How to Get and Renew Your Delaware Driver's License

What You Need to Know About Delaware Driver's Licenses

Delaware issues driver's licenses through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which operates as part of the Delaware Department of Transportation. Your license is valid for five years if you are under 70, and two years if you are 70 or older. You can renew in person at a DMV office, by mail for certain renewals, or online through the Delaware DMV website if you meet specific requirements.

The process and documents you need depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expiring one, or replacing a lost or damaged card. Delaware also offers REAL ID-compliant licenses, which are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in May 2025, though standard licenses remain valid for driving.

Key Takeaways

Delaware driver's licenses are valid for five years (two years if you are 70 or older) and are issued by the DMV, which is part of the Department of Transportation.
You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, medical suspension, or other restrictions — otherwise you must renew in person or by mail.
First-time applicants must bring proof of identity, proof of Delaware residency, proof of Social Security number, and pass a written test and vision screening at a DMV office.
REAL ID licenses require additional documents (a birth certificate or passport) and cost more than standard licenses, but are needed for federal building access and domestic flights after May 2025.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, and the DMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration.

Getting Your First Delaware Driver's License

If you are a new resident or have never held a Delaware license, you must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your Social Security number), a government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or out-of-state license), and two documents proving your Delaware address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement both work. The DMV accepts documents dated within the last 60 days.

At the office, you will take a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs, pass a vision screening, and have your photograph taken. You will also pay the license fee. Standard five-year licenses cost $24 for drivers under 70; REAL ID licenses cost $39. If you are 70 or older, a two-year standard license costs $12, and a two-year REAL ID license costs $19.50. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card by mail within two to three weeks.

Renewing Your Delaware License Online or by Mail

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not yet expired and you have not had a name change, medical suspension, or other restrictions. Visit the Delaware DMV website, log in or create an account, and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is charged to a credit or debit card, and your new license arrives by mail in five to seven business days.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail if your license is not more than six months expired. read the renewal form from the DMV website, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Do not send cash.

If your license is more than six months expired, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment. The process is the same as a standard renewal visit and takes about 30 minutes.

In-Person Renewal at a Delaware DMV Office

You can renew in person up to one year before your license expires. Bring your current license, proof of your Delaware address (a utility bill or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

The DMV will update your photograph, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within two to three weeks. The visit typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The DMV recommends arriving early or visiting during off-peak hours (mid-morning on weekdays) to avoid longer lines.

REAL ID Licenses and Federal Compliance

A REAL ID-compliant license displays a star in the upper right corner and meets federal standards for building access and domestic air travel. Starting in May 2025, a standard Delaware license will not be accepted for domestic flights or entry to federal buildings — you will need a REAL ID license or another accepted form of identification such as a passport.

To get a REAL ID license, you must provide an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or passport card in addition to the standard renewal documents. If you are renewing in person, bring these documents to your DMV visit. If you are renewing online, you cannot upgrade to REAL ID — you must renew in person or by mail and include the birth certificate or passport copy with your process. The REAL ID fee is higher than a standard license: $39 for five years (or $19.50 for two years if you are 70 or older).

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit a DMV office to request a replacement. Bring proof of your identity and proof of your Delaware address. If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a police report, though it is not required by the DMV. The replacement fee is $5 for a standard license or $10 for a REAL ID license. You will receive a temporary paper license and your replacement card by mail within two to three weeks.

If your license was damaged but still readable, the DMV may allow you to renew it early at the standard renewal fee rather than charging a replacement fee. Ask at the office when you arrive.

Delaware DMV Office Locations and Hours

Delaware has three full-service DMV offices: one in Wilmington (New Castle County), one in Dover (Kent County), and one in Georgetown (Sussex County). Each office handles license applications, renewals, and replacements. Hours vary by location but generally run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some offices open on Saturday mornings. The DMV website lists the exact hours and addresses for each office.

You do not need an appointment for most transactions, but the DMV recommends checking the website before you visit because wait times and service availability can change. During peak times (lunch hours and late afternoons), wait times can exceed one hour. If you have a complex transaction (such as a name change or medical restriction), calling the office ahead of time can help you prepare the correct documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Delaware license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than six months. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment. The DMV will process it as a standard renewal, and you will receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks.

What if I moved to Delaware from another state and still have an out-of-state license?

You can use your out-of-state license until it expires, but if you become a Delaware resident, you are required to get a Delaware license within 30 days of establishing residency. Visit a DMV office with your out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number, and two documents proving your Delaware address. You will take a vision test but not a written knowledge test if your out-of-state license is valid and you are not changing vehicle class.

Do I have to get a REAL ID license, or can I keep a standard license?

You can keep a standard license, but it will not be accepted for domestic air travel or federal building access after May 2025. If you do not fly or visit federal buildings, a standard license remains valid for driving. If you want to travel by air domestically, you will need either a REAL ID license, a passport, or another accepted federal ID.

How long does it take to get a Delaware driver's license?

If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in five to seven business days. If you renew in person or by mail, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot (or when ready upon mailing) and your plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. First-time applicants must visit an office in person and follow the same timeline for receiving their plastic card.

What should I do if the DMV made an error on my license?

Contact the DMV office where you received your license and explain the error. Bring your license and any documents that support the correction (such as a birth certificate if your name is misspelled). The DMV will issue a corrected license at no charge. Processing typically takes two to three weeks.

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.