The Colorado Motorcycle License Path
Colorado issues a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license rather than a separate license. You can get it by passing a written test and a riding skills test, or by completing an approved motorcycle safety course that waives both tests. Most riders choose the course route because it takes one or two days, costs around $200 to $300, and you walk out with your endorsement the same day or within a week.
You must be at least 16 years old and already hold a valid Colorado driver's license or instruction permit. If you do not have a license yet, you will need to get one first through the standard written and driving test process at your local Division of Motor Vehicles office.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado requires a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license, obtained through either a safety course or a written test plus riding skills test at the DMV.
- The Motorcycle Safety Foundation course or an approved Colorado provider teaches and tests you in one or two days and costs $200 to $300, with no separate DMV test needed afterward.
- If you test at the DMV instead, you pay a smaller fee but must pass both a written exam and a riding skills test on a motorcycle you provide or rent.
- You must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Colorado driver's license before you can get a motorcycle endorsement.
- After passing either route, you visit a DMV office with your course completion certificate or test results to have the endorsement added to your license.
Taking an Approved Motorcycle Safety Course
The fastest and most popular route is an approved motorcycle safety course. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) runs courses throughout Colorado, and several private providers also offer state-approved instruction. These courses typically run Friday evening through Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, and cover both classroom and hands-on riding. You do not need to own a motorcycle—the course provides one for the riding portion.
When you complete the course, you receive a certificate of completion. Take this certificate to any Colorado DMV office, and they will add the motorcycle endorsement to your license on the spot. The endorsement costs $20.25 at the DMV. You can find MSF course schedules and locations on the MSF website, or search for "motorcycle safety course Colorado" to find private providers near you. Costs vary but typically run $200 to $350 depending on the provider and course length.
One advantage of the course is that you learn on a smaller, lighter motorcycle designed for beginners, with an instructor watching your every move. Many people feel more confident on the road after this hands-on training than they would after passing a test alone.
Testing at the DMV Without a Course
If you prefer to skip the course, you can test directly at a Colorado DMV office. You will need to pass a written test covering motorcycle laws, road signs, and safe riding practices, then pass a riding skills test on a motorcycle. The written test is similar in style to the regular driver's license test and covers Colorado-specific motorcycle rules.
For the riding skills test, you must bring your own motorcycle or arrange to rent one. The test takes place in a controlled area at the DMV and includes basic maneuvers like figure-eights, stopping, and turning. You will be evaluated on your ability to control the bike safely. The test fee is $20.25. This route is cheaper upfront but requires you to already be comfortable on a motorcycle and to arrange transportation of one to the test site.
Call your local DMV office ahead of time to schedule a riding test appointment. Availability varies by location, and some offices have longer wait times than others. You will need to bring your driver's license, proof of residency, and your motorcycle with current registration and insurance.
What to Bring to the DMV
Regardless of which route you choose, bring your current Colorado driver's license and proof of your identity. If you completed a safety course, bring the original certificate of completion—the DMV will not accept a copy. If you tested at the DMV, bring the test results paperwork the examiner gave you.
You will also need to pay the endorsement fee of $20.25. Some DMV offices accept cash, check, or card, but policies vary by location. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your office takes. The endorsement is added to your existing license, so you do not receive a new physical license card unless yours is expiring soon or damaged.
Age Requirements and Restrictions
Colorado allows riders as young as 16 to get a motorcycle endorsement, but riders under 18 face restrictions. If you are under 18, you must wear a helmet at all times while riding, even if you are a passenger. Riders 18 and older may choose whether to wear a helmet, though it is strongly recommended.
There are no engine size restrictions for any age in Colorado once you have your endorsement. However, some insurance companies charge higher premiums for very young riders or for high-performance bikes, so check with insurers before buying.
Insurance and Registration After You Get Your Endorsement
Once you have your motorcycle endorsement, you will need motorcycle insurance before you can legally ride on Colorado roads. Liability insurance is required by state law. You will also need to register your motorcycle with the Colorado DMV if you have not already. Registration costs vary based on the bike's age and value but typically run $50 to $100 for the first year.
When you register, bring the motorcycle's title or bill of sale, proof of insurance, and your driver's license. You can register at any DMV office or online through the Colorado DMV website. The registration process is separate from getting your endorsement, so plan time for both if you are buying a bike for the first time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume your regular driver's license covers motorcycle riding—it does not. You must have the endorsement added to your license before you ride legally. Riding without the endorsement can result in a ticket and fines.
If you choose the course route, do not lose your certificate of completion. The DMV needs the original, and replacing a lost certificate can take weeks. Keep it in a safe place until you visit the DMV. If you test at the DMV, do not forget to bring your motorcycle with current registration and insurance, or you will have to reschedule your test appointment.
Another common mistake is not arranging insurance before you buy the bike. You cannot legally ride it home from the dealer without insurance in place. Contact an insurance company before you purchase, get a quote, and have a policy ready to set up the day you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a motorcycle endorsement if I have an out-of-state driver's license?
No. You must hold a valid Colorado driver's license before you can get a motorcycle endorsement. If you have an out-of-state license, you will need to transfer it to Colorado first by passing the written test and vision screening at a DMV office. Then you can pursue the motorcycle endorsement through either the course or test route.
How long does the motorcycle endorsement stay valid?
Your motorcycle endorsement is valid as long as your driver's license is valid. In Colorado, driver's licenses are typically valid for five to ten years depending on your age. When you renew your license, the endorsement renews automatically—you do not need to retake any test or course.
What if I fail the riding skills test at the DMV?
You can retake the test, but you will need to pay the fee again and schedule another appointment. Many people who fail the DMV test choose to take a safety course instead, which gives them more instruction and a better chance of passing on their next attempt. The course certificate waives the need to test again.
Do I need a special license plate or registration sticker for a motorcycle?
No. Your motorcycle uses a standard Colorado license plate and registration. The registration form asks what type of vehicle you own, and you will select motorcycle, but there are no special plates or stickers required. Your registration and insurance documents are what you need to carry when you ride.
Can I ride a motorcycle with just a learner's permit?
No. A learner's permit does not include motorcycle riding privileges. You must have a full driver's license with the motorcycle endorsement added. Some states allow learner's permits for motorcycles, but Colorado does not.