Licenses expire and life changes—you move, marry or lose your card. Delaware sets deadlines and fees for each situation. New arrivals with licenses from other states or countries follow transfer rules.
Know the rule
Moving from another state (18 or older): apply within 60 days of becoming a resident. Turn in your old license (or bring a current certified driving record), show legal presence, SSN and two residency proofs, and pass an eye screening. Written and road exams are normally waived if your license is valid.
Handbook p. 30 ↗Know the rule
Suspended or revoked licenses cannot be transferred until all outstanding withdrawal actions are cleared.
Handbook p. 30 ↗Know the rule
Drivers licensed in other countries must pass knowledge and road exams. Exception: Germany, Taiwan, France and U.S. Territories are exempt for a Class D only—endorsements aren't included.
Handbook p. 30 ↗Know the rule
Under-18 transfers need approved driver ed, written, road and eye tests, and a sponsor. Licensed out of state over 12 months → may get a Class D license; under 12 months → a Level One Learner's Permit.
Handbook p. 30 ↗Know the rule
An out-of-state motorcycle endorsement transfers for an added fee. A Taxi/Limousine (Z) endorsement does not transfer.
Handbook p. 30 ↗Renewal
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| License term | 8 years (except some immigration, hazmat, DPC) |
| Earliest renewal | Up to 180 days (six months) before expiring |
| CDL earliest renewal | No earlier than 30 days before expiring |
| Reminder sent | About 60 days before expiration (your birthday) |
| Late fee | $10.00 after the expiration date |
| Endorsement add-ons | Motorcycle +$12.00; taxi +$3.45 |
Know the rule
To renew, turn in your old license, fill out an application and pass an eye screening. A knowledge and road exam may be given, and you may need to show proof of residency, SSN or legal presence.
Handbook p. 31 ↗Know the rule
Permanent licenses are no longer issued; current holders renew every eight years for $24.00. A suspended or revoked permanent license becomes a Class D license on reinstatement.
Handbook p. 31 ↗Know the rule
A restricted license (for example, glasses required or daylight driving only) lets you drive only when you, your vehicle or both meet the restriction. Driving without it can mean arrest and suspension.
Handbook p. 31 ↗Changes & replacements
| Situation | Deadline / fee |
|---|---|
| Name change | In person within 30 days; $1.15 |
| Address change | Within 30 days; tell license and registration |
| Lost/stolen/destroyed license | $20.00 replacement, online or at DMV |
| ID card | $40.00; expires 8 years from next birthday |
| Veteran indicator | Free at renewal/duplicate, otherwise $10.00 |
Know the rule
Replacing your card to show a new address is free if you bring your current DL/ID; without it (or proof it was stolen) you pay a duplicate fee.
Handbook p. 32 ↗Know the rule
An exchange student may get a Level One permit after approved driver education, with a typed notarized parental permission letter; if under 18, the sponsoring family signs and assumes liability. Fee: $40.00 for an 8-year license.
Handbook p. 31 ↗Put it into practice
You marry on June 1. Update your name with Social Security first, wait 48 hours, then visit DMV with your old license and marriage certificate—no later than July 1, 30 days after the change. The new license costs $1.15.