Obtaining a motorcycle license in Washington State, often referred to as a Wa Bike License, involves a structured process designed to ensure rider safety and legal compliance. This guide breaks down the steps to get your 2-wheel motorcycle permit and endorsement, providing you with all the necessary information to navigate the process smoothly.
Understanding the WA Bike License: Permit vs. Endorsement
In Washington, operating a motorcycle legally requires a motorcycle endorsement added to your standard driver’s license. Before obtaining the full endorsement, you can get a motorcycle instruction permit, which allows you to practice riding under specific restrictions. Here’s a breakdown:
- Motorcycle Permit (Instruction Permit): This permit allows you to practice riding a motorcycle under supervision and with certain limitations, such as no passengers and no nighttime riding. It’s a temporary step towards getting your full endorsement.
- Motorcycle Endorsement: This is the official authorization added to your driver’s license that allows you to legally operate a motorcycle without restrictions.
This guide will walk you through both obtaining your initial permit and progressing to the full motorcycle endorsement.
Getting Your 2-Wheel Motorcycle Permit in Washington State
The first step to riding legally is obtaining your 2-wheel motorcycle permit. Here’s how you can get started:
Step 1: Pass the Knowledge and Skills Tests
To get your motorcycle permit, you must successfully complete two tests: a knowledge test and a skills test. Washington State requires these tests to be administered by approved motorcycle safety training schools.
- Enroll in a Training Course: It’s highly recommended to take these tests as part of an approved motorcycle training course. These courses not only prepare you for the tests but also provide essential riding skills and safety knowledge.
- Complete the Tests: The training school will administer both the knowledge test, which assesses your understanding of motorcycle laws and safe riding practices, and a skills test, which evaluates your ability to handle a motorcycle.
- Wait for Results Processing: After completing your tests, allow 3 business days for the training school to submit your results to the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) system. This processing time is crucial before you can apply for your permit.
Step 2: Apply for Your Permit
Once your test results are processed, you can apply for your motorcycle instruction permit. Remember, you must apply within 365 days of completing your tests.
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Online Application: The most convenient way to apply is online through the DOL website. You can apply as a guest without creating an account, or log in to save your information for future use.
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Select Application Type: Choose “Replace your license or state ID card.” If your current license is within a year of expiring, you might see “Renew my ID/license” as an option as well.
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Verify Permit on Card Information Screen: During the online application, on the card information screen, your 2-wheel motorcycle permit will be displayed as an “O – Endorsement” with a “J – Restriction” in the new card section. This indicates the motorcycle permit has been added to your license record.
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Review Summary and Complete Transaction: The summary screen will show all details of your permit application before you finalize the transaction. Review everything carefully before proceeding.
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Print Temporary License: After completing the transaction, you will be able to print a temporary driver license with your motorcycle permit. It is mandatory to carry this temporary license with you whenever you ride until you receive your updated driver’s license in the mail. You can also access your temporary license in your License eXpress account online.
A woman confidently sits astride her motorcycle, ready to ride with her new WA bike license permit.
WA Permit Rules You Need to Know
It’s crucial to understand the rules and restrictions that come with your motorcycle instruction permit:
- Permit Validity: Your motorcycle permit is valid for 180 days from the issue date.
- Renewal Requirements: To renew your permit, you must have either valid permit test results or a currently valid permit.
- Permit Limits: You are allowed only one initial permit and one renewal within a 5-year period. This encourages permit holders to progress towards getting their full endorsement.
- Renewal Deadline: Ensure you renew your permit before it expires to avoid the need to retake the knowledge and skills tests.
- Operating Restrictions: When riding with a motorcycle instruction permit on public roadways, you must adhere to the following:
- No Passengers: You are not allowed to carry any passengers on your motorcycle.
- Daylight Riding Only: Riding is restricted to daylight hours only; you cannot ride during nighttime.
How to Renew Your Permit
If you need more practice before getting your endorsement, renewing your permit is straightforward:
- Online Renewal: Renew your permit conveniently online via the DOL website. You can proceed as a guest or log in to your account.
- Select Application Type: Choose “Replace your license or state ID card,” or “Renew my ID/license” if eligible.
- Verify and Update Information: Follow the online prompts to confirm or update your personal information.
- Pay Renewal Fee: Pay the required renewal fee to complete the renewal process.
Upgrading to a 2-Wheel Motorcycle Endorsement
Once you are confident in your riding skills and knowledge, the next step is to upgrade your permit to a full 2-wheel motorcycle endorsement, making your WA bike license unrestricted.
Step 1: Pass the Tests Again (or Course)
To get your motorcycle endorsement, you generally need to pass the 2-wheel knowledge and skills tests again if your previous test results have expired. However, completing an approved motorcycle safety course often waives the need to re-test at the DOL. Check with your local training school for specifics.
Step 2: Applying for Your Endorsement
After passing the required tests or completing a course, you can apply for your motorcycle endorsement. Your endorsement test results are valid for 365 days. You must have an active permit or valid permit tests to apply.
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Online Application: Apply online through the DOL portal using the same process as applying for a permit.
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Select Application Type: Choose “Replace your license or state ID card.”
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Verify Endorsement on Card Information Screen: On the card information screen, your 2-wheel motorcycle endorsement will be indicated as “L – Endorsement with a J – Restriction” in the new card section. Note that the endorsement code is ‘L’ unlike the permit’s ‘O’.
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Review Summary and Complete Transaction: Review all details on the summary screen before completing the transaction.
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Print Temporary License: Print your temporary driver license with the motorcycle endorsement. Carry this with you while riding until your updated license arrives.
A motorcyclist enjoys the open road, legally licensed with his WA bike endorsement and wearing a DOT-approved helmet for safety.
Transferring Your Motorcycle Endorsement to Washington
If you are moving to Washington and already have a motorcycle endorsement from another jurisdiction, you may be able to transfer it.
- Valid Out-of-State License: You must hold a valid motorcycle license or endorsement from another U.S. state, territory, the U.S. State Department, District of Columbia, British Columbia, or Japan.
- Apply for WA Driver’s License: First, apply for a Washington State driver’s license.
- Provide Proof and Payment: When applying for your WA license, bring proof of your current motorcycle license or endorsement and the required payment for endorsement transfer.
Washington State reciprocates motorcycle endorsements from a wide range of places, simplifying the process for new residents. If you don’t transfer your endorsement at the time of getting your WA license, you will need to complete a motorcycle safety course or pass the knowledge and riding skills tests to get a WA motorcycle endorsement later.
Special Cases: Military Personnel and Motorcycle Licenses in WA
Washington State offers specific provisions for military personnel seeking a WA bike license.
For Non-Residents Stationed in Washington and Washington Residents Stationed Out-of-State:
Washington State simplifies the process for military personnel by accepting certain out-of-state motorcycle safety courses in lieu of testing.
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Complete an Approved Course: Complete and pass one of the following:
- Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course
- Basic Rider Training course (Idaho or Oregon)
- California Motorcyclist Safety Program Training
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Submit Required Documents: Send the following to the DOL:
- Testing Waiver Request Form
- Copy of both sides of your WA driver license.
- Copy of both sides of your course completion card (must be within 365 days of course completion).
- Proof of active military status (orders, commanding officer letter, earnings statement, etc.).
- Check or money order payable to the Department of Licensing for fees. Refer to the fees page.
- If you have an Enhanced Driver License (EDL), you must surrender it using the Notice of Surrender form.
Understanding the Fees Associated with Your WA Bike License
Be aware of the fees involved in getting your WA bike license.
- Training School Fees: Knowledge and riding skills test fees are determined and paid directly to the motorcycle training school.
- DOL Fees: Application and licensing fees are paid to the Department of Licensing and include:
- Motorcycle instruction permit fee (paid when you get your permit).
- Original motorcycle endorsement fee (includes application and new driver license).
- Motorcycle endorsement renewal fee (paid in addition to regular driver license renewal fees).
Refer to the DOL website for the most current fee schedule.
FAQs about WA Bike Licenses
Am I required to have insurance for my motorcycle?
Yes, like all motor vehicles, motorcycles in Washington State must be insured.
My motorcycle speedometer reads up to 60 mph, even though I don’t ride fast. Do I need an endorsement?
If your motorcycle’s speedometer exceeds 30 mph, a motorcycle endorsement is required, regardless of your typical riding speed.
Can my child ride as a passenger on my motorcycle?
Yes, children aged 5 and older can be motorcycle passengers, provided they can reach the foot pegs.
Is it legal to mount my motorcycle license plate vertically?
No, motorcycle license plates must be mounted horizontally and clearly visible at all times. Vertical mounting is a common reason for law enforcement stops.
I have an Ignition Interlock License (IIL). Can I get a motorcycle endorsement?
No, you cannot add a motorcycle endorsement while you have an Ignition Interlock License (IIL). The IIL must be removed from your license first.
Are novelty helmets legal to wear?
No, all motorcycle helmets must be certified by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Look for the DOT sticker inside and outside the helmet to ensure legality and safety.
Conclusion
Getting your WA bike license, whether a permit or a full endorsement, is a multi-step process focused on safety and legal compliance. By following these steps and understanding the requirements, you can legally and confidently enjoy riding your motorcycle in Washington State. Always prioritize safety, wear a DOT-approved helmet, and ride responsibly.
