Getting a Delaware driver's license: the basic path

To get a driver's license in Delaware, you will visit the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), pass a written test and a driving test, and provide proof of identity and residency. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Delaware issues licenses through a single agency — the DMV — and there is no online process. You must appear in person at a DMV office to take the written and driving tests. If you are under 18, the rules are stricter: you must hold a learner's permit for a set period and log supervised driving hours before you can test for a full license.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a Social Security number, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and proof of Delaware residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) before you visit the DMV.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test at a DMV office.
  • Delaware has three DMV locations: Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown, and you can schedule an appointment online or walk in during business hours.
  • If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least one year and complete a driver education course before you can take the driving test.
  • Your license arrives by mail within two to three weeks after you pass both tests; you receive a temporary paper license to drive when ready.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring your Social Security number and at least two forms of identification. One must be a primary ID — a valid passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. The second can be a school ID, military ID, or employee badge. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the Delaware Division of Vital Statistics before your DMV visit.

You also need proof that you live in Delaware. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill. The DMV will not accept a mail-forwarding notice or a post office box as proof of residency.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Delaware traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request a reader if you need one.

The DMV provides a free study guide on its website that covers all the topics on the test. Many people study the guide for a few days and pass on their first try. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts.

The driving test: what the examiner watches for

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and takes place on local roads near the DMV office where you test. The examiner watches how you handle basic skills: starting and stopping smoothly, turning, parking, merging, and following traffic signals. You will also demonstrate that you can check your mirrors, use your turn signals, and maintain a safe speed.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

Delaware DMV office locations and how to schedule

Delaware has three DMV offices: one in Wilmington (on North DuPont Street), one in Dover (on North DuPont Highway), and one in Georgetown (on North Bedford Street). All three offer written and driving tests. You can schedule an appointment online through the Delaware DMV website, or you can walk in during business hours. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times vary by location and time of day.

The Wilmington office tends to be busier than the Dover and Georgetown locations. If you want a shorter wait, consider visiting Dover or Georgetown, or schedule an appointment online for a time that works for you. The DMV is closed on Sundays and major holidays.

Special rules if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you cannot go straight to a full license. You must first get a learner's permit by passing the written test. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You must hold the permit for at least one year before you can take the driving test.

You also must complete a Delaware-approved driver education course. This is usually offered through your high school or a private driving school. Once you have held the permit for one year and finished the course, you can schedule the driving test. If you pass, you receive a junior license, which has restrictions on when you can drive and who can be in the car with you until you turn 18.

What happens after you pass both tests

After you pass the written and driving tests, the DMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your permanent license is being made. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license has your photo, signature, and license number on it, so keep it with you while you drive.

Your permanent license is a plastic card that looks like a standard state ID. It is valid for eight years if you are over 21, or until you turn 21 if you are younger. When your license is about to expire, the DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail with instructions on how to renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online?

No. Delaware requires you to take both the written and driving tests in person at a DMV office. You cannot test online or by mail. However, you can study the free DMV study guide online before you go in.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it by scheduling another appointment at the DMV. There is no waiting period, so you can test again the next day if an appointment is open. Most people pass within two or three attempts. Bring the same documents and vehicle each time you test.

Do I need a learner's permit if I already have a license from another state?

No. If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you can transfer it to a Delaware license without taking the written or driving tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, and proof of Delaware residency to the DMV. The transfer process is faster than getting a license from scratch.

How much does a Delaware driver's license cost?

The fee varies depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard eight-year license costs one amount; a four-year license costs less. The DMV website lists current fees. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the office.

Can I renew my license by mail?

It depends on your situation. If your license is not expired and you have no medical or legal holds, you may be able to renew by mail or online. Contact the Delaware DMV or check their website to see if you are may be able to access. If you cannot renew by mail, you will need to visit an office in person.