Arizona motorcycle owners should be aware of an important change coming in 2027. Beginning January 1, 2027, Arizona will require at least one registered owner of a motorcycle to be legally licensed to operate a motorcycle in the state before the motorcycle’s registration can be renewed.
The change could affect motorcycle owners throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Glendale, Gilbert, Queen Creek and communities across Arizona, particularly riders who own a registered motorcycle but have never obtained a motorcycle license or endorsement.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), the requirement comes from an update to Arizona Revised Statute § 28-2014 and takes effect January 1, 2027.
What Is the New Arizona Motorcycle Registration Law?
Under the new law, the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division may renew a motorcycle registration only when at least one registered owner is licensed to legally operate a motorcycle in Arizona.
In practical terms, motorcycle owners renewing registrations covered by the law will need to make sure at least one registered owner has the appropriate motorcycle license or endorsement.
This is important because owning and registering a motorcycle has not necessarily meant that the registered owner was personally licensed to ride it. The new requirement ties registration renewal more directly to motorcycle licensing.
When Does the New Motorcycle Law Take Effect?
The requirement takes effect on January 1, 2027.
ADOT announced the change in September 2026 to give Arizona motorcycle owners time to obtain the appropriate motorcycle credentials before upcoming registration renewals.
If you own a motorcycle in Phoenix or elsewhere in Arizona and do not currently have a motorcycle endorsement, checking your registration renewal date now can help you avoid complications later.
Do You Need a Motorcycle License to Register a Motorcycle in Arizona?
Beginning January 1, 2027, at least one registered owner must have a valid motorcycle endorsement for the registration to be renewed, subject to the law’s exceptions.
Arizona drivers who already hold another type of driver’s license generally do not need an entirely separate license. Instead, they can obtain a motorcycle endorsement.
Under A.R.S. § 28-3103, Arizona provides for a motorcycle endorsement for drivers who qualify to operate motorcycles.
ADOT explains that a person without a driver’s license can apply for a Class M motorcycle license, while an eligible person who already has an Arizona driver’s license can add a motorcycle endorsement.
What If You Don’t Have a Motorcycle Endorsement Yet?
Motorcycle owners affected by the new law should consider beginning the licensing process before their registration renewal date.
According to ADOT’s motorcycle licensing information, applicants may need to complete motorcycle knowledge and skills testing. However, qualifying riders may be able to avoid those tests by completing training through an approved motorcycle school and obtaining a Motorcycle Safety Foundation card.
With increased demand related to the new endorsement requirement, ADOT also warns that motorcycle testing wait times may be longer than usual. Motorcycle tests are appointment-only, and same-day appointments are not available at the listed MVD testing locations.
For Phoenix-area riders, getting started before the end of 2026 could help prevent a last-minute issue when it is time to renew.
Is There a Temporary Registration Option?
Yes, in certain circumstances.
If an affected motorcycle registration is due after January 1, 2027, and the owner is enrolled in a qualified motorcycle training program, Arizona may issue a one-time 30-day temporary registration.
This provision can provide additional time for a rider who is actively working toward meeting Arizona’s motorcycle licensing requirements.
However, motorcycle owners should not assume they automatically qualify for the temporary registration. Eligibility depends on meeting the applicable requirements and providing the necessary documentation.
What Happens if a Trust Owns the Motorcycle?
Arizona’s new requirement also addresses motorcycles held in trusts.
According to ADOT, when a motorcycle is owned by a trust, a trustee must be listed on the title and have a valid motorcycle endorsement for the registration to be renewed.
Motorcycle owners who have transferred vehicles into an estate-planning trust should therefore review how the motorcycle is titled and whether the appropriate trustee holds the necessary motorcycle credential.
Are Any Motorcycles Exempt From the New Requirement?
Yes. ADOT identifies two important exceptions. The new endorsement requirement does not apply to:
- Motorcycles owned by a business
- Motorcycles registered exclusively as off-highway vehicles for off-road use
This distinction can be especially important for dirt bikes and other off-highway motorcycles. Arizona recognizes different OHV registration classifications, including vehicles registered exclusively for off-highway use and vehicles registered for on-road use.
Can You Ride a Motorcycle in Arizona With a Regular Driver’s License?
Generally, a standard Arizona driver’s license by itself does not authorize someone to operate a motorcycle that requires Class M privileges.
Arizona law states that a Class A, B, C, D, or G license is not valid for operating a vehicle requiring a Class M license unless the proper endorsement appears on the license.
Therefore, riders should distinguish between owning a motorcycle and being legally authorized to operate one on Arizona roads.
The 2027 registration change makes that distinction especially important because licensing status will now affect registration renewal for motorcycles covered by the law.
How Arizona Motorcycle Owners Can Prepare for 2027
If you own a motorcycle in Phoenix or elsewhere in Arizona, consider checking three things before the new requirement takes effect:
- Check your motorcycle registration renewal date.
- Confirm whether at least one registered owner has a valid motorcycle endorsement.
- If necessary, begin the licensing or approved training process early.
ADOT says most motorcycle registrations can be renewed online and that registration may generally be renewed up to six months early. Owners should also make sure their insurance information and mailing address are current.
Why Motorcycle Licensing Can Matter After a Phoenix Accident
The new registration law primarily concerns whether a motorcycle registration can be renewed. It should not be confused with the separate legal issues that can arise after a motorcycle accident.
After a serious motorcycle crash in Phoenix, questions may arise concerning negligence, insurance coverage, injuries, damages, traffic violations, and licensing or registration issues.
Whether a rider’s licensing or registration status affects a particular injury claim will depend on the facts and applicable Arizona law. An injured motorcyclist should not automatically assume that a licensing or registration issue eliminates the ability to pursue compensation from a driver who caused a collision.
Injured in a Phoenix Motorcycle Accident? Contact The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed
Arizona’s motorcycle laws continue to change, making it important for riders to understand both their responsibilities and their legal rights.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash caused by another driver in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Glendale, Gilbert, or elsewhere in Arizona, The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed can help you understand your legal options.
Our Phoenix personal injury attorneys can review the circumstances surrounding the accident, investigate potential liability, deal with insurance companies, and help determine what compensation may be available for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other accident-related damages.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Arizona?
Motorcycle accidents involving intersections and traffic signals can lead to serious injuries and complicated questions about fault. If you were hurt because of another driver’s negligence, contact The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.
Call (602) 952-9937 today to speak with our Phoenix personal injury team.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona’s New Motorcycle Registration Law
When does Arizona’s new motorcycle registration law start?
The new requirement takes effect January 1, 2027. For registrations subject to the law, at least one registered owner must have a valid motorcycle endorsement before the registration can be renewed.
Do I need a motorcycle endorsement to renew my registration in Arizona?
Beginning January 1, 2027, at least one registered owner generally must have a valid motorcycle endorsement for an affected motorcycle registration to be renewed. Business-owned motorcycles and motorcycles registered exclusively for off-highway use are exempt.
What happens if I’m taking a motorcycle safety course when my registration expires?
If your registration is due after the law takes effect and you are enrolled in a qualified motorcycle training program, you may qualify for a one-time 30-day temporary registration.
Does the new law apply to dirt bikes?
Motorcycles registered as exclusively off-highway vehicles are exempt from the new endorsement requirement. Whether a particular dirt bike qualifies depends on how it is registered and used.
Do motorcycles owned by businesses require an endorsed owner?
ADOT states that the new motorcycle endorsement requirement does not apply to motorcycles owned by a business.
Where can I learn how to get an Arizona motorcycle endorsement?
Motorcycle owners can review licensing, testing, training and permit requirements through the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motorcycle License page.
