Texas - Apply for a Motorcycle License

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Procedure

1. Applicants for a Class M driver license must take a DPS-approved motorcycle safety course and bring the certificate of completion with them to the driver license office. If an individual has a valid motorcycle license from another state, DPS will waive the motorcycle safety course requirement.
2. Vision and Knowledge Tests may be required for a motorcycle or moped license. Individuals must pass a vision test when applying for a motorcycle license. Individuals must take a basic knowledge test (unless the individual holds a learner license or driver license).

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Required Documents

Proof of Identity

Three ways an applicant can verify his/her identity:

1. Present one item listed in the Primary Identity Documents category or
2. Present two items listed in the Secondary Identity Documents category or
3. Present one item listed in the Secondary Identity Documents category and two documents listed in the Supporting Identity Documents category

Information on the documents, such as name and date of birth, must all match. If the name is different on each document, then the applicant must provide documents that verify a legal name change. If other information on the document is different, speak with a Customer Service Representative for assistance. If you are using a name other than what is on your birth certificate, (example: married name), you will be required to show legal documentation of name change. Documents must be original or certified copy. Certified documents should not be laminated. No photocopies can be accepted.

Acceptable documents:

• Marriage license
• Divorce decree
• Court ordered name change

Because the state of Texas does not recognize same-sex marriage, DPS cannot accept same-sex marriage licenses. Documents listed in any of the following categories may be expired unless otherwise noted.

Note: You may download a brochure listing all of the following documents LINK

Primary Identity Documents

An applicant can present one primary document. No other documents are required to verify identity if ONE primary document is provided.

• Texas driver license or Texas identification card not expired more than 2 years
• Proof of citizenship will be required if not previously established
• Unexpired U.S. passport book or card
• U.S. Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization (N-560, N-561, N-645, N-550, N-55G, N-570 or N-578)
• Unexpired Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services document with verifiable data and identifiable photo, such as one of the following:
• U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-179 or I-197)
• Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
• Foreign passport with attached temporary I-551 (immigrant visa endorsed with ADIT stamp)
• Temporary Resident Identification Card (I-688)
• Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Travel Document (I-327 or I-571)
• Advance Parole Document (I-512 or I-512L)
• I-94 stamped Sec. 208 Asylee with photo
• I-94 stamped Sec. 207 Refugee with photo
• Refugee Travel Letter with photo, stamped by Customs and Border Protection
• American Indian Card (I-872)
• Northern Mariana card (I-873)
• Foreign passport with attached visa and Form I-94
• Unexpired U.S. military ID card for active duty, reserve or retired personnel with identifiable photo

Secondary Identity Documents

Applicants who do not have a primary document can present two secondary documents. No other documents are required to verify identity if TWO secondary documents are provided.

• Original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a State Bureau of Vital Statistics or equivalent agency from a U.S. state, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia or a Canadian province

Note: Because Puerto Rican statute provides that Puerto Rican birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010 are no longer valid, the Department cannot recognize these birth certificates as proof of identification or lawful presence. To know more LINK.

• For U.S. citizens born abroadCertificate of Report of Birth (DS-1350 or FS-545) or Consular Report of Birth (FS-240) issued by the U.S. Department of State
• Original or certified copy of a court order with name and date of birth indicating a name and/or gender change from a U.S. state, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia or a Canadian province

Supporting Identity Documents

Applicants who do not have a primary document or two secondary documents can provide ONE secondary document (from the list above) and TWO supporting documents.

• Social security card
• Form W-2 or 1099
• Driver license or ID card issued by another U.S. state, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia or Canadian province (unexpired or expired less than two years)*
• Texas driver license or ID card that has been expired more than two years
• Temporary receipt for a Texas driver license or ID card
• School records* (e.g., report cards, photo ID cards)
• Unexpired U.S. military dependent identification card
• Original or certified copy of marriage license or divorce decree (if the document is not in English, a certified translation must accompany it)
• Voter registration card*
• Pilot license*
• Concealed handgun license*
• Professional license issued by a Texas state agency
• ID card issued by a government agency*
• Consular document issued by a state or national government
• Texas Inmate ID card or similar form of ID issued by Texas Department of Criminal Justice
• Texas Department of Criminal Justice parole or mandatory release certificate
• Federal inmate identification card
• Federal parole or release certificate
• Medicare or Medicaid card
• Selective Service card
• Immunization records*
• Tribal membership card from federally-recognized tribe
• Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood
• Unexpired foreign passport
• Unexpired insurance policy valid for the past two years (e.g., auto, home or life insurance)
• Current Texas vehicle registration or title
• Current Texas boat registration or title
• Veteran's Health Identification Card (VHIC) and Proof of Service/Verification of Honorable Service Card from U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
• Hospital-issued birth record*
• Military records (e.g., Form DD-214)

Note *: The document must be issued by an institution, entity or government from a U.S. state, a U.S. territory, the District of Columbia or a Canadian province.

Proof of SSN

To enhance security, reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud, and to protect the integrity of the issuance process, an applicant for a driver license must present his or her Social Security card or other acceptable documentation. Such documentation must be unaltered originals, not copies. Verification of a SSN is mandatory for a drive

Eligibility

Minimum Age:

• Motorcycle: 16 with completion of the classroom phase of a driver education course (32 hours) and a DPS approved basic motorcycle operator training course (16 hours); drivers who are under 18 years of age must also hold a valid Class C license
• Moped: 15 with parental permission, completion of the classroom phase of a driver education course (32 hours), and a DPS-approved motorcycle operator training course (16 hours)
• Motor-driven cycle of 250 cc or less: 15 with DPS approval for a minor restricted driver license (MRDL) or completion of the classroom phase of a driver education course (32hours) and a DPS-approved basic motorcycle operator training course (16hours)

Additional Information:

Minors: If you are under the age of 18 applying for a motorcycle or moped license you must:

• Have a Class C learner license or driver license; or
• Complete the classroom phase of a driver education course before a motorcycle safety course can be taken. (The behind-the-wheel part of driver education course is not needed to take the motorcycle safety course or to apply for a Class M.)

Minors from Out-of-State: In Texas, the driver education requirement applies to all individuals under 18, even if they already hold a motorcycle license from another state.

Instructions

Motorcycle Knowledge Test

Beginning January 12, 2015, any customer who has proof of completion of a department approved motorcycle operator training course, and applies for one of the 2 licenses below, DOES NOT have to take the motorcycle knowledge test.

• Unrestricted Class M;
• Class M restricted to three-wheeled motorcycles.

Motorcycle Drive Test

The motorcycle drive test CANNOT be waived for any applicant under 18. All applicants must take the motorcycle drive test unless they are:

• 18 years of age or older, has completed a motorcycle safety course and holds a valid, unrestricted Texas
• Class A, B or C driver license;
• 18 years of age or older and is transferring a valid, unrestricted motorcycle license from another state;
• Applying for a motorcycle learner license (J restrictionsee Class M Restrictions section below); or
• Only going to ride mopeds (K restrictionsee Class M Restrictions section below).

Moped

Individuals applying for a moped must take a basic driver license knowledge test (unless the individual holds a learner license or driver license) and the motorcycle knowledge test. Both tests will be waived for individuals who hold a valid motorcycle license from another state.

The motorcycle drive test is not required for those applying for a moped license.

Class M Restrictions

Required Information

• Full Name
• Residential Address
• Mailing Address
• Place of Birth
• Date of Birth
• Thumbprints
• Physical Description
• Current county of residence and U.S. citizenship status

Need for the Document

Aside from meeting the requirements necessary to obtain a regular driver license, individuals must apply for a Class M to operate a motorcycle or moped.

Following is a procedure on how you can apply for a Texas Motorcycle License.