A drivers license renewal in Delaware is required once every eight years. Overall, this procedure allows the state to keep track of which motorists are operating vehicles on public roads, and makes sure that their personal information is up-to-date with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). As a general rule, you are able to renew a drivers license online or in person by visiting a local DMV office. In any case, you will need to provide the necessary documentation and pay for the applicable fees. To learn more about renewing your drivers license in DE, read the sections below.

Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in Delaware

Delaware Drivers License
Note: The expiration date can be found on the front of your driver’s license card, right next to the issue date.

Any licensed motorist who is 16 years of age or older can visit a drivers license office in Delaware and get their credentials renewed. However, it is important to note that you will not be able to renew a learners permit card in DE.

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License in Delaware

You cannot renew a DMV license in Delaware outside of its renewal period. Thus, you must wait until the credential is approaching its expiration date in order for it to be renewed.

Furthermore, renewing a driver’s license is not possible if a motorist’s driving privileges have been suspended or revoked in any state.

How early can you renew your drivers license in Delaware?

Delaware driving credentials are valid for eight years, meaning that motorists must renew their driver’s licenses within this set timeframe. Moreover, licenses expire on their holders’ date of birth, and may be renewed as early as six months prior to their expiration dates. In addition, motorists will receive a DMV license renewal notice in the mail 60 days prior to their credentials expiring.

In DE, there is no grace period for an expired driver’s license. Thus, you will not be authorized to operate a vehicle after your driving credential reaches its expiration date. With that in mind, it is important to note that you are able to renew an expired Delaware driving license at any time simply by paying a late fee.

Delaware DMV License Renewal Options

Many state motorists wonder, “Where can I renew my drivers license in Delaware?” While you will generally be required to visit a DMV office in person, you may be able to renew a driver’s license online if all of your information is up-to-date with the Division of Motor Vehicles.

How to Renew Your Drivers License Online

If all of your information is up-to-date with the drivers license office in Delaware, you will qualify to renew your credential online. To do so, you will be asked to provide basic information about yourself, such as your date of birth, driver’s license number and Social Security Number (SSN). You will also need to pay using a credit card. Once you have completed this process, you will be able to print out a temporary license, which you must use until you receive your official license in the mail.

On the other hand, it is important to note that if you renewed your drivers license online during your previous renewal, you will not be allowed to do so this time.

How to Renew Your Drivers License in Person

If you cannot utilize the online method, you will need to request a Delaware DMV license renewal in person. In general, the state does not allow applicants to make an appointment. Local DMV offices typically accept walk-ins from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The hours on Wednesdays are between noon and 4:30 p.m.

During your DMV visit, the proper DE drivers license renewal form will be provided, requiring you to provide basic information such as your name, address and Social Security Number. Moreover, you should bring documents proving your residency status and SSN in case you are asked for it. In certain cases, a written exam or a road skills test may be given to applicants renewing their driver’s licenses. Then, you will be asked to pay for the DMV fees through one of the following acceptable payment methods:

  • Debit cards
  • Credit cards
  • Cash
  • Money orders
  • Checks

Military & Out of State Renewal in Delaware

Understanding where to renew your drivers license in Delaware can be difficult if you are currently out of state serving in the military. It is important to note that the DE DMV waves late fees and allows mail-in applications to be submitted by military service members. Though there is no official form for these applicants to fill out, they will be asked to send personal details about themselves to the following address:

Division of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Driver Services Dept.
P.O. Box 698
Dover, DE 19903

Out-of-state military service members will still be required to meet the general drivers license renewal requirements in Delaware, which include providing proof of your name, Social Security Number, date of birth and place of birth. Moreover, the DMV will require you to submit a photocopy of your Military ID and provide both your current mailing address out of state and your actual DE address. Furthermore, in order to renew a driver’s license, you will need to provide the number of your current credential.

Delaware REAL ID Drivers License Renewal

Many applicants are not aware of how to renew a drivers license in Delaware under the federal REAL ID requirements. The REAL ID initiative aims to reinforce the security standards for all state-issued credentials around the United States. In addition, residents will need to present REAL ID-compliant forms of identification in order to board domestic U.S. flights starting in 2020. When renewing a driver’s license that complies with REAL ID standards, make sure to bring:

  • One document proving your identity, such as your current driver’s license, passport or birth certificate.
  • One document showing your Social Security Number (SSN), like your Social Security card or a W-2 form.
  • Two documents verifying your state residency, such as utility bills and/or credit card statements.

If you cannot fulfill the DMV renewal requirements for a REAL ID credential, you will still be able to get a non-compliant credential that allows you to drive in the state. However, in this case, be mindful that the document cannot be used for federal identification.

Delaware Drivers License Renewal Fees

How much it costs to renew a drivers license in Delaware will vary based on when you renew the credential. For instance, consider the following costs:

  • The driving license renewal fee is $40.
  • If you renew your driving license late, you will need to pay an extra $10 fee.
Last updated on Tuesday, March 3 2020.