Delaware Driver License

The steps to obtain a driver’s license in Delaware depend on various factors. For example, you will need to complete different steps if you are a first-time driver. On the other hand, you will need to go through differing steps for an adult driver’s license. The steps for obtaining each license are set up by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. This body regulates the licensing process and ensures public safety, by issuing licenses to only qualified drivers.

What comes to the steps of licensure, then it is important to know that most of them include obtaining appropriate driving education. Moreover, you will need to pass both knowledge and driving skills test to be eligible for the license. The state also requires passing a vision test and you must get at least 20/40. To sum up, there are some state requirements to meet before you can legally drive in the state of Delaware.

Steps to get a level one learner’s permit in Delaware

If you are between 16 and 18 years old and want to drive in the state of Delaware, you must first get a learner’s permit and then pass to the next steps.

Requirements

• In the first place, you should obtain driving education by completing appropriate courses. In addition, you can take the courses both in public or private schools.
• Secondly, you should visit a DMV office to apply for the permit in person
• Another key point is having your parents or guardian come with you and sign the application form. The reason for this is that the sponsor has the final authority to determine whether you can drive or not.
• You should also bring the necessary documents with you
• On the application day, you must pass a vision test and meet the requirement of at least 20/40
• The next requirement is having your photograph taken, as well as paying the required fee for the permit

Necessary documents

• Proof of having completed approved driving education course (Blue Certificate)
• Primary document of identification, which bears your full legal name and date of birth
• Secondary document of identification
• Evidence of lawful presence in the US
• Social Security Number (Social Security Card, letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) verifying SSN)
• Two documents, which indicate Delaware residency (including street, city)

Driving restrictions

• All passengers, including the driver (under 18 years old) must wear a safety belt
• Not using cellular phones, text messenger or other types of wireless communication electronic devices while driving
• For the first six months, only practice supervised driving (by a licensed adult)
• The permit holder must have practiced supervised driving for 50 hours (including 10 hours of nighttime driving)
• Not driving between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. (otherwise, only under supervision)

Steps to get an adult driver’s license in Delaware

If you are 18 years old and have your learner’s permit, then you can apply for the Delaware adult driver’s license.

Requirements for a license

• To start with, you must hold your learner’s permit
• Secondly, you should demonstrate certificate of completed driving education
• Thirdly, you must schedule a road test, take it and successfully pass it
• Pass the written test on road rules, signs and signals
• Bring required documentation to assist the licensing process
• Pay the required fees

Necessary paperwork

• Two forms of current identification, including Primary and Secondary ID
• Social Security Number
• Documents of legal presence in the United States
• Certificate of a properly registered and insured vehicle
• Evidence of auto insurance coverage
• Residence address in the state of Delaware

It might be important to know that you can convert your learner’s permit into adult license providing that you hold your learner’s permit and are 17 years old. To clarify, you can do so, if you have hold your permit for at least 12 months and your sponsor has not withdrawn the endorsement.

Learn how to renew the Delaware driver’s license

In the state of Delaware, you can get a 5-year license and an 8-year license. You must renew the license before it is due to expire and you have 190 days before the expiration date.

In office renewal

You can renew your Delaware driver’s license in any DMV office. Accordingly, you should complete and submit the application, as well as bring proper documentation. The latter includes current license and evidence of Delaware residency. You will also need to present your Social Security Number and documents of legal presence in the US.

For renewal, you will also need to pass a vision test.

In case you fail to renew on time, you will be required to pay additional $10.

By mail renewal

You can renew the license by mail if you are serving in the US military forces. Therefore, you will need to provide your full legal name and date of birth, license number, Social Security Number, Delaware residency and mailing address.

To prove your point, you will also need to include the copy of your Military ID and signature.

Mailing Address

Division of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Driver Services Department
P.O. Box 698
Dover, DE 19903

Online renewal

If you want to renew the license online, you should go through this link, create an account (if you do not have one), follow the instructions and pay the $40 fee.

Gold star on the driver’s license

A gold circle with a star on the license indicates a REAL ID compliant. To clarify, it shows meeting federal regulations of minimum security standards.

If you, too, want to get a REAL ID star, then you should visit a DMV office and bring the following documents with you:

• Evidence of US citizenship
• Identity
• Evidence of legal presence
• Documents of Delaware residency
• Social Security Number

Delaware driver’s license classifications

Delaware has the following classifications for obtaining a driver’s license, based on the type of license you want to obtain.

Class D

This license, in short, gives you permission to drive passenger cars, station wagons, pickup trucks, utility vehicles and panel trucks. To put it differently, it allows operating any motor vehicle with gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) no more than 26,000 pounds.

Class A (Non-commercial)

To clarify, this license is for operating farm, firefighting vehicles, and other authorized emergency vehicles under a CDL waiver.

Class B (Non-commercial)

This license, in short, is for operating farm and firefighting vehicles, military equipment and other types of emergency vehicles.

Class A (Commercial)

To clarify, the license allows the licensee to operate vehicles with the GVWR of 26,000 pounds.

Class B (Commercial)

To clarify, this license is useful for operating a vehicle with the GVWR of over 26,000 pounds, not towing another vehicle over 10,000 pounds GVWR.

Class C (Commercial)

The license, in short, is for vehicles under 26,000 pounds, which transport 16 or more passengers, as well as hazardous materials.

Costs associated with a Delaware driver’s license

• License Fee: $40
• Renewal Fee: $40 ($25 for 5-year licenses)
• Late Renewal Additional Fee: 10.00
• Temporary Permit Fee: 10.00
• Vanity Plate Fee: 40.00

Contact Information

Division of Motor Vehicles
Wilmington: (302) 434 3200
Delaware City: (302) 326 5000
Dover: (302) 744 2500
Georgetown: (302) 853 1000