Delaware renewal basics: online, by mail, or in person
Delaware lets you renew your driver's license in three ways: online through the Division of Motor Vehicles website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DMV office. Most people can renew online without visiting an office, which takes about 10 minutes. If you cannot renew online—because your license is expired by more than a year, or you need to update your address or other information—you will need to renew by mail or visit a DMV location.
Your renewal timeline depends on when your license expires. Delaware sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your expiration date. You do not have to wait for that notice to renew, but having it on hand makes the process faster because it contains your renewal code.
The cost to renew a standard Delaware driver's license is $97 for an eight-year renewal. If you are 65 or older, the cost is $32 for a five-year renewal. You will need a valid payment method—credit card, debit card, or electronic check—for online or mail renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Delaware allows online renewal through the DMV website if your license is current or expired less than one year, and you have not changed your address or other personal information.
- Mail renewal is an option if you meet online renewal requirements but prefer not to use the internet, though it takes longer than online processing.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, you need to update your address, or you want to change your photo.
- Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before expiration and includes a renewal code that speeds up the online process.
- Standard renewal costs $97 for eight years; seniors 65 and older pay $32 for five years.
Renewing online through the Delaware DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired or expired less than one year ago. Go to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles website and select the online renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the renewal code from your renewal notice (if you have it). If you do not have the notice, you can still renew online by entering your personal information.
The online system will ask you to confirm your current address and other details. If any information is incorrect, you cannot fix it online—you must renew in person instead. Once you submit your payment, the system generates a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You can use your old license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before it comes, print your confirmation page and carry it with your expired license as proof of renewal.
Renewing by mail if you cannot go online
Mail renewal works only if you meet the same conditions as online renewal: your license is current or expired less than one year, and you do not need to change your address or personal information. Request a renewal process by calling the Delaware DMV at 302-744-2500, or read the form from their website.
Fill out the process completely and include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your process, plus mail time in both directions. Your new license will arrive by mail once processing is complete.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works well if you prefer not to use the internet or have limited access to a computer.
Renewing in person at a Delaware DMV office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your address or other personal information, or if you want a new photo. Visit any Delaware DMV office with your current or expired license and a valid form of identification. Bring your renewal notice if you have it.
Bring a payment method—cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The DMV will take a new photo, update your information, and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.
Delaware DMV offices are located in Wilmington, Newark, and Georgetown. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the DMV website before you go.
What to bring and how to prepare
For any renewal method, have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. For online renewal, you will also need your renewal code if you have your renewal notice. For in-person renewal, bring your current or expired license plus one form of valid identification—a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work.
If you are renewing in person and your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days is acceptable. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Check the Delaware DMV website before you visit an office to confirm what documents are required for your specific situation, as requirements can change.
What happens if your license expires before renewal arrives
If you renew online or by mail and your new license has not arrived by your expiration date, you can still drive legally. Keep your confirmation number or receipt from your renewal and carry it with your expired license. Law enforcement recognizes this as proof that you have renewed.
If you are concerned about the timing, renew in person instead. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and can drive right away while your plastic card is being mailed.
If your license expires and you have not renewed it, you cannot legally drive. Renew as soon as possible by visiting a DMV office in person.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Delaware
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must visit a Delaware DMV office in person. Bring your current CDL, a valid form of identification, and proof of your address. You will take a vision test and may be required to take a written test depending on your CDL class and endorsements.
CDL renewal costs $97 for an eight-year renewal, the same as a standard license. Processing takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license to use when ready. Your plastic CDL will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Delaware license if I moved out of state?
If you moved out of state, you cannot renew your Delaware license online or by mail because you need to update your address. You must visit a Delaware DMV office in person or contact the DMV by phone to discuss your options. Some states allow out-of-state renewal by mail if you provide a Delaware address, such as a relative's home.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You do not need your renewal notice to renew online. You can enter your driver's license number and date of birth instead of the renewal code. If you prefer to renew by mail and do not have the notice, call the Delaware DMV at 302-744-2500 to request an process form.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail after the DMV processes your request. In-person renewal is faster—you get a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer overall because of time spent in the postal system.
Can I renew my license early?
Yes. You can renew your Delaware license up to one year before it expires. Early renewal is useful if you are planning to travel or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or on time.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If you changed your name, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name and issue a new license with your current legal name.