To get a license or ID card you must prove who you are, that you are lawfully in the U.S., your Social Security number and that you live in Delaware. Only originals or certified copies count—photocopied, expired or altered documents are rejected.
Every applicant must provide:
- One primary document showing full name and date of birth that the issuing agency can verify
- One secondary document
- Proof of your Social Security number, if you are eligible for one
- Two proofs of Delaware residency
- If not a U.S. citizen: proof of legal presence in the United States
Accepted proof of identity/legal presence includes:
- U.S. birth certificate—original or certified with a raised seal (no wallet cards or hospital records)
- Valid U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
- Permanent Resident Card (I-551) or a foreign passport stamped 'processed for I-551'
- Employment Authorization Card (I-688A, I-688B, I-766)
- A federally compliant state-issued photo driver license or photo ID card
Know the rule
Applicants under 18 (or in the IEP GDL program) must show a document naming their parents or legal guardian, such as a birth certificate or court document. An under-18 applicant's birth certificate must list the birth parent(s).
Handbook p. 21 ↗Proof of Social Security number (one of):
- Social Security card
- W-2 tax form, SSN 1099 or non-1099 form, or 1040 tax form
- Pay stub showing your full SSN
- Any valid SSA document with your full number (Medicare/Medicaid cards are not accepted)
Accepted proofs of Delaware residency include:
- Utility bills
- Credit card statements
- Auto or life insurance policies
- Bank account records
- Employment records
- Rental agreement
- USPS change-of-address confirmation
- Other non-personal mail postmarked within the last 60 days
Know the rule
Your two residency proofs must come from separate sources, show your physical address (not a P.O. box), and be delivered by USPS and postmarked or received within the last 60 days. UPS, FedEx and DHL mail are not accepted.
Handbook p. 22 ↗Know the rule
After a legal name change, update your name with the Social Security Administration first and wait 48 hours before going to DMV. If you've had several name changes, bring every name-change document.
Handbook p. 23 ↗Know the rule
Marriage licenses/certificates must be issued by a government agency with a raised seal; certificates signed only by clergy are not accepted. A divorce decree can restore a previous name only if it lists both names and permits the return.
Handbook p. 23 ↗Know the rule
A minor born outside the U.S. and adopted must still prove citizenship or legal presence. If names don't match across documents, proof of the legal name change (adoption papers or court order) is required.
Handbook p. 23 ↗Know the rule
Non-citizens' status and authorized stay are verified electronically through SAVE, and the license can't expire after the authorized stay ends. If records show 'duration of status' or 'indefinite,' a one-year expiration is used.
Handbook p. 19 ↗SAVE
Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements—the Department of Homeland Security system DMV uses to verify immigration documents and authorized length of stay.
Handbook p. 19 ↗License and ID term for U.S. citizens and permanent residents
Handbook p. 19 ↗Know the rule
Some statuses can't get a Delaware license or ID even with Delaware residency—for example B-1/B-2 visitors, C-1 aliens in transit, D-1 crew members, WB/WT visa-waiver visitors, border crossing card holders, and anyone with invalid or expired immigration documents. They may qualify for a DPC.
Handbook p. 18 ↗Know the rule
False statements or fraudulent documents are perjury and can bring fines and denial of licenses; a license can be suspended any time false information is found on the application.
Handbook p. 20 ↗Put it into practice
You bring your U.S. passport, a W-2, an electric bill and a bank statement, both mailed to your street address last month. That covers identity, SSN and two separate residency proofs. A phone bill sent to your P.O. box would not count as a residency proof.