Do You Need a Motorcycle License to Drive a Moped?

Cute and fun, the fuel-efficient and fashionable moped is a unique way to get around. But do you need a license for a scooter or a moped? The answer is more complicated than you would think!

Do you need a license to drive a moped?

In 44 out of 50 states, you need a license to drive a moped or a scooter. In six of them, you don't. Each state has its own licensing requirement, equipment requirements, registration requirements and laws for scooters and mopeds.

Do you need a motorcycle license for a moped?

Some, but not all, states require that you get specifically a Class M or specifically a motorcycle license for driving mopeds, scooters and motorized bikes. Far more, however, simply require that you have a general driver's license. Check the list below.

States Where You Need a License for a Moped

• Alabama: You need a "B" restricted motorcycle license. The minimum age is 14.
• Alaska: You need one of three different classes of motorcycle license. The minimum age is 14.
• Arizona: You need a motorcycle license. The minimum age is 16.
• California: No license is required if the vehicle cannot reach speeds of 20 miles per hour. For mopeds, you need an M1 or M2 license.
• Connecticut: You need a general, basic driver's license (Class D).
• Delaware: You need a motor vehicle license.
• Georgia: You need at least a driver's license and to be at least 15 years old. Scooter riders may enroll in a license waiver program.
• Hawaii: You need a motor vehicle license.
• Idaho: You need a valid driver's license.
• Illinois: Scooters and mopeds of a certain size only need a valid state driver's license.
• Indiana: You need one of three different options of licenses.
• Iowa: You'll need a motorcycle license.
• Kansas: You need a regular driver's license.
• Kentucky: You need either a regular driver's license or a specific moped license.
• Louisiana: You need a regular driver's license.
• Maine: You might have a driver's ID and be at least 16 years old.
• Maryland: You need a driver's license.
• Massachusetts: You need a driver's license and be at least 16 years old.
• Michigan: You need a motorcycle endorsement on your driver ID.
• Minnesota: You need either a license or a permit.
• Mississippi: You need an endorsement on your driver's license.
• Missouri: You need a motorcycle license.
• Montana: You need a valid driver's license.
• Nebraska: You need a valid driver's license for public roads, and you need a motorcycle license for motorized scooters.
• Nevada: You can hold any class of driver's license to use a moped on public streets.
• New Hampshire: You need a valid driver's license or a moped license.
• New Jersey: You need a motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license or a separate motorcycle license.
• New Mexico: You need a valid driver's license.
• New York: Motorized bikes that can reach top speeds of 30 miles per hour need a Class M license, while scooters and mopeds simply need any class of driver's license.
• North Dakota: You need a valid driver's license and be at least 14 years old.
• Ohio: You need a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license or a separate motorcycle license. You also must be at least 16 years old.
• Oklahoma: You need a Class A, B, C or D license.
• Oregon: You need a driver's license.
• Pennsylvania: You need a valid Class C driver's license. Motorized bikes will need a Class M license.
• Rhode Island: You need a standard driver's license.
• South Carolina: You need a Class D, G or M license to operate a moped. Scooter drivers need a Class M license.
• South Dakota: You need a valid Class 1 driver's license.
• Tennessee: You need a valid driver's license; a motorcycle endorsement is not required.
• Texas: Mopeds of a top speed of 30 miles per hour on level ground require a Class M motorcycle license.
• Utah: You need a motorcycle license.
• Vermont: You can drive a moped with a Class C driver's license.
• Washington: You need a valid driver's license.
• West Virginia: You need a valid driver's license.
• Wisconsin: You need either a regular driver's license or a special license for only mopeds.

States Where You Don't Need a License for a Moped

• Arkansas: No license is needed.
• Colorado: A registration is required, but not a license.
• Florida: You don't need a license.
• North Carolina: You don't need a license to drive a moped. The driver must be at least 16 years old.
• Virginia: You don't need a license.
• Wyoming: Call your local county, but by and large there are no license requirements.

Hopefully, we helped to quickly answer the question of whether you need a motorcycle license for a scooter/moped. Each state is unique, so be sure to check local rules in both your state and county before deciding to buy a moped!