Getting Your Minnesota Motorcycle License

If you live in Minnesota and want to start riding, you will need to get a motorcycle endorsement. The process for getting your Minnesota motorcycle license requires you to first get a permit before applying for the endorsement.

How to Get Your Motorcycle Permit

Riders of any age in Minnesota must first apply for a motorcycle permit. If you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid visa and you’re a resident of Minnesota with a Minnesota driver’s license, you can apply for your motorcycle permit with:

• Valid primary and secondary identification documents
• Proof of citizenship, permanent residence, or lawful admission to the U.S.
• Basic Rider Course certificate (if under 18 years of age)

Riders must be at least 16 years of age with a valid Minnesota driver’s license before applying for their motorcycle permit. Additionally, if riders are under 18 years old, they must complete the Basic Rider Course before applying for their motorcycle permit. To apply, have your documents ready and visit an exam station. You must complete a vision screening exam and a written exam. Once you pass, you can complete your application and pay the fee for your motorcycle permit.

Motorcycle Endorsement vs. Motorcycle License: What’s the Difference?

A motorcycle license is a standalone document that grants you the legal right to operate a motorcycle. Think of it as a separate driver’s license specifically for motorcycles. On the other hand, a motorcycle endorsement is an addition to your existing driver’s license that shows you have passed the necessary tests to safely operate a motorcycle. Essentially, if you already have a driver’s license, an endorsement is what you need to legally ride a motorcycle, while a motorcycle license is for those who only want to ride motorcycles and not drive cars.

Getting Your Minnesota Motorcycle License Endorsement

After obtaining your permit, you can take the next steps in getting your Minnesota motorcycle license endorsement. If you are over 18 years old, you can either pass a motorcycle skills test to prove your riding skills on the road or you can waive the test requirement after completing a Basic Rider Course. To emphasize safety among younger riders who often take more risks, the state requires that riders under 18 take the Basic Rider Course and the motorcycle skills test.

Transferring My Endorsement from Another State

If you are over 21 years old and have a valid license and motorcycle endorsement from another state, you can transfer that endorsement without having to take a written or skills test. If you are under 21, you will first have to pass a written skills test before transferring an endorsement.

Basic Rider Course

The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is a requirement for all riders under the age of 18. The course requires 100% attendance, and you must pass the BRC motorcycle skills test at the end of the course for certification. Riders over 18 may take the BRC to waive the road skills test requirement to get their motorcycle endorsement. Riders with BRC certification may also see other benefits, such as motorcycle insurance rate discounts.

License Renewal

Your M endorsement on your driver’s license only requires renewal when you need a driver’s license renewal. You do not need to re-test for your M endorsement.

Other Laws to Know about Riding in Minnesota

Riders should know these other laws when riding in Minnesota:

• Permitted riders (any age) and riders under 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet.
• All riders must wear appropriate eye protection, such as goggles, safety glasses, or face shields. Windshields are not appropriate eye protection.
• Permitted riders may not carry passengers, ride on an interstate highway, or ride at night.
• Riders must register scooters with 55cc engines or larger as a motorcycle.
• Riders must register scooters with speeds over 30 mph as a motorcycle.
• Riders do not carry coverage under their car insurance policies and must get separate motorcycle insurance with bodily injury liability and property damage liability.

You must have a permit or motorcycle endorsement to ride a motorcycle in Minnesota. If caught riding without the appropriate documents, you face up to 90 days in jail, a fine of $1,000, and impounding of your motorcycle.

Penalty for Riding Without a License in Minnesota

Penalties for riding without a valid motorcycle endorsement in Minnesota are relatively steep and can include a fine of up to $1,000 and a prison sentence of up to 90 days. You may also have to pay additional fees for towing and impounding your motorcycle.

Motorcycle Accident in Minnesota? Find a Motorcycle Lawyer with Law Tigers

Good luck getting your Minnesota motorcycle license endorsement! When you get your permit or endorsement, don’t forget to also get your free Rider Benefit Kit from us at Law Tigers. At Law Tigers, we’re attorneys who ride. We represent bikers and their families in Minnesota and across the country in cases of motorcycle accidents, bike thefts, and wrongful death after an accident. Call us today at 1-888-863-7216 for a free case evaluation.