Illinois Motorcycle Licensing
Motorcycle License, Training & Insurance
The content below is for informational purposes only and was last updated as of 4/13/2021. For the most up-to-date information, please visit https://www.ilsos.gov/.
Operating a Motorcycle in Illinois
To operate a motorcycle legally in the state of Illinois, you must:
- Meet the state’s minimum age requirement
- Obtain an Illinois motorcycle license (you also need to obtain a learner’s permit)
- Register your motorcycle with the state of Illinois
- Obtain insurance coverage that meets Illinois state requirements
The minimum age requirement to operate a motorcycle in Illinois is 18 years old. The minimum age to operator a motor-driven vehicle is 16 years old. For specific motorcycle licensing requirements and restrictions by age group, click here.
Getting an Illinois Motorcycle License
According to the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State, in addition to meeting the requirements necessary to obtain a regular driver’s license, individuals must apply for a Class L or Class M license to operate a motorcycle.
Find out how to obtain an Illinois Class M license here.
Motorcycle Education & Training in Illinois
Motorcyclists should sign up for a motorcycle safety course. In Illinois, it is not mandatory to complete a motorcycle safety course to obtain an Illinois Class L or Class M license. To find a Illinois Cycle Rider Safety Training Program center, click here. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) website contains operator safety information.
Illinois 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 Illinois. For information about Illinois insurance requirements, visit https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/insurance/Pages/default.aspx.
By now, you should have a good idea about how to proceed in obtaining an Illinois motorcycle license. If you are a new resident in Illinois, 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 Illinois SOS requires motorcyclists to have current coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements on all registered vehicles. Before riding in Illinois, 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.
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