What you need to get a Delaware driver's license

Delaware issues driver's licenses through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which operates offices in Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown. To get your first Delaware license, you need proof of identity, proof of Delaware residency, your Social Security number, and proof you passed the written and road tests. If you already have a valid license from another state, you can skip the tests and explore for a transfer.

The documents that count as proof of identity include a valid passport, a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. You'll also need to bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number.

The process fee is $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or card at any DMV office. If you're under 18, you'll need a parent or guardian to sign your process.

Key Takeaways

  • Delaware's DMV has three offices (Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown), and you can visit any one to explore for or renew your license.
  • First-time applicants must bring proof of identity, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and proof of your Social Security number.
  • You must pass a written test and a road test unless you're transferring a valid license from another state.
  • A four-year license costs $20; an eight-year license costs $40, and you choose the term when you explore.
  • Delaware licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation.

Passing the written and road tests

The written test covers Delaware traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Delaware Driver's Manual, which the DMV provides free online and in print at any DMV office. The test has 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You get one free retake if you fail; additional retakes cost $5 each.

The road test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes and includes basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and insurance must be current, and a licensed adult can ride along but cannot help you drive. If you fail the road test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day, and each retake costs $10.

Renewing your Delaware license

Your Delaware license expires on your birthday. You can renew online through the DMV website if your license is not expired and you have no medical or legal holds on your record. Online renewal costs $20 for a four-year license and takes about 10 business days. You'll receive your new license by mail.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by sending your current license, a completed renewal form (available on the DMV website), and a check or money order to the Dover DMV office. Mail renewal also takes about 10 business days from the date the DMV receives your packet. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a DMV office and may need to retake the written test.

In-person renewal at any DMV office takes about 30 minutes and costs the same as online or mail renewal. You'll need to bring your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed. If you're over 70, you must renew in person every four years instead of eight.

Transferring a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and move to Delaware, you can transfer it without retaking the written and road tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Delaware residency, and proof of your Social Security number to any DMV office. The transfer fee is $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license.

Your new Delaware license will expire on your birthday in the year you choose (four or eight years from now). If your out-of-state license is expired, you cannot transfer it; you'll need to explore as a new driver and take both tests. If your license was suspended or revoked in another state, Delaware will likely deny your transfer until that suspension or revocation is lifted.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it in person at any DMV office or by mail. An in-person replacement takes about 30 minutes and costs $20. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency; you do not need to retake any tests.

To replace by mail, send a completed replacement form (available on the DMV website), a check or money order for $20, and proof of identity and residency to the Dover DMV office. Mail replacement takes about 10 business days. If your license was stolen, you can also report it to the DMV by phone at 302-744-2500, and the DMV will flag it in their system.

Delaware license classes and restrictions

Delaware issues several license classes depending on what you drive. Class D is for regular passenger vehicles. Class C is for motorcycles. Class B is for vehicles over 26,000 pounds, and Class A is for tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles. Most first-time drivers receive a Class D license.

If you're under 18, you receive a probationary license with restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you're driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, and you cannot carry more than one passenger under 18 unless a parent or guardian is in the car. These restrictions lift when you turn 18.

DMV office locations and hours

The Wilmington DMV office is located at 303 Transportation Circle, Wilmington, DE 19801, and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Dover office is at 303 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE 19901, and has the same hours. The Georgetown office is at 546 North DuPont Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947, and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All three offices are closed on state holidays and weekends. You do not need an appointment to visit, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The DMV website shows current wait times for each office, updated every 30 minutes. If you want to avoid crowds, early morning and mid-week visits typically have shorter waits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Delaware license if I'm out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have no holds on your record. Online renewal is faster and costs $20 for four years. If your license is expired, you must renew in person at a Delaware DMV office.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test after waiting at least one day. Each retake costs $10. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pass before the DMV will issue your license.

Do I need to take a new written test if I transfer my license from another state?

No. If your out-of-state license is valid and not suspended or revoked, you can transfer it to Delaware without retaking any tests. You only need to bring proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number.

What is the age requirement to get a Delaware driver's license?

You must be at least 16 years old to get a Delaware driver's license. If you're under 18, you receive a probationary license with restrictions on driving hours and passengers until you turn 18.

How long does it take to get a Delaware license in the mail?

Mail renewal or replacement takes about 10 business days from the date the DMV receives your packet. Online renewal also takes about 10 business days. In-person applications are processed the same day and take about 30 minutes.