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Michigan Motorcycle License

What types of driver's licenses does the state of Michigan issue?

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TAP Series Editorial 1 min read
What types of driver's licenses does the state of Michigan issue?

In Michigan, there are two types of driver's licenses: operator and chauffeur.

An operator's license is the standard license that most residents have, allowing them to drive passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 26,000 pounds.

A chauffeur license is required for certain jobs, such as transporting passengers or property, operating a vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or more, driving a bus or school bus, or operating a taxi or limousine. Some professions, like farmers, firefighters, or emergency medical services personnel, do not require a chauffeur license.

To operate a motorcycle, a motorcycle endorsement is required on either an operator or chauffeur license. A limited-term driver's license is issued to residents with temporary legal presence in the U.S. 

Michigan offers two styles of licenses: standard and enhanced. Enhanced licenses are federally accepted and allow travelers and commercial drivers to enter the U.S. at a land or sea border crossing when returning from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean. Both standard and enhanced licenses are accepted for domestic air travel, but a passport or other federally accepted identity document is required for international flights. 

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Written by TAP Series Editorial · Reviewed May 8, 2023

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