Wisconsin

Wisconsin Motorcycle Licensing

Motorcycle License, Permits, Training & Insurance

The content below is for informational purposes only and was last updated as of 5/28/2021. For the most up-to-date information, please visit https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/home.aspx.

Operating a Motorcycle in Wisconsin

In order to operate a motorcycle in the state of Wisconsin you must:

  • Meet the state’s minimum age requirement
  • Obtain a Wisconsin motorcycle license (you may also need to obtain a motorcycle instruction permit)
  • Register your motorcycle with the state of Wisconsin
  • Obtain insurance coverage that meets Wisconsin state requirements

The minimum age requirement to operate a motorcycle in Wisconsin is 16 years old. For specific motorcycle licensing requirements and restrictions by age group, click here.

Getting a Wisconsin Motorcycle License

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, in addition to meeting the requirements necessary to obtain a regular driver’s license, individuals must apply for a Class M motorcycle license to operate a motorcycle. 

Find out how to obtain a Wisconsin Class M Motorcycle License here.

Motorcycle Education & Training in Wisconsin

Motorcyclists should sign up for a motorcycle safety course. In Wisconsin, it is not mandatory to complete a motorcycle safety course to obtain a Wisconsin Class M license, unless you are under the age of 18. To find a Wisconsin motorcycle training course, click here. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) website contains operator safety information.

Wisconsin Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

If you’re riding a motorcycle, you will have many of the same requirements regarding registration, licensing and insurance as automobile drivers have in Wisconsin.  For information about Wisconsin insurance requirements, visit https://oci.wi.gov/Pages/Homepage.aspx.

By now, you should have a good idea about how to proceed in obtaining a Wisconsin motorcycle license. If you are a new resident in Wisconsin, or you are a new rider and you’re shopping for motorcycle insurance, click here to get a quote in minutes.

Disclaimer: The materials available at this web site are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should review the links within this article, or contact the relevant state agency, for complete and current information.

The WI DOT requires motorcyclists to have current coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements on all registered vehicles. Before riding in Wisconsin, make sure your coverage meets the state’s requirements.

To make sure you have the right coverage at the right price, come see what Rider can do for you.

Want to find out more about motorcycle coverage requirements in other states?

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA DC WV WI WY