The documents and steps to get your first Delaware license

To get a Delaware driver's license, you will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to a Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles office. You will also take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, then a driving test in your own vehicle or one provided by the DMV. The whole process takes a few hours on the day you test, though you may wait weeks for an appointment depending on the office.

Delaware issues licenses that are valid for eight years if you are under 70, and four years if you are 70 or older. If you already have a valid license from another state, you can transfer it without retaking the written test, though you will still need to pass the driving test and bring the same documents.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or military ID; a recent utility bill or lease showing your name and Delaware address; and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
  • The written test covers Delaware traffic laws and road signs, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner in a vehicle and includes basic maneuvers, parking, and on-road driving.
  • You can schedule an appointment online through the Delaware DMV website or by calling the office nearest you, and wait times vary by location and season.

What documents count as proof of identity

Delaware accepts an original or certified birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a military ID, or a passport card as proof of identity. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be an official copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born, not a photocopy or hospital record.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can bring a combination of secondary documents — such as a high school diploma, college transcript, or court order showing a name change — but the DMV will ask for more paperwork. It is faster to obtain a certified birth certificate or passport before you go to the office.

Proof of residency and Social Security number

For proof that you live in Delaware, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and a Delaware address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency in Delaware.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your number. If you do not have your card, a document from the Social Security Administration is the next best option. You cannot use a birth certificate or passport as proof of your Social Security number.

The written test: what to study and how to pass

The written test has 30 questions about Delaware traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The DMV provides a free study guide on its website that covers all the topics on the test, and many people study it for a few hours before their appointment.

The test is given on a computer at the DMV office, and you can take it in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no fee for retaking the test, but you will need to schedule a new appointment slot.

The driving test and what examiners look for

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DMV office. You will drive your own vehicle if you have one, or you can use a DMV-provided vehicle for an extra fee. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers such as parking, backing up, turning, and stopping, and will also evaluate how you handle traffic, follow speed limits, and respond to road signs.

You must bring your current out-of-state license or a learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you are driving, and the vehicle's registration. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, bring a letter from the owner giving you permission to use it for the test. Failure on the driving test means you can schedule another appointment, usually within a few weeks.

How to schedule your appointment and what to expect

You can schedule an appointment online through the Delaware DMV website or by calling the office you want to visit. The DMV has offices in Wilmington, Newark, and Georgetown, and each one has different wait times. During busy seasons — typically spring and summer — appointments may be booked several weeks out.

Arrive at your appointment 15 minutes early with all your documents in a folder. Bring the originals, not photocopies, except for utility bills and other residency documents, which can be copies. The office will take your photo, collect your documents, and you will go directly to the written test. If you pass, you will schedule your driving test for a later date, usually within a few weeks.

Transferring a license from another state

If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Delaware, you can transfer it without retaking the written test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Delaware, and proof of your Social Security number — the same documents you would need for a new license. You will still take the driving test to make sure you know Delaware roads and traffic laws.

Your out-of-state license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If it is expired, you will need to retake both the written and driving tests. The transfer process takes the same amount of time as a new license process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The Delaware DMV offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. Tell the office when you schedule your appointment which language you need, and they will have the test ready for you.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can schedule another driving test appointment, usually within a few weeks. There is no fee to retake the test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after practicing on Delaware roads.

Do I need a learner's permit before I can take the driving test?

No. If you are 18 or older and have a valid out-of-state license, you can go straight to the driving test. If you do not have any license, you will need to get a learner's permit first, which requires passing the written test.

How much does a Delaware driver's license cost?

The fee varies depending on how long the license is valid. A standard eight-year license costs one amount, and a four-year license for drivers 70 and older costs less. The DMV website lists the current fees, which may change year to year.

Can I renew my license online?

You can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have not had any suspensions or revocations. If your license is expired or you need to update your address, you will need to visit an office in person.