How to join 'Hells Angels'? Inside the dark motorcycle club and it's notorious brotherhood

The illicit club is a life long commitment and takes more than what it gives
PUBLISHED APR 14, 2024
Secrets of the Hells Angels releases April 14 (YouTube/@A&E TV)
Secrets of the Hells Angels releases April 14 (YouTube/@A&E TV)

FONTANA, CALIFORNIA: Joining the Hells Angels motorcycle club is not a straightforward process, it typically involves several steps. Firstly, individuals interested in joining must demonstrate a strong commitment to the club's values, which often include loyalty, brotherhood, and a willingness to engage in criminal activities.

Prospective members must also possess a motorcycle, typically a Harley-Davidson, and demonstrate proficiency in riding.

Next, individuals must cultivate connections with current club members. This involves actively participating in club gatherings like parties, rides, and fundraisers, all while showing unwavering loyalty and respect towards existing members.

Establishing trust and rapport within the club is paramount since current members hold the ultimate authority in deciding whether to extend an invitation for membership.

After forging a solid relationship, a potential member might receive an invitation to become a "hang-around" or "prospect." During this probationary period, existing members closely observe and evaluate the individual to ascertain their eligibility for full membership.

Prospects are expected to adhere to club rules, participate in club activities, and prove their commitment to the club's values.

After completing the prospecting period, the individual may be invited to become a full-patch member, also known as a "patched" or "patch-holder." This status grants them full membership rights and privileges within the club, including the right to wear the Hells Angels insignia, or "colors," on their jacket.

It's important to note that joining the Hells Angels is not a decision to be taken lightly.

Becoming a member means embracing a lifestyle that often involves engaging in illegal activities, including drug trafficking, violence, and extortion. Additionally, leaving the club is typically not an option, as members are expected to remain loyal for life.

How to leave the ‘Hells Angels’?

Leaving the Hells Angels motorcycle club requires following a formal process and adhering to specific guidelines. Initially, a member must completely sever all connections with the group, which entails discontinuing communication and surrendering their patch, symbolizing their membership. Additionally, they must ensure they are in good standing within the club, which may entail settling any outstanding debts or obligations.

Despite the organization's stance that membership is lifelong, there are circumstances where a member may be expelled for violating club rules or opt to leave voluntarily. In either scenario, following the prescribed procedures is essential to facilitate a smooth departure from the club and avoid any potential repercussions.

Hells Angles
Hells Angles is a lifelong commitment (YouTube/ @A&E TV)

Are there any female ‘Hells Angels’?

Yes, within the Hells Angels motorcycle club, there are female members, albeit in smaller numbers compared to male members. These women are typically referred to as "Hells Angels Women" or "Hells Angels Maidens." While some chapters may permit women to attain full-fledged membership with equal rights and responsibilities, this practice isn't universal across all chapters.

In certain cases, female members may have their affiliated chapters or clubs within the larger Hells Angels organization. However, it's important to emphasize that the club is primarily male-dominated, with women constituting a minority of the membership. Despite the presence of female members, the overall culture and structure of the Hells Angels remain largely centered around its male members.

Hells Angels
There aren't many female Hells Angels (YouTube/ @A&E TV)

What illegal activities are ‘Hells Angels’ known for?

The Hells Angels motorcycle club is infamous for its involvement in a multitude of illegal activities, firmly establishing itself within organized crime circles. Their primary sources of revenue include drug trafficking, wherein they are deeply involved in the production, transportation, and distribution of various illicit substances such as marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin.

Moreover, the club is involved in prostitution rings, gunrunning operations, extortion schemes, and money laundering activities to obscure the sources of their revenue. Theft, robbery, assault, and even murder are commonplace, as violence is frequently employed to assert dominance and resolve conflicts.

Furthermore, the Hells Angels are known for their involvement in counterfeiting operations, producing fake merchandise bearing their insignia. Overall, the Hells Angels operate within a criminal underworld, perpetrating a wide array of illegal activities to maintain their power and influence.

Hells Angles
Hells Angles are known for their illicit jobs (YouTube/ @A&E TV)

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18 launches with a high-stakes design challenge, a show-stealing guest judge, and fierce first impressions from 14 queens.
1 day ago
Netflix lifts the veil on Palm Beach’s most exclusive circles as ‘Members Only’ reveals the rules, rivalries, and secrets of elite society.
5 days ago
'The Road' on CBS featured 12 new voices judged by country music stars Keith Urban and Blake Shelton
Dec 22, 2025
Celeb guests include Singer Zac Brown and YouTuber MrBeast, with Jeff Probst returning as the host
Dec 18, 2025
Season 49 of the survival reality show concluded with Savannah Louie winning the competition
Dec 18, 2025
Savannah Louie, Sophie Balerdi, and Sage Ahrens-Nichols were the final three contestants who competed for the title of 'Survivor' Season 49
Dec 18, 2025
The milestone 'Survivor' Season 50 is all set to make its debut on Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Dec 18, 2025
Aiden Ross claimed victory on 'The Voice' Season 28, marking Niall Horan’s undefeated streak as coach
Dec 17, 2025
The Top 6 who competed for the win were Aiden Ross, Jazz McKenzie, Ralph Edwards, Max Chambers, Aubrey Nicole, and DEK of Hearts
Dec 17, 2025
14-year-old Chambers entertained fans with his strong vocals after making a wild card entry into the 'The Voice' Season 28 finals
Dec 17, 2025