Last Updated 29th of July, 2010

How do I apply for a CA motorcycle license if I am 18 or older? California

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Applying for a CA Motorcycle License (18 or Older)

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the one stop location you will visit to receive your California (CA) motorcycle license. If you already have a CA drivers license, you do not need to provide proof of citizenship to the DMV when you apply for your motorcycle permit or motorcycle riding license.

Several facts (i.e. traffic signals) that you learned during drivers ed or driver training when you got your drivers license are included on the motorcycle test.

If you already have a CA driver license, simply provide staff at the DMV office with your valid CA driver license. Should you not have a valid CA driver license, you will need to provide the DMV with at least two original forms of identification.

Acceptable forms of identification include:

  • Social Security card
  • Birth certificate
  • United States passport
  • Official naturalization or citizenship certificate
Next you will:

  1. Complete the DMV driver license application (Form 44). Visit or call DMV at (800) 777-0133 to request a copy of the form. The phone number is available 24/7.
  2. Pass a vision screening.
  3. Complete a motorcycle safety and training course. (The course last about 15 hours and is required for all motorcycle riders that are younger than 21 years of age. It costs $250 to enroll in the course if you are older than 21 years. If you are younger than 21 years old, the course cost $150.)
  4. Pay the $31 motorcycle license fee (required of all persons who operate motorcycles in CA).
  5. Take a written examination.
  6. Have a print of your thumb taken.
Prepare for the written examination by studying the CA motorcycle handbook. Consider partnering with a friend or relative to take a practice test to increase your chances of passing the written motorcycle test.

After you pass the written examination, contact the DMV to schedule your motorcycle road test. Information covered on the road test is also included in the handbook.

Have your photo taken at the DMV after you pass the road test. The DMV will issue you a temporary motorcycle license. It takes about 60 days to receive your permanent motorcycle license.

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