Hells Angels Membership, Patches, and Rules Explained
The Hells Angels have become a symbol of outlaw motorcycle culture, but the rules behind their membership and patches are less understood. Founded in 1948, the club now operates chapters in 59 countries; this guide explains the meaning of patches and what it means to join or leave.
Founded: 1948 · Founder: Otto Friedli, Armand (Cherry) Ziroli, and others · Estimated members: 2,000–2,500 · Chapters worldwide: 400 in 59 countries · Club colors: Red and white · Motto: “When we do right, nobody remembers. When we do wrong, nobody forgets.”
Quick snapshot
- Founded in 1948 in Fontana, California (SlashGear (motorcycle culture outlet))
- Club colors are red and white (The Patchio (custom patch retailer))
- Membership is for life under the club constitution (Wikipedia (club constitution))
- Exact number of active members
- Detailed resignation process procedures
- Whether retaliation against departing members is systematic
- New chapters may form amid continued law enforcement scrutiny
- Rivalries with other outlaw clubs likely to persist
Seven key facts about the Hells Angels reveal a tight structure built on tradition and discipline.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Founder | Otto Friedli, Armand (Cherry) Ziroli, and others |
| Founded | 1948 |
| Headquarters | Oakland, California, USA |
| Members | 2,000–2,500 (estimated) |
| Chapters | 400 in 59 countries |
| Colors | Red and white |
| Motto | “When we do right, nobody remembers. When we do wrong, nobody forgets.” |
Can you quit Hells Angels?
According to the club’s constitution, membership is for life, but resignation is technically possible. The process requires the member to return all patches and property and settle any outstanding dues (Wikipedia (club rules)).
Membership withdrawal process
- A member who wishes to resign must submit a request to the chapter for approval.
- All club patches, including the Death’s Head and rockers, must be surrendered.
- Outstanding financial obligations to the chapter must be paid.
The catch: once you leave, you lose all club protection and social ties. Former members are no longer welcome at club events or clubhouses.
Consequences of leaving
Leaving the Hells Angels means severing a brotherhood that is often described as family. The club states membership is for life, and those who walk away may face suspicion from former peers. Some former members have reported harassment after leaving (SlashGear (motorcycle culture outlet)).
A departing member trades club protection and identity for independence, but the social cost can be high—especially if rumors of retaliation circulate within the biker community.
The implication: leaving the club is a formal process with significant social consequences.
What happens if you try to leave Hells Angels?
Resigning from the Hells Angels is not simply a handshake goodbye. The club has protocols, and failing to follow them can create friction.
Risks and repercussions
- Failure to return club property can lead to expulsion or threats.
- Some former members have reported hostility from their former chapter.
- Leaving can strain relationships with friends who remain in the club.
According to one source, the resignation process requires approval from the local chapter (SlashGear (motorcycle culture outlet)). If the request is denied or the member stops showing up, the club may consider them an expelled non-member.
Club protocol for resignations
The Hells Angels constitution is not public, but secondary reports describe a formal process: a written resignation, return of all patches, and a vote by the chapter. Sources indicate that a member who attempts to leave without following protocol may be treated as a deserter (Axencis (trademark and brand analysis firm)).
For anyone considering joining—or leaving—the Hells Angels, understanding that the club treats membership as a lifelong contract is crucial. The social and physical risks of an unapproved exit are well documented.
The pattern: unapproved exits carry risks that go beyond social exclusion.
What clubs are friends with Hells Angels?
The Hells Angels do not operate in isolation. They maintain a network of support clubs that fly red and white colors and show loyalty to the mother club.
Support clubs and allies
- Red Devils are the most well-known Hells Angels support club.
- Hells Angels Nomads are a semi-independent chapter that supports club interests.
- Many independent motorcycle clubs affiliate with Hells Angels through patch-over agreements.
One guide notes that supporters may use “Support 81” patches rather than the official club colors (The Patchio (custom patch retailer)).
Rivalries with other MCs
Not all clubs are friendly. The Outlaws and Bandidos are traditional rivals of the Hells Angels in the UK and globally. Tensions have led to violent conflicts over territory and patch status (SlashGear (motorcycle culture outlet)).
Support clubs can be a stepping stone to full membership, but wearing their colors in rival territory carries real risk. The patch hierarchy is enforced strictly.
What this means: affiliation with support clubs is a serious commitment with territorial implications.
What does the 666 mean for bikers?
Number patches are a language of their own in outlaw biker culture. The number 666 is widely associated with the “one percenter” ethos—the idea that the club operates outside mainstream society.
The 666 patch meaning
- 666 is linked to outlaw status and anti-establishment identity.
- Commonly worn by Hells Angels and other one percenter clubs.
- Sometimes called the “devil’s number” within biker circles.
A 1% patch also signifies the club’s outlaw status—the claim that 99% of motorcyclists are law-abiding, and they are the 1% (SlashGear (motorcycle culture outlet)).
Other number patches: 81, 13, 86, 59
- 81 stands for H (8th letter) and A (1st letter) = Hells Angels.
- 13 refers to the letter M (13th letter) = marijuana or motorcycle.
- 86 means ejected or kicked out (common bar term adopted by bikers).
- 59 is sometimes used to mean “no patch” or “support only.”
The number patch “81” is widely described as representing Hells Angels (SlashGear (motorcycle culture outlet)). Wearing it without membership is considered disrespectful (Viking Bags (motorcycle accessories guide)).
What is the biggest MC in the UK?
The UK has a strong outlaw motorcycle scene, and the Hells Angels are a major player—but the debate over which club holds the title “biggest” is ongoing.
Hells Angels UK presence
- First UK chapter was established in London in 1969.
- Now has chapters in England, Scotland, and Ireland.
- Part of the global Hells Angels network with a strong UK membership base.
The Outlaws and Bandidos also have significant UK chapters, and some estimates suggest The Outlaws have more total members in the UK than Hells Angels (SlashGear (motorcycle culture outlet)).
Other major UK MCs
- The Outlaws – strong presence in England and Scotland.
- Bandidos – smaller but growing UK chapters.
- Mongols – have attempted to establish a UK foothold.
The pattern: the UK biker scene is fragmented, with no single club dominant. Rivalries are more about territory than size.
Timeline
- 1948 – Hells Angels founded in Fontana, California (SlashGear).
- 1960s – Expansion across the United States (Patchio).
- 1969 – First UK chapter established in London (Axencis).
- 1970s–1980s – International growth and increased law enforcement scrutiny (Viking Bags).
- 1990s – Rivalries with other outlaw motorcycle clubs intensify (Custom Patch Factory).
- 2000s–present – Ongoing criminal investigations and club maintenance of public image (Jackets Kingdom).
The timeline shows a steady trajectory from local club to global organization, with law enforcement interest rising in parallel.
Clarity breakdown
Confirmed facts
- Founded in 1948 in California (SlashGear)
- Club colors are red and white (Patchio)
- Membership is for life under club constitution (Wikipedia (club constitution))
- Members can resign but must return patches (Wikipedia (club rules))
What’s unclear
- Exact number of active members
- Detailed resignation process steps
- Whether retaliation against departing members is systematic
- The exact relationship between Hells Angels and support clubs
- Whether the club’s constitution is strictly enforced across all chapters
What insiders say
“When we do right, nobody remembers. When we do wrong, nobody forgets.”
– Hells Angels Motto (displayed on club patches and literature) (Wikipedia)
“Membership is for life according to the club’s constitution, but resignation is possible with approval.”
– Wikipedia (club rules)
The Hells Angels remain one of the most scrutinized motorcycle clubs in the world. For anyone considering membership, the choice is clear: commit fully to a lifelong brotherhood with strict rules—or stay outside and understand that the patches are not just decorations, but binding oaths. For rival clubs, the competition for territory and reputation shows no sign of cooling.
theglobeandmail.com, youtube.com, patchmakersusa.com, youtube.com, youtube.com, thepatchio.com, facebook.com
Frequently asked questions
What is a sweetbutt?
Sweetbutt is a slang term used in biker culture for a woman who associates with motorcycle clubs for sex or status, but is not a member’s old lady or wife. The term is considered derogatory.
What does 86 mean to bikers?
86 is a term borrowed from bar and restaurant industry meaning to remove or reject someone. In biker culture, it can mean a person is banned from a club or event—often worn as a patch on a vest.
What does 59 mean to bikers?
59 is a numeric patch seen on some vests. It is sometimes interpreted as “no patch” or “support only,” indicating the wearer is not a full member but a supporter of a club.
What does a biker call his girlfriend?
Common terms include “old lady” (committed partner), “momma” (general term), or “biker babe.” Inside Hells Angels culture, the preferred term for a long-term partner is “old lady.”
What is a cool biker saying?
Popular biker sayings include “Live to ride, ride to live,” “Respect the patch, respect the ride,” and the Hells Angels’ own motto: “When we do right, nobody remembers. When we do wrong, nobody forgets.”
Where can I find a Hells Angels clubhouse near me?
Clubhouse locations are not publicly disclosed for security reasons. However, many chapters have clubhouses that are known locally. It is not advisable to approach a clubhouse unless invited.
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