Help getting Texas license - Out of state resident

MattMc · 06-18-2007, 12:11 PM

Hello everyone. First time poster. I am looking for some advise on how to get my first motorcycle license. I am a Texas resident and have a Texas drivers license, but I am currently living in Spokane, Washington (military). I have not had a motorcycle license before in any state and do not have any experience riding motorcycles. Do I have to take the Texas basic motorcycle safety course to get my motorcycle license/endorsment, or will Texas recognize a basic safety course that was taken in another state? I am guessing that I will have to be present in a Texas DMV to take the written portion of the test, correct?

Another option that I could think of is to take the basic safety course here in Washington and then get a Washington drivers/motorcycle license. Does anyone know if it is possible to have a Washinton motorcycle license and a Texas drivers license at the same time? If I get a Washington drivers license do I have to change my state of residency? I plan on leaving Washington in two years and returning to Texas to help my parents out, so my first choice would be to keep my license and residency in Texas.

Worst case scenario is I would have to go back to Texas just to take the safety course and get a motorcycle endorsement on my current license. I'd like to avoid that option if possible.

Any suggestions are welcomed! Thanks.

Matt

motominister · 06-18-2007, 08:42 PM

I can only answer one of your questions. In Texas, DPS recognizes the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic Rider Course as a suitable substitute for the driving test you would otherwise endure. The course is 5 hours in the classroom and 10 hours on the range. The emphasis is on riding. It is estimated that you will gain the equivalent of two years experience by taking the course. The course curriculum is the same in most states, Washington included, and is taught the same way everywhere. Check http://www.msf-usa.org/ to find a location near you.

Reciprocity was a topic at the State Motorcycle Safety Administrators conference earlier this year. If my memory serves me, your completion card from a Washington taught BRC will be recognized in Texas provided the MSF endorsement is printed on the card. Another option available to you would be taking the military version of the course. Your command should be able to give you information and a course of action.

You mentioned dual licensure. I don't know about Washington, but I believe Texas requires you to surrender any other license before they will issue you a Texas license. I don't know if Washington will make you change your residence. If they do, there are several other implications. As active duty military, you can maintain your Texas residency for the length of your service.

If you are able, I would suggest taking a few days leave, fly home, take the course, get the license, say hi to Mom, go back to Washington. I'm just saying.

OH, and thanks for putting it on the line for us pasty civilians.

tbirdsp · 06-18-2007, 10:19 PM

Matt, retired USAF E-7 here.
When active duty I originally had an Ohio license. When I wanted to get my motorcycle endorsement I got a Nebraska license, then took the MSF course and got the endorsement. You can't have licenses from 2 different states at the same time, but just because you get one where you are stationed doesn't mean you have to give up your current residency.
I was an Ohio resident with a Nebraska license for many years. Once I retired here though I had to become a NE resident.
You'll have to check with TX, but they *should* honor your motorcycle endorsement when you return to your home of record and get a TX license again, especially if you have an MSF completion card. Worst case they might make you take all or some of the test, but probably not.
If I was you I would just get a WA license and take the course up there.

MattMc · 06-19-2007, 12:40 AM

Thanks for the help. Fairchild AFB (here in Washington) does offer an on-base safety course, but as I understand it, for whatever reason, does not count as either the written or the driving portion of getting a Washinton license (but does satisfy the base's requirement to have completed a safety course to ride on base). I don't know if has to deal with the certification of the instructors or what. I can take the safety course off base at a local motorcycle dealership, and here in Washington, that course counts for both the written and driving tests required to obtain a Washington license. All I have to do is take the course completion results to the DMV and get the license. That part of the deal sounds great, but I am trying to keep the Texas license for now.

I think I'll try and find a phone number to the Texas DMV and see if I can actually talk to a human instead of a computer. Hopefully I can find someone familiar with motocycle licensing who can tell me for certain whether Texas will recogize a Washinton motorcycle license or a Washington safety course certificate. The answer to those questions might decide for me which way to go.

Ideally I would like to take the safety course here in Washington and mail the results in to Texas to get my endorsement, but I don't think it will happen that way. I think as a minimum I will have to take the written test in person while visiting Texas.

Thanks for both of your reply's! And motominister, you're welcome.

Matt

motominister · 06-19-2007, 06:39 AM

800-292-5787 is the number for the Motorcycle Safety Unit at DPS in Austin. They are THE source for any motorcycle license question in Texas. They are not DPS Troopers, but hard core motorcyclists who are DPS civilians.

tbirdsp · 06-19-2007, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattMc

Thanks for the help. Fairchild AFB (here in Washington) does offer an on-base safety course, but as I understand it, for whatever reason, does not count as either the written or the driving portion of getting a Washinton license (but does satisfy the base's requirement to have completed a safety course to ride on base). I don't know if has to deal with the certification of the instructors or what. I can take the safety course off base at a local motorcycle dealership, and here in Washington, that course counts for both the written and driving tests required to obtain a Washington license. All I have to do is take the course completion results to the DMV and get the license. That part of the deal sounds great, but I am trying to keep the Texas license for now.

Ideally I would like to take the safety course here in Washington and mail the results in to Texas to get my endorsement, but I don't think it will happen that way. I think as a minimum I will have to take the written test in person while visiting Texas.

Thanks for both of your reply's! And motominister, you're welcome.

Matt

Man, I thought they had gotten away from teaching a base safety course that wasn't MSF approved. That's just stupid. I know they did at Offutt. The base safety course IS the MSF course.
So if you take the MSF course downtown, does that also satisfy the requirement for the base course? Or do you have to do both? Again, I thought they got rid of that ridiculous process. Seems every MAJCOM/base is different though. States have different rules too. I think it took them a while to convince the state that the MSF course taught on base was the same as anywhere else, and should be approved to waive the test to get a Nebraska motorcycle endorsement. Actually, I think they finally just contracted the MSF safety course out to the Omaha Safety and Health council, which does the civilian MSF training in this area. When we had military MSF instructors it seemed like the guys were always overseas or their bosses bitched about them taking time off to teach the class (which is bullshit).
FYI, last I knew the AFI states you have to take the course to ride *at all*, not just on base. Not saying you were going to/are doing it, but if your supervisor finds out you are riding off base without the course you could get in trouble. I retired in late '05 and I know motorcycle safety was a very hot topic due to all of the guys killing themselves on bikes.
Whatever you do, take the course, wear ALL of the gear, and ride safely

What kind of bike are you thinking of getting?

MattMc · 06-19-2007, 12:03 PM

Great news!

I called the Motorcycle Safety Unit number that motominister provided and talked to a gentleman who confirmed that the Washington MSF basic safety course will be recognized by Texas. He also told me that when he was stationed at McChord AFB (also in Washington), he got a Washington drivers/motorcycle license and it was recognized by Texas when he returned there. He also provided me the phone number to the Texas DPS Licensing Issuance Support.

I called the Licensing Issuance Support number and talked to another very helpful lady who confirmed that the Washington MSF course will be recognized by Texas, and that I can get the motorcycle endorsement on my Texas license by following these guidelines (quoted from their website):

6) I am currently out-of-state and want to add a motorcycle classification to my Texas license. How can this be done? Applicants must:

- Complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course (MSB). Be advised that the MSC must be approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. If a military member, an MSB course may be offered on base. If not, you can complete a course through a local college or university.
- Submit a copy of the graded written exam or a letter from the instructor stating the exam taken and grade given, and the MSB-8 completion certificate. Texas Transportation Code 521.143.
- Submit the required fee in the form of a check or money order drawn on a U.S. Bank, payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Texas Transportation Code 521.421.

Mail the information listed above and the required fee to the:

Texas Department of Public Safety
Attn: L.I.B./Receiving
P. O. Box 15999
Austin, TX 78761-5999

As you can see, a certified copy of the written exam results will be accepted by Texas in lieu of taking the test "in-person" at the DMV. That saves a possible trip down there just to get the license! Tonight I will double-check with my unit's safety rep to see if the on-base class will or will not be recognized as an offical MSF safety course. If not, I will sign up for the off-base course. I just hope the waiting line isn't too long.

tbirdsp: I'd rather blend-in than stand-out, and I've always enjoyed exploring - both on and off road - so I am probably going to get a Suzuki DR650 dual sport. From what I've read, a great beginners bike, and a bike that more experienced users have gone back to because it's good at everything.

I'll keep you guys updated. Thanks for the help and phone numbers.

Matt

----------

Motorcycle Safety Unit (Department of Public Safety in Austin): 1-800-292-5787
Texas License Issuance Support: 512-424-5089
Texas DPS Website: www.txdps.state.tx.us (click on "Drivers License FAQ", then "Drivers License of Identification Card", then "Motorcycle License/Permit")

06-18-2007, 12:11 PM	#1
MattMc ^OP n00b Joined: Jun 2007 Location: Eastern Washington Oddometer: 3	Help getting Texas license - Out of state resident Hello everyone. First time poster. I am looking for some advise on how to get my first motorcycle license. I am a Texas resident and have a Texas drivers license, but I am currently living in Spokane, Washington (military). I have not had a motorcycle license before in any state and do not have any experience riding motorcycles. Do I have to take the Texas basic motorcycle safety course to get my motorcycle license/endorsment, or will Texas recognize a basic safety course that was taken in another state? I am guessing that I will have to be present in a Texas DMV to take the written portion of the test, correct? Another option that I could think of is to take the basic safety course here in Washington and then get a Washington drivers/motorcycle license. Does anyone know if it is possible to have a Washinton motorcycle license and a Texas drivers license at the same time? If I get a Washington drivers license do I have to change my state of residency? I plan on leaving Washington in two years and returning to Texas to help my parents out, so my first choice would be to keep my license and residency in Texas. Worst case scenario is I would have to go back to Texas just to take the safety course and get a motorcycle endorsement on my current license. I'd like to avoid that option if possible. Any suggestions are welcomed! Thanks. Matt

06-18-2007, 10:19 PM	#3
tbirdsp REMF Joined: Mar 2002 Location: Nebraska Oddometer: 8,546	Matt, retired USAF E-7 here. When active duty I originally had an Ohio license. When I wanted to get my motorcycle endorsement I got a Nebraska license, then took the MSF course and got the endorsement. You can't have licenses from 2 different states at the same time, but just because you get one where you are stationed doesn't mean you have to give up your current residency. I was an Ohio resident with a Nebraska license for many years. Once I retired here though I had to become a NE resident. You'll have to check with TX, but they should honor your motorcycle endorsement when you return to your home of record and get a TX license again, especially if you have an MSF completion card. Worst case they might make you take all or some of the test, but probably not. If I was you I would just get a WA license and take the course up there. __________________ Mike S. '09 Bonneville Black AMA MSTA STOC http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/...orcycleriders/

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06-18-2007, 08:42 PM	#2
motominister Shut Up and Ride Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Hot Springs Oddometer: 57	I can only answer one of your questions. In Texas, DPS recognizes the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic Rider Course as a suitable substitute for the driving test you would otherwise endure. The course is 5 hours in the classroom and 10 hours on the range. The emphasis is on riding. It is estimated that you will gain the equivalent of two years experience by taking the course. The course curriculum is the same in most states, Washington included, and is taught the same way everywhere. Check http://www.msf-usa.org/ to find a location near you. Reciprocity was a topic at the State Motorcycle Safety Administrators conference earlier this year. If my memory serves me, your completion card from a Washington taught BRC will be recognized in Texas provided the MSF endorsement is printed on the card. Another option available to you would be taking the military version of the course. Your command should be able to give you information and a course of action. You mentioned dual licensure. I don't know about Washington, but I believe Texas requires you to surrender any other license before they will issue you a Texas license. I don't know if Washington will make you change your residence. If they do, there are several other implications. As active duty military, you can maintain your Texas residency for the length of your service. If you are able, I would suggest taking a few days leave, fly home, take the course, get the license, say hi to Mom, go back to Washington. I'm just saying. OH, and thanks for putting it on the line for us pasty civilians.

06-19-2007, 12:40 AM	#4
MattMc ^OP n00b Joined: Jun 2007 Location: Eastern Washington Oddometer: 3	Thanks for the help. Fairchild AFB (here in Washington) does offer an on-base safety course, but as I understand it, for whatever reason, does not count as either the written or the driving portion of getting a Washinton license (but does satisfy the base's requirement to have completed a safety course to ride on base). I don't know if has to deal with the certification of the instructors or what. I can take the safety course off base at a local motorcycle dealership, and here in Washington, that course counts for both the written and driving tests required to obtain a Washington license. All I have to do is take the course completion results to the DMV and get the license. That part of the deal sounds great, but I am trying to keep the Texas license for now. I think I'll try and find a phone number to the Texas DMV and see if I can actually talk to a human instead of a computer. Hopefully I can find someone familiar with motocycle licensing who can tell me for certain whether Texas will recogize a Washinton motorcycle license or a Washington safety course certificate. The answer to those questions might decide for me which way to go. Ideally I would like to take the safety course here in Washington and mail the results in to Texas to get my endorsement, but I don't think it will happen that way. I think as a minimum I will have to take the written test in person while visiting Texas. Thanks for both of your reply's! And motominister, you're welcome. Matt

06-19-2007, 06:39 AM	#5
motominister Shut Up and Ride Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Hot Springs Oddometer: 57	800-292-5787 is the number for the Motorcycle Safety Unit at DPS in Austin. They are THE source for any motorcycle license question in Texas. They are not DPS Troopers, but hard core motorcyclists who are DPS civilians.

06-19-2007, 12:03 PM	#7
MattMc ^OP n00b Joined: Jun 2007 Location: Eastern Washington Oddometer: 3	Great news! I called the Motorcycle Safety Unit number that motominister provided and talked to a gentleman who confirmed that the Washington MSF basic safety course will be recognized by Texas. He also told me that when he was stationed at McChord AFB (also in Washington), he got a Washington drivers/motorcycle license and it was recognized by Texas when he returned there. He also provided me the phone number to the Texas DPS Licensing Issuance Support. I called the Licensing Issuance Support number and talked to another very helpful lady who confirmed that the Washington MSF course will be recognized by Texas, and that I can get the motorcycle endorsement on my Texas license by following these guidelines (quoted from their website): 6) I am currently out-of-state and want to add a motorcycle classification to my Texas license. How can this be done? Applicants must: - Complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course (MSB). Be advised that the MSC must be approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. If a military member, an MSB course may be offered on base. If not, you can complete a course through a local college or university. - Submit a copy of the graded written exam or a letter from the instructor stating the exam taken and grade given, and the MSB-8 completion certificate. Texas Transportation Code 521.143. - Submit the required fee in the form of a check or money order drawn on a U.S. Bank, payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Texas Transportation Code 521.421. Mail the information listed above and the required fee to the: Texas Department of Public Safety Attn: L.I.B./Receiving P. O. Box 15999 Austin, TX 78761-5999 As you can see, a certified copy of the written exam results will be accepted by Texas in lieu of taking the test "in-person" at the DMV. That saves a possible trip down there just to get the license! Tonight I will double-check with my unit's safety rep to see if the on-base class will or will not be recognized as an offical MSF safety course. If not, I will sign up for the off-base course. I just hope the waiting line isn't too long. tbirdsp: I'd rather blend-in than stand-out, and I've always enjoyed exploring - both on and off road - so I am probably going to get a Suzuki DR650 dual sport. From what I've read, a great beginners bike, and a bike that more experienced users have gone back to because it's good at everything. I'll keep you guys updated. Thanks for the help and phone numbers. Matt ---------- Motorcycle Safety Unit (Department of Public Safety in Austin): 1-800-292-5787 Texas License Issuance Support: 512-424-5089 Texas DPS Website: www.txdps.state.tx.us (click on "Drivers License FAQ", then "Drivers License of Identification Card", then "Motorcycle License/Permit")