How to Get a Motorcycle License in Colorado

What you need to do to ride legally in Colorado

To ride a motorcycle legally in Colorado, you need a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license or a separate motorcycle license. The Colorado Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles both routes. You can add an endorsement to an existing license, or you can get a standalone motorcycle license if you don't have a regular driver's license. Either way, you'll pass a written test about motorcycle operation, a vision test, and a riding skills test.

The fastest path for most people is the endorsement route: take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course, pass that course, and bring your completion certificate to the DMV. The MSF course satisfies both the written and riding tests, so you skip the separate exams at the DMV. Without the course, you take both tests yourself at a DMV office.

Key Takeaways

Colorado requires a motorcycle endorsement or separate motorcycle license; you cannot ride legally with only a standard driver's license.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course covers the written and riding tests, and passing it lets you skip those exams at the DMV.
You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Colorado, though you need parental consent if you are under 18.
The DMV charges a fee for the endorsement or license; costs vary depending on whether you are adding an endorsement or getting a new license.
If you take the MSF course, bring your completion certificate to the DMV along with your ID, proof of residency, and Social Security number.

The MSF course route: fastest for most riders

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course is offered at locations across Colorado through approved providers. The course runs two days (usually Friday evening and Saturday, or Saturday and Sunday) and covers motorcycle handling, braking, turning, and hazard awareness. You ride a provided motorcycle during the course, so you don't need to own one yet. The course costs between $200 and $300 depending on the provider; some providers offer discounts for students, military, or seniors.

When you complete the MSF course, you receive a completion certificate. Take that certificate to any Colorado DMV office along with your current driver's license (or ID), proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number. The DMV staff will process your endorsement or new license on the spot. You pay the endorsement fee (around $20 to $30, depending on your license type and renewal status) and walk out with your new license or endorsement card.

To find MSF courses near you, visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website and search by Colorado zip code. Courses fill up, especially in spring and summer, so register early if you have a specific date in mind.

The DMV test route: if you skip the MSF course

If you do not take the MSF course, you must pass the written test and the riding skills test at the DMV. Schedule both tests at a Colorado DMV office. The written test covers Colorado motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, and hazard recognition; it is 25 questions, and you need 20 correct to pass. You can study using the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Handbook, which the DMV provides free online and in print at any office.

The riding skills test happens after you pass the written test, usually on the same day or within a few days. You bring your own motorcycle (or a borrowed one) to the DMV testing site. The examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers: starting, stopping, turning, swerving, and figure-eight riding. The test takes about 10 minutes. You must wear a DOT-approved helmet and protective gear (jacket, gloves, long pants, closed-toe shoes) or the DMV will not let you test.

If you fail either test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you pay the test fee again each time.

Age requirements and parental consent

You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement or license in Colorado. If you are 16 or 17, you need written parental or guardian consent. The DMV provides a consent form; a parent or guardian must sign it in front of a notary public or DMV staff member. Bring the signed form to the DMV when you explore for your endorsement or license.

At 18 and older, you do not need parental consent. You only need your ID, proof of residency, and Social Security number.

What documents to bring to the DMV

Bring these documents when you visit the DMV to get your endorsement or license:

Your current Colorado driver's license or state ID card
Proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days)
Your Social Security number (you can provide the card or just the number)
Your MSF completion certificate (if you took the course)
A signed parental consent form, notarized (if you are under 18)

If you do not have a Colorado driver's license yet, you can get a motorcycle license instead. Bring the same documents plus proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other state ID). The process is the same, but you will get a standalone motorcycle license rather than an endorsement on a driver's license.

Costs and processing time

The MSF Basic Rider Course costs $200 to $300 depending on the provider. The DMV endorsement fee is roughly $20 to $30 if you are adding it to an existing license. If you are getting a new motorcycle license (no existing driver's license), the fee is higher—around $30 to $50—because it is a new license rather than an endorsement. Fees can change, so call your local DMV office or check the Colorado DMV website for current pricing.

If you take the MSF course, processing at the DMV is when ready: you walk in with your certificate and documents, pay the fee, and leave with your endorsement or new license the same day. If you take the DMV tests instead, you schedule the written test first, then the riding test after you pass. The whole process typically takes one to three weeks from your first test to your final license, depending on how quickly you schedule and pass.

What happens if you fail the riding test

If you fail the riding skills test at the DMV, you can retake it as soon as you want. There is no mandatory waiting period. You pay the test fee again each time you attempt it. Most people pass on the second or third try after practicing more or adjusting their technique based on the examiner's feedback.

If you took the MSF course and passed it, you do not have to retake the course if you fail the DMV riding test later—your MSF certificate covers the skills requirement. You would only need to pass the written test at the DMV if you had not already done so. However, this situation is rare because the MSF course is designed to prepare you thoroughly for the DMV test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a motorcycle with just a regular driver's license?

No. Colorado law requires a motorcycle endorsement or separate motorcycle license to operate any motorcycle on public roads. Riding without one is illegal and voids your insurance if you are in an accident.

Do I have to take the MSF course, or can I just go straight to the DMV?

You can skip the MSF course and test directly at the DMV. However, the MSF course is faster because it covers both the written and riding tests, so you do not have to schedule separate exams. Many people also find the course safer and more thorough than testing alone.

What if I already have a motorcycle endorsement from another state?

Colorado recognizes out-of-state motorcycle endorsements for 30 days while you are establishing residency. After that, you must get a Colorado endorsement. Bring your out-of-state license to the DMV; you may be able to transfer your endorsement without retesting, depending on Colorado's reciprocity agreement with your previous state. Call your local DMV office to confirm.

Can I take the MSF course on a motorcycle I own?

No. The MSF Basic Rider Course provides motorcycles for all students. You ride the school's bike during the course, not your own. This is intentional—it lets beginners learn without worrying about damaging their own motorcycle.

What gear do I need to bring to the DMV riding test?

You must wear a DOT-approved helmet, a protective jacket, gloves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. The DMV will not let you test without this gear. You also need to bring your own motorcycle or arrange to borrow one for the test.

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.