- How do I apply for a License or permit?
- What identification documents do I need?
- How do I transfer my out-of-state license?
- How do I get a permanent license?
- How do I get a Motorcycle permit or endorsement?
How do I apply for a license or permit?
You must apply in person at one of the offices of the Division of Motor Vehicles in Wilmington, New Castle, Dover, or Georgetown.
What identification documents do I need?
Required Documentation Table
| One Document for: Name and Date of Birth |
One Document for: Social Security Number |
Two Documents for: Delaware Residency |
| Certified Birth Certificate | Social Security Card OR | Utility Bills |
| Military ID/Valid Passport | Ineligibility Letter from Social Security Admin. | Hospital Insurance Card |
| Valid Other State Driver's License | Health/Social Services Card | Auto or Life Insurance Policies |
| DMV Computer Records | Military Discharge Certificate (DD Form 214) | W-2 or Filed Tax Forms |
| Immigration Registration Card | Employer's Pay Check Stub | Voter Registration Card |
| NAME CHANGES | W-2 Form | Bank Account Records |
| Court Documents | Tax Forms Filed | Credit Card Statements |
| Marriage Certificate | Employment Records | |
| DMV Computer Records | ||
| Rental Agreements | ||
| Address Change |
One of These Documents Must Include Your Name and Address Along with Your Signature
How do I transfer my out-of-state license?
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 thereby exempting these drivers from the written and road tests.
How do I get a permanent license?
In addition to the five-year driver's license, the Division of Motor Vehicles issues a permanent driver's license. If you have a permanent license 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. The initial fee for a permanent driver's license is $35.00. A $1.15 late fee will be assessed upon renewal if the license has expired. Whenever a permanent license is suspended or revoked, it is changed to a Class D license upon reinstatement. Requirements for a permanent driver's license are:
- You must have had a Delaware driver's license for at least three consecutive years.
- For a period of three years prior to applying for the license you must not have had your license suspended or revoked, been ruled an unsafe driver by the Secretary of Public Safety, or not have been arrested and convicted for a violation of any traffic laws.
- Commercial and non-CDL driver license holders are ineligible for a permanent license.
How do I get a Motorcycle permit or endorsement?
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. This endorsement costs $8.00, and it is valid for the same period as the license.
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.
