What you need to get a Delaware driver's license
Delaware issues driver's licenses through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which operates from a single location in Dover. You will need to visit in person for your first license or a Real ID upgrade. The state does not mail licenses to your home — you pick yours up at the DMV office after your process is processed.
Before you go, gather these documents: proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Delaware residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing by mail, the rules are different and are covered below.
You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test unless you are renewing a valid license. The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Delaware DMV handbook, which is free online at dmv.delaware.gov.
Key Takeaways
- Delaware has one DMV office in Dover, and you must visit in person for a new license or Real ID upgrade.
- Bring proof of identity, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and know your Social Security number before you arrive.
- New drivers must pass a vision test and written knowledge test; renewals by mail do not require testing.
- Standard licenses are valid for eight years; Real ID licenses cost more but work for federal travel and building access.
- Processing takes one to two weeks after your visit, and you will receive a temporary paper license to use until your card arrives.
Getting your first Delaware driver's license
Start by scheduling an appointment online at dmv.delaware.gov or by calling the DMV at 302-744-2500. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments move faster. Bring all your documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency.
At your appointment, a DMV staff member will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. You will then take the vision test at a machine in the office. If you pass, you move to the written test, which is administered on a computer. You have 30 minutes to answer 30 questions and must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra charge.
After you pass both tests, the DMV will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. The fee for a standard eight-year license is $40. A Real ID license, which meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building entry, costs $50.
Renewing your Delaware driver's license by mail
If your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes, you can renew by mail without visiting the DMV. Send your current license, a completed renewal form (Form DL-44, available at dmv.delaware.gov), and the renewal fee to the DMV in Dover. You do not need to include proof of residency or take any tests.
Mail renewals take four to six weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your current license. If you need your license sooner, you must visit the DMV office in person. The renewal fee is $40 for a standard license or $50 for Real ID.
You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have moved to a new address, or if you want to change your name. In those cases, you must explore in person at the DMV office.
Real ID versus standard Delaware licenses
Delaware offers two types of licenses: standard and Real ID. The difference matters if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building. Starting in May 2025, the federal government will require Real ID for all domestic air travel. A standard Delaware license will not work for these purposes after that date.
Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and cost $10 more than a standard license. The process process is the same, but you must bring additional proof of residency — a utility bill or lease is usually sufficient. If you already have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at your next renewal or by visiting the DMV in person.
If you have a passport or military ID, you do not need a Real ID license for federal travel — those documents already meet federal requirements. But if you rely on your driver's license for travel, upgrading to Real ID is worth the extra cost.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
Report a lost or stolen license to the DMV by phone at 302-744-2500 or in person at the Dover office. You will need to pay a replacement fee of $20 and provide proof of identity and residency. The DMV will issue a temporary paper license on the spot, and your replacement card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can exchange it for a new one at the DMV office. Bring your damaged license, proof of identity, and the replacement fee. You will receive a temporary paper license and your new card by mail within one to two weeks.
Changing your name or address on your Delaware license
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must visit the DMV in person. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of identity, and proof of residency. The fee is $20 for a replacement license with your new name.
If you move to a new address within Delaware, you can update your address by mail. Send your current license, a completed address change form (available at dmv.delaware.gov), and a copy of proof of your new residency to the DMV. There is no fee for an address change. Your updated license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
If you move out of Delaware, your license remains valid until it expires. You do not need to notify the DMV, but you will need to obtain a license from your new state within the timeframe required by that state's DMV.
The DMV office location and hours
Delaware's only DMV office is located at 303 Transportation Circle in Dover, Delaware 19903. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The office is closed on Sundays and state holidays. Appointments are strongly recommended and can be scheduled online or by phone at 302-744-2500.
If you cannot reach the Dover office by phone, you can also submit questions through the DMV website at dmv.delaware.gov. Response times vary, but the DMV typically replies within two business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Delaware license if it expired more than a year ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license in person at the DMV office. You will need to pass the vision and written tests again. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
Do I need a Real ID license to fly within the United States?
Starting in May 2025, yes. The federal government requires Real ID for all domestic air travel. If you have a passport or military ID, you can use those instead. Otherwise, you will need to upgrade to a Real ID license before that date.
How long does it take to get a Delaware driver's license after my appointment?
You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day of your appointment. Your permanent card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you need your license sooner, contact the DMV to ask about expedited processing options.
What if I fail the written test at the DMV?
You can retake the test the same day at no extra charge. You have three attempts per visit. If you fail all three, you must schedule another appointment and return to the DMV on a different day.
Can I update my address on my Delaware license without visiting the DMV?
Yes, if you are moving within Delaware. Send your current license, a completed address change form, and a copy of proof of your new address to the DMV by mail. There is no fee. Your updated license will arrive within two to three weeks.