Driver Services
Driver's License Over 18 FAQ's
Q. How do I apply for a license or permit?
A: You must apply in person at one of the offices of the Division of Motor Vehicles in Wilmington, New Castle, Dover, or Georgetown.
Q. What identification documents do I need?
A:
Examples of acceptable source documentation:
One of These Documents Must Include Your Name and Address Along with Your Signature
| Please provide ONE of the following proof of identity/legal presence documents: | |
| (This document must contain proof of full legal name, date of birth, and citizenship/legal presence in the United States to be eligible to obtain a federally compliant identification document.) | |
|
|
| * | Must be accompanied by a U.S. citizenship document or valid proof of legal presence in the United States. |
| ** | Not acceptable documentation to be eligible for a federally compliant identification document; however, applicants may be eligible for a non-compliant identification document. |
| Find out how to contact Vital Statistics for all U.S. States and Territories. | |
| Please provide ONE of the following for proof of a Social Security Number: | |
|
|
| ** | Not acceptable documentation to be eligible for a federally compliant identification document; however, applicants may be eligible for a non-compliant identification document. |
| Please provide TWO of the following for proof of Delaware residency: |
|
| Note: Mail must have been delivered by the USPS and be postmarked or received within the last 60 days; photocopies or printouts of bills will not be accepted. Non-business letters/cards will not be accepted. |
| Please provide ALL of the following for proof of legal name change: | |
| If you have had several name changes, in the case of multiple marriages and divorces, you will need to provide all name change documents. |
|
|
|
| Note: You must change your name with the Social Security Administration first and wait 72 hours before appearing at the DMV. Find out how to contact Vital Statistics for all U.S. States and Territories. |
|
Q. How do I transfer my out-of-state license?
A: Drivers From Other States.
If you move into Delaware from another State, you must apply for a Delaware driver's license within 60 days after becoming a resident. You must turn in your previously issued out-of-state driver's license, fill out an application and pass an eye screening test. Written and road test may be given, but they are normally waived if your license is valid. Suspended and revoked licenses can not be transferred until the withdrawal action is cleared.
Drivers From Other Countries.
Nonresident drivers over the age of 16 years who have a valid driver's license issued by their home country may operate motor vehicles upon the highways of this State when their license is in their immediate possession. Sixty days after the nonresident driver becomes a Delaware resident, he/she must apply for a Delaware driver's license. Drivers from other countries may retain their foreign licenses. All drivers licensed in other countries must pass both the written and road test. Exception: Delaware has a reciprocity agreement with Germany and France thereby exempting these drivers from the written and road tests.
If you move into Delaware from another State, you must apply for a Delaware driver's license within 60 days after becoming a resident. You must turn in your previously issued out-of-state driver's license, fill out an application and pass an eye screening test. Written and road test may be given, but they are normally waived if your license is valid. Suspended and revoked licenses can not be transferred until the withdrawal action is cleared.
Drivers From Other Countries.
Nonresident drivers over the age of 16 years who have a valid driver's license issued by their home country may operate motor vehicles upon the highways of this State when their license is in their immediate possession. Sixty days after the nonresident driver becomes a Delaware resident, he/she must apply for a Delaware driver's license. Drivers from other countries may retain their foreign licenses. All drivers licensed in other countries must pass both the written and road test. Exception: Delaware has a reciprocity agreement with Germany and France thereby exempting these drivers from the written and road tests.
Q. How do I get a permanent license?
A: Effective, August 1, 2007, the Division of Motor Vehicles no longer issues a permanent driver's license as a result of HB 253. If you have a permanent license issued prior to August 1, 2007, you must return to the Division every five years to renew the license. The fee for this is $15.00. Permanent license holders who have a motorcycle endorsement on their license will be charged an extra $8.00 fee for that endorsement. Whenever a permanent license is suspended or revoked, it is changed to a Class D license upon reinstatement and the individual will no longer be able to obtain a permanent license.
Q. How do I get a Motorcycle permit or endorsement?
A: Any person who operates a motorcycle, motorbike or other 2-wheeled, motor-driven vehicle on the highway shall have a driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement. Persons over the age of 18 must pass a written examination and road skills test to obtain a motorcycle endorsement. The written and road test examinations are waived for those who complete the approved motorcycle rider education program.
The fee for motorcycle endorsements are $8.00 for a 5-year
endorsement and $12.00 for an 8-year endorsement, and it is valid for the same period as the license.
Motorcycle endorsements are not available for 6-year or
7-year endorsements.
Persons under the age of 18 must have the motorcycle application signed by their parents or the duly-appointed legal guardian. They must complete the motorcycle rider education program as approved by the Division.
The Division publishes a Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual which covers the requirements for the Motorcycle endorsement, procedures to acquire the endorsement, testing requirements, and the basic knowledge needed to obtain this endorsement.
Motorcycle Rider Classes
New Castle County - 302.326.5030
Kent County and Sussex County 302.744.2658
Experienced Rider Information - New Castle County 302.326.5030 for Kent and Sussex County 302.744.2658
Call for further information or to register for classes and schedules.
Persons under the age of 18 must have the motorcycle application signed by their parents or the duly-appointed legal guardian. They must complete the motorcycle rider education program as approved by the Division.
The Division publishes a Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual which covers the requirements for the Motorcycle endorsement, procedures to acquire the endorsement, testing requirements, and the basic knowledge needed to obtain this endorsement.
Motorcycle Rider Classes
New Castle County - 302.326.5030
Kent County and Sussex County 302.744.2658
Experienced Rider Information - New Castle County 302.326.5030 for Kent and Sussex County 302.744.2658
Call for further information or to register for classes and schedules.