Colorado requires a separate motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license

You cannot ride a motorcycle legally in Colorado with just a regular driver's license. You need a motorcycle endorsement—a designation added to your existing license that shows you have passed a motorcycle-specific test. Colorado's Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles this process.

You have two main routes: take an approved motorcycle safety course and skip the riding test, or study on your own and pass both a written test and a riding test at the DMV. Most riders choose the course because it is faster and the course completion waives the riding exam.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado requires a motorcycle endorsement separate from your regular driver's license, obtained through the DMV.
  • Taking an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course lets you skip the DMV riding test and get your endorsement in one visit.
  • If you study on your own, you must pass a written test and a riding test at the DMV, which takes two separate appointments.
  • The MSF course costs between $150 and $250 and takes one or two days depending on whether you choose the Basic Rider Course or Basic Rider Course 2.
  • You must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Colorado driver's license or instruction permit before you can get a motorcycle endorsement.

The fastest route: take an MSF-approved motorcycle safety course

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course is the quickest path to a Colorado motorcycle endorsement. You complete the course, receive a completion certificate, and bring that certificate to the DMV. The DMV then adds the endorsement to your license without requiring you to take a riding test.

Colorado recognizes MSF courses and courses taught by other state-approved providers. The Basic Rider Course runs one full day (typically 8 hours) or two half-days and covers classroom instruction, a written test, and hands-on riding practice on a closed course. You do not need to own a motorcycle—the course provides one for training. The course costs between $150 and $250 depending on the provider.

After you pass the course, the instructor gives you a completion certificate on the spot. Take that certificate to any Colorado DMV office along with your driver's license or instruction permit, and the endorsement is added to your license the same day. There is no additional fee for the endorsement itself.

The self-study route: written test and riding test at the DMV

If you do not take an MSF course, you must study the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Handbook and pass two separate tests at the DMV. The written test covers road rules, motorcycle operation, and safety. The riding test is a practical exam where a DMV examiner watches you perform specific maneuvers on a motorcycle.

You schedule the written test first. You can take it at any Colorado DMV office. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait one day before your next attempt.

After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the riding test. You must bring your own motorcycle or arrange to use one—the DMV does not provide motorcycles for the riding test. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks like figure-eights, emergency stops, and lane changes. If you fail the riding test, you must wait one week before retesting.

Age and license requirements before you start

You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Colorado. You also must already hold a valid Colorado driver's license or an instruction permit. If you do not have either, you need to get a regular driver's license first through the standard DMV process.

If you are under 18, Colorado law requires you to complete a motorcycle safety course before you can ride on public roads, even if you have the endorsement. This is a separate requirement from getting the endorsement itself—the course satisfies both the training requirement and the endorsement requirement in one step.

What to bring to the DMV for your endorsement

If you took an MSF course, bring your course completion certificate, your current driver's license or instruction permit, and proof of your Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address). The DMV will add the endorsement and issue you a new license with the motorcycle designation on it.

If you are taking the written test without a course, bring your driver's license or instruction permit and proof of residency. For the riding test, bring your driver's license, proof of residency, and the motorcycle you will be riding. You must also bring proof of insurance for that motorcycle—Colorado requires liability insurance before you can legally ride.

Finding an MSF course near you in Colorado

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation website has a course locator tool where you can search by state and zip code to find approved providers near you. Many community colleges in Colorado also offer MSF courses, often at lower cost than private providers. Check with your local college's continuing education department.

Courses fill up, especially in spring and summer, so register early if you have a specific date in mind. Most providers let you register online and pay in advance. Some courses require you to bring your own helmet; others provide one. Check the course details before you sign up.

Motorcycle insurance before you ride

Colorado law requires you to carry liability insurance on any motorcycle you ride on public roads. You cannot legally ride without it, and you must show proof of insurance when you take your riding test at the DMV. Motorcycle insurance is separate from car insurance—your auto policy does not cover a motorcycle.

Contact an insurance agent or get quotes online from providers that offer motorcycle coverage. Liability-only policies are the minimum legal requirement and are the cheapest option. You can add collision and comprehensive coverage if you want protection for damage to your own bike, but that is optional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a motorcycle with just my driver's license while I wait for my endorsement?

No. Riding without the endorsement is illegal in Colorado, even if you have a valid driver's license. You must have the endorsement on your license before you ride on public roads. If you are caught riding without it, you can be cited and fined.

How long does the endorsement last once I get it?

The motorcycle endorsement stays on your license for as long as your driver's license is valid. When your license expires and you renew it, the endorsement renews with it. You do not need to retake any test or course to keep the endorsement.

What if I fail the MSF course?

The MSF course is designed to teach you the basics, not to fail you. Most riders who complete the course pass. If you do not pass the riding portion, the instructor will usually let you practice more and retake that section the same day. Contact the course provider about their specific retake policy.

Do I need a motorcycle endorsement if I only ride off-road?

No. The endorsement is required only for riding on public roads and highways. Off-road riding on private property does not require an endorsement. However, if you ride on any public road, even briefly, you need the endorsement.

Can I get a motorcycle endorsement if I have an out-of-state driver's license?

You must have a valid Colorado driver's license or instruction permit to get a Colorado motorcycle endorsement. If you have an out-of-state license, you will need to get a Colorado license first. You can then add the motorcycle endorsement to your new Colorado license.