How to Get Your Motorcycle License in Colorado

Colorado requires a separate motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license, not a standalone license

You cannot ride a motorcycle legally in Colorado with just a regular driver's license. You need a motorcycle endorsement (also called an "M" endorsement) added to your existing license, or you can get it on a new license if you do not have one yet. The Colorado Department of Revenue handles this process, and you have two main routes: pass the state's written and riding tests yourself, or take an approved motorcycle safety course that waives the riding test.

The endorsement costs $20 and takes about two weeks to arrive once approved. You will need to pass a written test about motorcycle-specific rules and a riding skills test on an actual motorcycle — unless you complete a safety course, which substitutes for the riding test.

Key Takeaways

Colorado requires an "M" endorsement on your driver's license to ride any motorcycle legally, and you cannot get this without passing a written test and a riding skills test or completing a safety course.
You can take the state's written test at any Colorado DMV office, but the riding test is only offered at specific locations in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins on set dates.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation course (MSF) is the fastest route for most people because it covers both the written and riding test requirements in one weekend and costs $200 to $250.
If you take the state tests directly, you must bring your own motorcycle or borrow one that is street-legal and insured, because the state does not provide test bikes.
You need a valid Colorado driver's license or ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to start the process.

The two paths: safety course or state tests

Colorado gives you two ways to earn the endorsement. The first is to take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course or an equivalent state-approved course. This is the route most people choose because it is faster and you do not have to find your own motorcycle to test on. The course runs Friday evening and all day Saturday (or sometimes Saturday and Sunday), costs between $200 and $250, and covers classroom instruction plus hands-on riding. Once you finish, the course provider sends your completion certificate directly to Colorado DMV, and you can add the endorsement to your license without taking any further tests.

The second path is to take the written test and riding test directly through Colorado DMV. This is cheaper upfront (you only pay the $20 endorsement fee), but you must own or borrow a street-legal, insured motorcycle, and you have to travel to one of three test locations on specific dates. Most people find this route more difficult because finding a test bike and coordinating the schedule is harder than just signing up for a weekend course.

Finding and registering for an MSF course in Colorado

The MSF Basic Rider Course is offered at multiple locations across Colorado. You can find approved providers on the MSF website (msf-usa.org) by entering your zip code, or you can search "MSF course Colorado" and call providers directly. Common locations include Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins, but availability changes by season — courses are more frequent in spring and summer.

Registration is usually online or by phone. Most providers ask you to book at least a week in advance, though some accept same-week signups. You will need to bring a valid driver's license or ID, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and bring a helmet (some providers loan them, but calling ahead is wise). The course covers everything from basic controls to emergency braking, and you do not need any riding experience to start. Once you complete the course, the provider gives you a completion certificate on the spot.

Taking the state written test at a Colorado DMV office

If you skip the safety course and go straight to the state tests, you start with the written test. Visit any Colorado DMV office during business hours — no appointment needed for the written test. Bring your valid driver's license or ID, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address), and your Social Security number.

The written test has 25 questions about Colorado motorcycle laws, road signs, and safe riding practices. You must score at least 80 percent (20 out of 25 correct) to pass. The test takes about 15 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra charge. Once you pass, you are cleared to schedule the riding test.

Scheduling and taking the riding skills test

The riding test is only offered at three locations in Colorado: Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins. Unlike the written test, you cannot just walk in — you must call ahead to schedule. The Colorado DMV motorcycle test line handles bookings, and wait times vary by location and season. Summer months fill up quickly, so book as far ahead as you can.

On test day, bring your valid driver's license, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and a street-legal motorcycle that is currently insured. The motorcycle must have working lights, mirrors, brakes, and a valid registration. You cannot borrow a friend's bike unless it meets these requirements. The test itself lasts about 20 minutes and includes a skills course where you demonstrate basic control: starting, stopping, turning, and emergency braking. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it, but you will have to schedule another appointment.

What happens after you pass

Once you pass the riding test (or complete the MSF course), the test proctor or course provider submits your passing record to Colorado DMV. You then visit a DMV office to pay the $20 endorsement fee and have the "M" added to your license. Bring your valid driver's license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The endorsement is printed on a new license card, which is mailed to you within two weeks. You can ride legally once you receive the new card in the mail.

If you already have a valid Colorado driver's license, the process is faster because DMV does not need to reissue your whole license — they just add the endorsement. If you do not have a Colorado license yet, you will need to get one first, which requires passing the written driving test and vision test. That is a separate process from the motorcycle endorsement.

Cost breakdown and timeline

The MSF course route costs $200 to $250 for the course plus $20 for the endorsement fee, totaling $220 to $270. The whole process takes one weekend for the course plus two weeks for the new license to arrive by mail. You can ride legally once the card arrives.

The state test route costs only $20 for the endorsement fee, but you need to factor in the cost of borrowing or owning a motorcycle, fuel, and travel to the test location. The timeline is longer because you have to schedule the riding test separately, which may be weeks out depending on location. Once you pass both tests and pay the fee, the new license arrives in two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a motorcycle on my regular Colorado driver's license while I wait for the endorsement?

No. Riding without the endorsement is illegal in Colorado, even if you have passed the tests. You must wait for the new license card to arrive in the mail before you ride on public roads. Riding without the endorsement can result in a ticket and fines.

Do I need a motorcycle endorsement if I only ride off-road or on private property?

Off-road riding on private land does not require an endorsement. However, if the motorcycle is ever ridden on a public road, you need the endorsement. Many riders get the endorsement anyway because it is inexpensive and avoids legal trouble if you ever ride on public streets.

What if I fail the riding test?

You can retake the riding test by scheduling another appointment at the same location. There is no extra fee for retakes, but you will have to wait for the next available test date. Many people pass on the second attempt after practicing more. If you took the MSF course, you do not have to retake any test — the course completion is your passing credential.

Can I transfer a motorcycle endorsement from another state to Colorado?

Yes, if you move to Colorado and already have a motorcycle endorsement from another state, you can transfer it. Visit a Colorado DMV office with your out-of-state license, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number. DMV will add the endorsement to a new Colorado license without requiring you to retake any tests. The $20 endorsement fee still applies.

What size or type of motorcycle can I ride with the endorsement?

The "M" endorsement in Colorado allows you to ride any motorcycle, regardless of engine size or type. There are no restrictions based on the endorsement itself, though some insurance companies may charge more for larger bikes or riders under 25 years old.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.