How to Get a Motorcycle License in Mississippi
In Mississippi, a motorcycle license must be earned before you can legally operate a motorcycle within the state. Therefore, it is important to learn how to apply for and obtain a motorbike license for the first time as well as how to transfer an out-of-state license. Before a license can be applied for, you must first obtain a learner’s permit. There is only one way to earn a permit and license within the state and by familiarizing yourself with the application method, documents and fees you will likely be able to earn your license far faster.
To get a license for a DMV motorcycle, you must first meet age, residency and citizenship requirements. Therefore, you will be required to provide numerous documents that will provide proof of qualifications when submitting your application at one of the local DMV office locations. You can learn more about the application process in the sections that have been provided below.
What is a Mississippi motorcycle endorsement?
A Mississippi motorcycle endorsement can be applied to any type of state-issued license after an applicant qualifies for the privilege to legally operate a motorcycle. When a motorbike endorsement is added to an existing Mississippi license, the license type remains the same and the license will display the endorsement on the face of it.
In addition to endorsements, Mississippi also offers motorcycle-only licenses, in which you can obtain a license that only provides you with driving privileges to motorcycles. With this license, you are not permitted to operate other types of vehicles.
Motorcycle Permit Requirements in Mississippi
The minimum motorcycle permit age is 17 in Mississippi. In addition to age-related eligibility requirements, you will only meet the requirements for motorcycle permit credentials within the state if you are:
- A resident of Mississippi.
- Lawfully residing within the United States.
- Able to provide the documentation needed to process an application.
- Able to pass a written knowledge exam.
- Able to pass a vision exam.
You are not required to already have a Mississippi driver’s license, but you cannot hold a driver’s license in another state and apply for a permit in the state. If you are a new resident, then you will first need to learn how to get an MS driver’s license by transferring credentials before requesting a permit.
Required Documents
Documentation requirements for a motorcycle permit in Mississippi include:
- Parental consent is required with a notarized signature on the permit application itself if younger than 18 years of age.
- Showing proof that you are in school by presenting a signed Certification of School Attendance if younger than 18 years of age.
- Your Social Security card.
- Your certified birth certificate.
- Two documents that provide proof of address, such as with a utility bill, recent bank statement, lease agreement or mortgage agreement.
Mississippi Motorcycle Permit Rules and Restrictions
If you are wondering, “What does a motorcycle permit allow you to do in Mississippi?” then it is worth knowing that, while you will be able to operate a motorcycle within the state, you may only do so while under the supervision of another rider who is at least 21 years of age and has already earned a motorcycle endorsement or license. That rider must follow you or ride alongside you on his or her own motorcycle.
With only a motorcycle permit, you also may not carry any passengers on your motorcycle. Finally, all motorcycle drivers and riders are required to wear a DOT-approved helmet whenever riding within the state.
How to Get a Motorcycle Permit in Mississippi
You can obtain a motorcycle permit in Mississippi by visiting your local DMV and submitting an application along with your required documentation and a $1 permit fee. During your visit, you must successfully pass a motorcycle permit test and a vision test before a permit can be issued to you. If you do not pass the knowledge exam, then you must visit the DMV again a different day to reattempt the test.
If you qualify for a motorcycle permit, then a temporary permit will be issued for you. This permit does not supersede your driver’s license if you have one but rather allows you to practice operating a motorcycle under state restrictions.
Mississippi Motorcycle License Requirements
The minimum motorcycle license age in Mississippi is 17 years old. However, all applicants must first obtain a learner’s permit before applying for a license. There is no set amount of time that you must hold a learner’s permit before applying for a license, but you will be required to successfully pass a road skill exam before a license can be issued. In addition to these requirements for motorcycle license credentials, you must:
- Be a resident of Mississippi.
- Be a lawful resident of the United States.
- Have parental permission if younger than 18 years of age.
- Be capable of providing necessary documents and fees for the license.
If you do not pass your motorcycle road test exam on the first attempt, then you will be required to reschedule.
Required Documents
The documentation requirements for a motorcycle in Mississippi include:
- Parental consent is required with a notarized signature on the permit application itself if younger than 18 years of age.
- Proof that you are in school by presenting a signed Certification of School Attendance if younger than 18 years of age.
- Your Social Security card.
- Your certified birth certificate.
- Two documents that provide proof of address, such as with a utility bill, recent bank statement, lease agreement or mortgage agreement.
How to Get a Motorcycle License in Mississippi
If you are wondering, “How long does it take to get a motorcycle license in Mississippi?” then it is worth knowing that the amount of time it will take to obtain a license will primarily depend on your testing and driving ability.
To obtain a motorcycle license in Mississippi, you must visit your local DMV in person and you must have already obtained your learner’s permit. You are not required to hold the motorcycle permit for a set period of time and you can schedule a road skill exam with your local DMV whenever you feel that you are ready. Once you successfully pass a road skill exam with the DMV, you will be given the opportunity to provide the appropriate documentation and fees in exchange for a license.
If you already have a Mississippi driver’s license, then the state will issue a motorcycle endorsement onto your license. If you do not have a license for standard motor vehicles, then you will receive a motorcycle-only license. Licenses are sent by mail and you will receive a temporary license during your visit.
Getting a Mississippi Motorcycle License as a New Resident
Getting a motorcycle license in Mississippi as a new resident is easy if you already have a valid out-of-state license that contains a motorcycle endorsement. Mississippi law requires you to transfer your license within 60 days from establishing residency within the state. When ready, simply visit your local DMV to submit an application with your documentation and license fees. So long as your out-of-state license is valid, you will not be required to take a written or road skill exam.
Motorcycle Classes in Mississippi
In Mississippi, motorcycle classes are not required to obtain a license and they cannot help you expedite the process of your license or provide any type of waiver for a knowledge or skills test at the DMV. However, motorcycle courses are still offered through numerous private businesses to help new rider learn how to operate a motorcycle safely and in accordance with Mississippi law.
A motorcycle safety course can provide new riders with numerous benefits, including:
- Safe motorcycle riding knowledge and skills.
- Learning how to ride a motorcycle with little to no experience required before the course.
- Collision avoidance techniques.
- Discounts on auto insurance premium through participating insurers.
Mississippi DMV Motorcycle Test Details
The motorcycle permit test and the road skill exam must be taken by any Mississippi residents that wish to earn a license and operate a motorcycle legally within the state. At this time, there is currently no waivers available for either test, even if you participate in a motorcycle education class.
Motorcycle Written Test
The written DMV motorcycle test is a multiple-choice test that must be successfully completed in order to obtain a learner’s permit for motorcycles. All of the information included on the exam can be found in the state motorcycle manual. However, questions are randomly provided from a larger list of questions, so you are likely to receive a different set of questions with each new test.
Motorcycle Road Test
The driving motorcycle test that is offered by the DMV must be scheduled ahead of time and you will be required to provide proof of registration and meeting the auto insurance requirements for your motorcycle. As part of the exam, you will be asked to demonstrate your ability to operate your motorcycle safely by performing basic maneuvering. The test itself will generally not take longer than half an hour and, upon successful completion of the exam, your new license can be issued.
Do you need a motorcycle license to drive a scooter in Mississippi?
A motorcycle license is required to operate a scooter in Mississippi, as state law uses the term “motorcycle” to define motor scooters. In addition to obtaining a motorcycle license, you will also need to register your scooter with the Mississippi MVS in the same way that you would with a standard motorcycle.
Motorcycle License Requirements
By reviewing the motorcycle license cost in Mississippi, you will know what to expect during your visit to the DMV. Motorcycle license fees are based upon the length of time that the license will remain valid as well as whether or not you are obtaining an endorsement or a motorcycle-only license. Fees in Mississippi are as follows:
- Motorcycle permit — $1
- Motorcycle endorsement (in addition to normal license fees) — $5 for four years and $10 for eight years
- Motorcycle license — $17 for four years, $33 for eight years and $14 if you are younger than 18 years of age
Mississippi Motorbike License Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Motorcycle License Requirements from DPS.STATE.MS.US
- Learner's Permit from DPS.STATE.MS.US