills test, if you are adding the Class M to your current Maryland driver’s license.

 

• The MVA does not accept motorcycle safety program completion documentation from any other state or the military except those approved and regulated by the MVA. Unless you have a Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program Completion Certificate, you must obtain a Maryland motorcycle (Class M) learner’s permit and pass the skills test.

 

• A Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program Completion Certificate is only valid for 6 months.

 

The Maryland Motorcycle (Class M) license may be mailed to you.

 

The Maryland Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is now printing/mailing one of the most secure driver’s licenses, learner’s permits and identification (ID) cards in the nation. All cards are now delivered through the mail within 4-7 business days. The new cards incorporate cutting-edge security features to help protect against identity theft and fraud. The new cards also meet all state and federal standards and are REAL ID compliant. As always, we encourage customers to Skip the Tripand renew their driver’s license or ID card via web, kiosk and mail. The MVA’s online services can be found here. Much more information on our new secure cards, including how to expedite delivery of the new products, can be found here.

 

• Learner’s permits and federally non-compliant licenses are mailed to your Maryland residence on file. You may use your paper “interim receipt” as a temporary permit or license until you receive your actual photo permit or license in the mail.

 

Can I add a motorcycle endorsement to my driver’s license?

 

• Yes, if you have a Maryland driver’s license and satisfactorily complete a Motorcycle Safety Program course, you can present your certificate at any MVA full-service office to obtain a motorcycle (Class M) endorsement on your license.

 

• Anyone who applies for a Maryland driver’s license and wants to ride a motorcycle is also required to obtain a motorcycle learner's permit regardless of whether or not a Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program course has been completed.

 

• A Maryland motorcycle license is a stand alone license. You must apply for a Maryland driver’s license. For more information on obtaining a driver's license, click here for the Maryland Rookie Driver Graduated Licensing Program.

 

Can I transfer an out-of-state or country motorcycle license for a Maryland one?

 

• If you have a valid out-of-state motorcycle license or endorsement, you must meet the vision requirements to transfer your license. The knowledge test and skills test are not required unless your out-of-state license has been expired for one (1) year or more.

 

• If you have a valid out-of-country motorcycle license or endorsement, you will be required to complete the following steps before you can receive your license:

 

• Meet the MVA’s vision requirements; and

• Pass the applicable knowledge test; and

• Pass the applicable skills test.

• If you are not yet 18 years old, you must complete the Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program or an acceptable out-of-state safety program.

• 3-hour alcohol and drug certificate may be required.

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Fees

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There is a fee for a motorcycle license. It will be determined by the steps you must take to obtain your motorcycle license.

 

For more information about Maryland’s motorcycle safety program click here