How to Get and Renew a Delaware Driver's License

What you need to know about Delaware driver's licenses

A Delaware driver's license is issued by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and serves as your legal permission to drive in Delaware and most other states. The state offers several types of licenses depending on what you drive and your age. Standard licenses expire every five years for adults under 70, and every two years for drivers 70 and older. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office — the method depends on whether your license is still valid and whether you need to update your address or other information.

Delaware also issues REAL ID-compliant licenses, which meet federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. These look slightly different from standard licenses and cost a few dollars more. If you plan to fly domestically or visit a federal facility after May 2025, you will need either a REAL ID license or a passport.

Key Takeaways

Delaware driver's licenses expire every five years for most adults, and every two years for drivers 70 and older.
You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, but in-person renewal is required for address changes or if your license has been expired for more than two years.
A REAL ID license costs extra but is required for domestic air travel and federal building access starting May 2025.
First-time applicants and anyone renewing after a suspension or revocation must visit a DMV office in person with specific documents.
Delaware DMV offices are located in Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown, and you can check wait times and book appointments online.

Getting your first Delaware driver's license

If you are new to Delaware or have never held a driver's license, you must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your Social Security number), proof of Delaware residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and a document proving your identity and date of birth — a passport, birth certificate, or out-of-state license all work. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test about traffic laws.

The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Delaware DMV's online manual or practice tests on their website before you go. The vision test is performed at the office and takes just a few minutes. Once you pass both tests, you will have your photo taken and receive a temporary license on the spot; your permanent card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

If you are under 18, you must also complete a driver education course approved by Delaware and bring proof of completion to the DMV office. Minors are also subject to graduated licensing rules — your first license will have restrictions on when you can drive and how many passengers you can carry.

Renewing your license online or by mail

If your Delaware license is still valid and you have not moved, you can renew online through the Delaware DMV website. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Your new license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

Mail renewal is also available if you prefer not to go online. Request a renewal form from the DMV website or call the office, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order. Mail renewal takes longer — typically three to four weeks — because the form has to be processed manually. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years.

Both online and mail renewal require that your address has not changed. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a DMV office so they can update your address in the system.

Renewing your license in person

Visit a DMV office if your license has expired, your address has changed, or you want to upgrade to a REAL ID license. Bring your current license, proof of your new address if you have moved (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. You will have your photo taken and pass a vision test, but you will not need to retake the written knowledge test unless your license has been expired for more than five years.

Delaware has three DMV offices: one in Wilmington (New Castle County), one in Dover (Kent County), and one in Georgetown (Sussex County). You can check current wait times and book an appointment online through the Delaware DMV website. Appointments are not required but are strongly recommended — walk-ins may wait an hour or more during busy times. Processing takes about 15 minutes once you are called, and you receive a temporary license when ready; your permanent card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Upgrading to a REAL ID license

A REAL ID license has a small star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. You do not need one to drive, but you will need either a REAL ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal facility after May 2025. To upgrade, visit a DMV office in person and bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal, plus an original or certified copy of your birth certificate if you do not have one on file.

A REAL ID license costs a few dollars more than a standard license — the exact amount varies depending on how long your license is valid for. The process is otherwise the same: you have your photo taken, pass a vision test, and receive a temporary license on the spot.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license has been suspended or revoked — usually due to unpaid traffic violations, DUI convictions, or accumulating too many points — you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring proof that you have resolved the issue. For a suspension, this might mean paying outstanding fines or completing a required course. For a revocation, you may need to wait out a mandatory period and then explore for reinstatement.

Contact the Delaware DMV directly to find out what documents you need and whether you are may be able to access to drive again. The office can tell you the status of your license and what steps are required to restore it. Reinstatement can take several weeks, so plan ahead if you need to drive for work or other essential purposes.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can replace it in person at any Delaware DMV office or by mail. For in-person replacement, bring your Social Security card and proof of your current address. The replacement is processed when ready, and you receive a temporary license on the spot; your permanent card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. The cost is the same as a renewal.

To replace by mail, request a replacement form from the DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order. Include a copy of your Social Security card or a document showing your number. Mail replacement takes three to four weeks. If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to local police, though this is not required to get a replacement from the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Delaware license if I have moved out of state?

No. Delaware licenses are only issued to residents. If you have moved out of Delaware permanently, you will need to get a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Delaware resident, you can renew online or by mail as long as your address on file is still valid.

What happens if my license expires while I am out of the country?

You can still renew it when you return, but if it has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and retake the written knowledge test. If it has been expired for five years or more, you may need to reapply as a first-time driver. Contact the Delaware DMV before you return to confirm what documents you will need.

Do I need a REAL ID license to drive within Delaware?

No. A standard Delaware driver's license is all you need to drive anywhere in the state or in other states. A REAL ID license is only required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You can continue using a standard license for driving indefinitely.

How long does it take to get a Delaware license after I pass the test?

You receive a temporary license when ready after passing the written and vision tests at the DMV office. Your permanent card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. You can drive using the temporary license while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.

Can I change my name on my Delaware license without renewing it?

You can update your name by visiting a DMV office in person and bringing a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. You will have your photo taken again, and the updated license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. There is a small fee for the name change.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.