Renewing your license through DHSMV online or by mail

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) lets you renew your driver's license without visiting an office if you meet certain conditions. You can renew online through their website, by mail, or in person — the method depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renewing a standard license that is not yet five years expired can use the online or mail route and finish in under two weeks.

Before you start, check your current license to see your expiration date and license class. DHSMV's online renewal system will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access to renew that way. If you are not, the system will direct you to mail or in-person options instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through DHSMV's website is the fastest option and works for most standard licenses that expired within the last five years and do not require a new photo.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the DHSMV address.
  • You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address.
  • DHSMV charges a renewal fee that varies by license type and validity period; check their website for the exact amount before you pay.
  • Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address before you renew if you have moved.

Renewing online through the DHSMV website

Go to the DHSMV website and look for the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to confirm your address and verify that you have not had any suspensions or violations since your last renewal.

If the system approves you for online renewal, you will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 to 14 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, as long as it is not suspended.

If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, note the reason — it will tell you whether you need to renew by mail or in person. Do not attempt to renew online again; follow the alternative method the system recommends.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read or request the renewal form from the DHSMV website. The form is usually called the Driver License process or Renewal form. Fill it out completely, including your current address and any changes to your name or medical information.

Mail the completed form, your current license, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the DHSMV address listed on their website. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your old license back; otherwise, DHSMV will destroy it. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time DHSMV receives your packet.

Keep a copy of the form and note the date you mailed it. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact DHSMV to confirm they received your renewal.

Renewing in person at a DHSMV office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address and cannot do so online. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).

Visit a DHSMV office during business hours. You can find office locations and hours on the DHSMV website. Bring cash or a check for the renewal fee. The office will take a new photo, process your renewal, and issue a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license will be mailed within 10 business days.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than five years

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you will need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. You cannot use online or mail renewal for this situation.

Contact DHSMV or visit their website to find out what documents you need to bring and which office locations offer testing. You will need to schedule an appointment at a DHSMV office that administers the driving test.

Updating your address or name during renewal

If you have moved, update your address before your license expires if possible. You can update your address online through the DHSMV website without renewing your license. If you are renewing and have moved, you can update your address as part of the renewal process — online, by mail, or in person.

If you have changed your name, you must renew in person and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name online or by mail.

Tracking your renewed license

After you renew online or by mail, DHSMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 10 to 14 business days. If you renewed in person, you received a temporary license and your permanent license will arrive within 10 business days.

You can drive on your current license or temporary license while you wait for your new one to arrive. If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact DHSMV with your renewal confirmation number or receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is already expired?

Yes, but the method depends on how long it has been expired. If it expired within the last five years, you can renew online or by mail. If it expired more than five years ago, you must reapply and take the written, vision, and driving tests in person.

What if I moved and did not update my address before renewing?

Contact DHSMV before you renew and update your address online or by phone. If you already renewed with the old address, your new license will be mailed there. You can contact DHSMV to request that they mail it to your new address instead, or you can pick it up at a DHSMV office.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Not always. Most renewals use your existing photo. You must get a new photo if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you are renewing in person, or if DHSMV's system requires it. Online and mail renewal typically do not require a new photo.

How much does it cost to renew?

The renewal fee depends on your license type and how long the new license will be valid. Check the DHSMV website for the current fee before you renew. You can pay by credit or debit card online, or by check or money order by mail.

What if I need my license before the new one arrives?

If you renewed in person, you received a temporary license valid for 30 days. If you renewed online or by mail, you can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need proof of renewal before the new license arrives, contact DHSMV for a renewal confirmation letter.