What you need to ride a motorcycle in Missouri
Missouri requires a separate endorsement on your driver's license to operate a motorcycle legally on public roads. This endorsement is called an M endorsement, and you cannot ride without it — even if you hold a regular driver's license. The state offers two paths to get one: pass the written and riding tests through the Missouri Department of Revenue, or complete an approved motorcycle safety course and waive the tests.
The M endorsement costs $10.50 and is added to your existing license. If you do not yet have a Missouri driver's license, you will need to obtain one first before adding the motorcycle endorsement. The entire process takes a few hours if you test at a local office, or one to two days if you take the safety course route.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri requires an M endorsement on your driver's license to ride any motorcycle on public roads.
- You can get the endorsement by passing a written test and riding skills test at a Missouri Department of Revenue office, or by completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course.
- The safety course route waives both the written and riding tests but takes longer and costs more upfront.
- You must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Missouri driver's license to add the M endorsement.
Testing route: written exam and riding skills test
If you choose to test directly through the Department of Revenue, you will take two separate exams at a local driver's license office. The written test covers Missouri motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, and hazard recognition. You can study using the Missouri Motorcycle Operator's Manual, which is free on the Department of Revenue website. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass.
After passing the written test, you schedule a riding skills test at the same office or a designated testing location. You bring your own motorcycle or use one provided by the testing facility if available. The examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers — starting, stopping, turning, and obstacle avoidance — to confirm you can control the bike safely. The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If you fail either test, you can retake it the same day or reschedule.
The written test costs $10.50 (the endorsement fee). The riding test is free. Most people complete both on the same day or within a week, depending on testing availability at your local office.
Safety course route: Motorcycle Safety Foundation training
Missouri recognizes courses taught by instructors certified through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). Completing an approved course waives both the written and riding tests — you bring your course completion certificate to the Department of Revenue, pay the $10.50 endorsement fee, and the M is added to your license without further testing.
MSF courses typically run 15 to 20 hours over two to three days (weekend courses are common). The course covers classroom instruction on motorcycle mechanics, road positioning, and hazard avoidance, plus hands-on riding practice in a controlled lot. You use a provided motorcycle during training, so you do not need to own one yet. Course costs vary by provider but generally range from $150 to $250.
To find an approved course near you, search the MSF website for certified instructors in Missouri. Some community colleges, vocational schools, and private training centers offer these courses. After you complete the course, bring your certificate of completion to any Missouri Department of Revenue office to add the endorsement to your license.
Age requirements and existing license rules
You must be at least 16 years old to obtain an M endorsement in Missouri. If you are 16 or 17, you will need a parent or guardian to sign your process. You also must hold a valid Missouri driver's license before the endorsement can be added — if you do not have one, you will need to obtain a regular driver's license first by passing the written and vision tests.
If you already hold a Missouri driver's license, adding the M endorsement does not require you to renew your license or pay any fee beyond the $10.50 endorsement cost. The endorsement appears on your existing license card; you do not receive a new card unless your license is due for renewal anyway.
Documents and what to bring to the office
When you visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office to add the M endorsement, bring your current driver's license and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you are taking the riding test, also bring your motorcycle and proof of insurance for that bike. Some offices allow you to use a provided motorcycle, but availability varies — call ahead to confirm.
If you completed an MSF course, bring your course completion certificate. The office will verify it against the MSF database, so make sure the certificate shows your full name and the course completion date. You do not need to bring anything else — the office handles the fee and paperwork.
Renewing or replacing your M endorsement
Your M endorsement renews automatically when you renew your driver's license. Missouri driver's licenses are valid for six years, so your endorsement lasts the same length. When your license expires, you renew it at a Department of Revenue office or online (if you are renewing a regular license without changes). The M endorsement carries over to your new license at no additional cost.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any Department of Revenue office. The replacement fee is $10.50, and your M endorsement is included on the replacement card. You do not need to retake any test or provide a new course certificate — the endorsement is already in the state system.
What happens if you ride without an M endorsement
Riding a motorcycle without an M endorsement in Missouri is a traffic violation. You can be cited and fined. The fine amount depends on the officer's discretion and the court, but violations for unlicensed operation typically result in fines ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars. You may also be required to obtain the endorsement within a set time frame or face additional penalties.
If you are involved in an accident while riding without an M endorsement, your insurance may deny a claim, leaving you personally liable for damages. Some insurers will not insure a motorcycle rider without a valid endorsement. Getting the endorsement before you ride protects you legally and financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a motorcycle with just a regular driver's license?
No. Missouri law requires an M endorsement on your driver's license to operate any motorcycle on public roads. A regular driver's license alone does not permit motorcycle operation, even if you own the bike or have insurance.
How long does the MSF course take, and can I do it on weekends?
Most MSF courses run 15 to 20 hours over two to three days. Many providers offer weekend courses (Friday evening through Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday). Some offer weekday evening classes. Check with your local certified instructor to see what schedules are available in your area.
What if I fail the riding test?
You can retake the riding test the same day or reschedule it at your convenience. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. If you fail multiple times, consider taking an MSF course instead — the hands-on instruction often helps riders who struggle with the test format.
Do I need to own a motorcycle before I get my M endorsement?
No. You can take the MSF course on a provided motorcycle and get your endorsement without owning a bike. If you test at the Department of Revenue, some offices provide motorcycles, but you should call ahead to confirm. You only need to own a motorcycle when you actually ride on public roads.
Will my M endorsement transfer if I move to another state?
Your Missouri M endorsement is valid only in Missouri. If you move to another state, you will need to obtain a motorcycle endorsement in that state. Most states recognize MSF course completion, so if you took an MSF course in Missouri, you may be able to waive testing in your new state — but you will still need to explore for that state's endorsement.