Real ID requirements will be in place on October 1st, 2021. If you intend to get a REAL ID, you will likely need to visit a DMV in person.

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Important Notice About Real ID Implementation

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to file a police report if my license was lost or stolen?

Drivers who have had their drivers license stolen or have lost it should report the incident to the local authorities. The information on your drivers license could potentially be used to steal your identity so it is imperative that you have a record of the date and circumstances surrounding the incident. A police report could come in handy as you may be required to supply proof of a stolen or lost drivers license to obtain a replacement.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Delaware Driver’s License or ID Card

How can I obtain a copy of the driver manual?

You can get a copy of the Delaware Driver Manual via the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles website. The driver license manual is also available in Spanish, Hattian Creole, Chinese, and Korean. You may also pick up a physical copy of the manual at any DE DMV location.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Delaware

How can I renew my drivers license?

Delaware drivers may renew drivers licenseby following these steps:

  • Visit a local DMV location
  • Fill out a driver license renewal application
  • Submit required documents
  • Pass a vision screening

Be prepared, because there is a chance that you may have to take the written and road tests. Though, it is common practice for these tests to be waived.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Delaware

How do I apply for a drivers license?

To apply for drivers license in Delaware, you will have to vista a DE DMV location and follow the following procedure according to your age.

Applicants 16-17 years old must participate in the Graduated Driver License Program. This means that you must take a state approved drivers education course and submit the blue certificate as proof of your driver training. Once you have held a Level 1 instruction permit for a period of 12 months and have performed the required driver training, then your permit will automatically turn into a Class D driver s license.

If you are over the age of 18 then you may take the road test for a drivers license after you have held an instruction permit for at least 10 days. You must show proof of registration and insurance for the vehicle that you will be using for your road test. A driver over the age of 21 must accompany you, he or she must show his or her driver license.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Delaware

How do I get a hardship license?

In Delaware, drivers with certain suspensions may qualify for a hardship license. Hardship licenses are granted on a case by case basis.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Delaware

How do I get a replacement license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?

Military members stationed overseas can receive a replacement drivers license via mail while stationed overseas. To apply applicants must provide the following information to apply for Delaware duplicate drivers license:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Drivers license number, if you know it
  • Social Security Number
  • Copy of military ID or Geneva Conventions ID card
  • Delaware residential address
  • Contact information such as telephone number and/or email address
  • Foreign mailing address
  • Your signature

This information along with the $10 duplicate drivers license fee in the form of a check or money order should be sent to:

Division of Motor Vehicles

Attn: Driver Services Dept.

P.O. Box 698

Dover, DE 19903

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Delaware Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I obtain a duplicate license?

To get a Delaware duplicate drivers license, follow these steps:

  • Visit a local DMV location
  • Submit three identification documents
  • Pay the $10 duplicate drivers license fee

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Delaware Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I reinstate after a revocation as a Habitual Traffic Offender?

A Habitual Offender who has had his or her drivers license revoked may reinstate revoked drivers license by following these steps:

  • Visit a local DMV location
  • Pay the $143.75 reinstatement fee
  • Re-apply for a drivers license
  • Pass vision, knowledge, and road tests

For more information: Suspended License Information for Delaware

How do I reinstate my suspended license?

To reinstate suspended license you will need to pay the $25 reinstatement fee. Also, in some cases drivers will have to re-apply for a drivers license. This process includes taking the vision, written, and road tests.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Delaware

How do I renew my license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?

Active duty members of the US military, as well as Department of Defense contractors, and civilians employed by the military, and their dependents all qualify to renew drivers license while they are stationed overseas. Applicants must provide the following information to apply for a Delaware drivers license renewal:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Drivers license number
  • Social Security Number
  • Copy of military ID or Geneva Conventions ID card
  • Delaware residential address
  • Contact information such as telephone number and/or email address
  • Foreign mailing address
  • Your signature

This information along with the renewal fee in the form of a check or money order should be sent to:

Division of Motor Vehicles

Attn: Driver Services Dept.

P.O. Box 698

Dover, DE 19903

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Delaware

How do I replace my license if I am a non-U.S. citizen?

Non-US citizens who need to get a replacement drivers license will need to show proof of legal presence in the country as well as two other forms of identification. Acceptable forms of identification include:

  • Resident Alien Card
  • Temporary Resident ID card
  • Ineligibility letter from Social Security Administration
  • Bank statements
  • Auto insurance policy

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Delaware Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I replace my license if I lost it out of state?

The state of Delaware issues residents located out of state a temporary driving license valid for up to six months if your driver license has been lost, stolen, or is about to expire. To replace lost drivers license, fax the following information to 302-739-2602 Attn. Driver License:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Drivers license number
  • Social Security Number
  • Reason you are out of state
  • When you plan to return to Delaware
  • Place of birth
  • Delaware residential address
  • Contact telephone number
  • Fax or e-mail where temporary license should be sent
  • Your signature

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Delaware Driver’s License or ID Card

How does the DMV check my vision?

The Delaware DMV screens your vision to determine whether or not you are visually fit to drive. Your vision must be at least 20/40 with or without corrective lenses in order for you to get drivers license. If your vision is between 20/40 and 20/50 then you may be allowed to drive, though only during the daytime.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Delaware

How long will I have a suspended license for not taking a chemical test?

Drivers convicted of refusal to take a chemical test in Delaware will be subject to adrivers license suspension. A suspension period can be from one to two years. The length depends on whether or not the driver has had any prior DUI or refusal convictions.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Delaware

How soon can I renew my driver’s license?

Delaware drivers are allowed torenew drivers license up to six months prior to drivers license expiration date, which will fall on the driver s birthday.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Delaware

If I file a police report, will my replacement fee be waived?

Drivers who have applied for a duplicate drivers license do to their original be lost or stolen will not have the replacement fee waived. All drivers are responsible for the paying the $10 fee to obtain a duplicate license.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Delaware Driver’s License or ID Card

Is there an age limit to renew your license?

No, there is not an age limit when renewing drivers license in Delaware. There is a chance that drivers license renewal applicants may be asked to take a written and road test. Though, this requirement is usually waived. Senior drivers can renew license as long as they meet the vision requirements with our without corrective lenses.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Delaware

What address will my replacement license be mailed to?

Residents who request a drivers license replacement while out of state will have their replacement license mailed to the address of their request.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Delaware Driver’s License or ID Card

What are some violations that may constitute in a suspended license?

In Delaware, various violations may result in a suspended drivers license. A select few include:

  • Reckless driving resulting in serious bodily injuries or property damage
  • Loaning a drivers license to another person
  • Failure to pay child support
  • Passing a stopped school bus

For more information: Suspended License Information for Delaware

What are the consequences of driving with a suspended license?

Delaware motorists caught driving with a suspended drivers license will be subject to further restrictions. If convicted, your drivers license will be suspended for an additional term. This term will be equal to the original term of up to one year.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Delaware

What are the fees for a duplicate drivers license?

The current fee for a Delaware duplicate drivers license is $10.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Delaware Driver’s License or ID Card

What are the reinstatement fees I will have to pay for a suspended license?

The following are current reinstatement fees in Delaware:

  • Reinstate suspended drivers license: $25
  • Reinstate revoked drivers license: $143.75

For more information: Suspended License Information for Delaware

What are the suspensions eligible for a hardship license?

A Delaware hardship license allows persons with a suspended drivers license to operate a motor vehicle to get to and from work or drive as a requirement for his or her job. Hardship licenses are granted on a case by case basis.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Delaware

What do I need to do to get my driver’s license if I fail the driving test?

If you fail any part of the Delaware drivers exam, including the driving test, you must once again prepare to take test again. You must wait at least 10 days to re-test.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Delaware

What documents do I need to get my drivers license?

To get drivers license in Delaware, you will need to provide the following documentation at a DMV location:

  • One proof of identity/legal presence in the United States such as
    • US Birth Certificate
    • Consular report of birth abroad
    • Certificate of Naturalization
  • One proof of Social Security number such as:
    • Social Security Card
    • W-2 tax form
    • Pay stub with full SSN
  • Two proofs of Delaware Residency such as:
    • Utility bill
    • Credit card statement
    • Insurance policy

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Delaware

What documents do I need to present to renew my drivers license?

To renew drivers license, Delaware motorists relinquish their expired drivers license at the DMV. If you would like to obtain a federally compliant drivers license, then you will have to provide additional documentation to prove your identity, legal presence in the US, and Delaware residency. The following are required to obtain a federally compliant drivers license:

  • US Birth Certificate or Passport/Immigration documents
  • One proof of Social Security number
  • Two proofs of Delaware residency

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Delaware

What documents will I need to present to replace my drivers license?

Delaware residents will need to present three different documents proving their identification to receive a duplicate drivers license. Acceptable documents include:

  • US birth certificate
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Social Security Card
  • W-2 tax form
  • Pay stub that shows full SSN
  • Bank statement

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Delaware Driver’s License or ID Card

What languages is the written test available in?

The drivers license test is based on the Delaware Driver Manual. The manual is available in the following languages:

  • Korean
  • Chinese
  • Hattian Creole
  • Spanish

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Delaware

What penalties will I face if I do not renew my expired drivers license?

If you do not renew expired drivers license, then you will be charged a late fee of $1.15 by the Delaware DMV.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Delaware

What should I do if I have not received my renewed license?

Drivers who have yet to receive a renewed license after applying for one by mail should contact the Delaware DMV directly.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Delaware

What tests will I need to take for my drivers license?

To get your DE drivers license you will need to pass the following tests:

  • Vision screening
  • Road sign and signal test
  • Rules of the Road written drivers test
  • Road test

Refer to the Delaware Driver Manual for the information needed to pass the Class D drivers license tests. Taking a practice test will make you feel more confident in taking the drivers exam.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Delaware

What type of noncommercial license will I need?

The type of noncommercial driver license that you will need to operate a motor vehicle in Delaware is a Class D Operator s License.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Delaware

When can I reinstate my license after it has been suspended?

Delaware drivers may reinstate suspended drivers license after the suspension period has passed. At that point, you may pay the reinstatement fee. Drivers may have to re-take the drivers license written, vision, and road tests to be able to reinstate driving privileges.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Delaware

When will I need to renew my license?

Delaware drivers can renew drivers license up to six months prior to drivers license expiration date, which will fall on your birthday. If you do not renew by the expiration date, you will be charged a $1.15 late fee.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Delaware

When will I receive a replacement license after applying?

Most duplicate license applicants will receive their drivers license replacement at the time of application at the DMV office. Though, it is at the discretion of the DMV employee whether to issuea 15-day temporary license to individuals whose application to replace a lost, stolen, or destroyed drivers license is questionable. In such a case, the replacement license will be mailed to the drivers address on record with the DMV and should arrive within that 15-day time frame.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Delaware Driver’s License or ID Card

Where can I check to see if my license is suspended?

Delaware drivers can check whether or not they are underdrivers license suspension by ordering a copy of their driving record. Driving records may be ordered online, in person, or by mail. The cost of a driving record in Delaware is $15.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Delaware

Where can I get a new drivers license?

You can obtain a new Delaware drivers license by applying in person at a DMV location in any of the following cities listed below:

  • Dover
  • Georgetown
  • New Castle
  • Wilmington

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Delaware

Will I be required to take a vision test for a drivers license renewal?

Yes, all Delaware drivers license renewal applicants will be required to take a vision test to renew drivers license.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Delaware

Will I get a drivers license renewal notice in the mail?

Yes, you will receive a reminder in the mail to renew drivers license. Renewal notices are mailed out by the Delaware DMV around 60 days prior to the expiration date of drivers license.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Delaware