What you need to bring to the DMV
Delaware's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires six specific documents when you arrive to get your learner's permit. Bring them all at once — going back for a missing document means another trip and another wait.
You need proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your Delaware address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian's written consent on the DMV's Parental Consent Form, which you can read from the Delaware DMV website or pick up at any DMV office.
If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport and proof of lawful presence — a green card, visa, or employment authorization document.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Delaware address all in one visit to avoid multiple trips.
- If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign the DMV's Parental Consent Form before you go to the office.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and the DMV provides a study guide free on its website.
- The permit fee is $20 and your permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it.
- You must be at least 16 years old and pass the written test to receive your learner's permit.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 25 multiple-choice questions about Delaware traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DMV office, and you get your results before you leave.
The Delaware DMV publishes a free study guide called the Delaware Driver's Manual on its website. It covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle weather and road hazards, and the rules for learner's permit holders. Most people study it for a few hours or a few days before taking the test. You can also take practice tests on the DMV website to see which topics you need to review more.
If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee for retakes.
Age requirements and restrictions on your permit
You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit in Delaware. There is no upper age limit — adults can get a learner's permit if they are learning to drive for the first time.
Once you have your permit, you can only drive when a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must follow all traffic laws, and any violation while you hold a learner's permit can delay when you are allowed to take your road test for a regular driver's license.
Your learner's permit is valid for two years. If it expires before you take your road test, you can renew it at any DMV office by bringing your expired permit and paying the $20 fee again.
Where to go and how long it takes
Delaware has DMV offices in Wilmington, Newark, and Georgetown. You do not need an appointment — you can walk in during business hours. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours vary by location, so check the DMV website for your nearest office before you go.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Mornings on weekdays are usually shorter than afternoons or Saturdays. The entire process — checking in, taking the written test, and paying the fee — typically takes 30 minutes to an hour if you pass the test on your first try.
If you fail the test, you can retake it when ready or schedule another visit. There is no waiting period between attempts.
The fee and what happens after you pass
The learner's permit costs $20. You pay this fee at the DMV office after you pass the written test. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
After you pay, the DMV will take your photo and print your permit on the spot. You will have your physical permit card before you leave the office. Your permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued, and you can start driving with a licensed adult supervisor that same day.
Keep your permit with you whenever you drive. You must show it to a police officer if you are stopped, just like a regular driver's license.
Moving to Delaware or transferring from another state
If you already have a learner's permit from another state, you can use it in Delaware while you are learning to drive. However, you will eventually need a Delaware permit or license to drive regularly in the state. If you have moved to Delaware and want to get a Delaware learner's permit, bring the same documents listed above plus your out-of-state permit. The DMV will issue you a Delaware permit, and you do not need to retake the written test if your out-of-state permit is still valid.
If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not need a learner's permit — you can drive in Delaware with your current license. However, if you want to get a Delaware driver's license, you will need to pass Delaware's written and road tests.
Common reasons applications are delayed or denied
The most common reason the DMV cannot issue a permit on the day you explore is missing documents. If you do not bring all six required documents, the DMV will tell you what is missing and you will need to return with them. Bring copies of everything listed in the first section to avoid this.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready, so that does not delay you beyond the time you spend at the office. However, if you do not bring your parent or guardian's signed consent form and you are under 18, the DMV cannot issue your permit that day — a parent or guardian must sign the form in person or you must bring a notarized copy.
If there is a problem with your Social Security number or your identity cannot be verified, the DMV may need to contact federal agencies, which can take several days. Bring original documents whenever possible rather than copies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my learner's permit if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. You can bring a passport, state ID, or other government-issued photo ID instead. You still need proof of your Social Security number and proof of your Delaware address. If you do not have a birth certificate and cannot get one quickly, a passport is usually the fastest alternative.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day at no extra cost. The DMV will give you another test booklet and you can try again. Most people who fail study the manual for a few more hours and pass on the second attempt.
Can my parent sign the consent form at home and mail it to me?
No. The parent or guardian must sign the form in person at the DMV office, or the form must be notarized by a notary public before you bring it. A notarized form counts as the parent's signature even if they are not physically present.
Do I need to take a road test to get my learner's permit?
No. The learner's permit requires only the written test. You will take a road test later when you are ready to get your regular driver's license, which is a separate process.
Can I drive to school with my learner's permit?
Only if a licensed adult who is at least 18 years old is in the front seat with you. You cannot drive alone to school, even if it is just a short distance.