Renew Your Delaware License by Mail, Online, or In Person

Delaware lets you renew your driver license through three routes: by mail, online through the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DDMV) website, or in person at a DDMV office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew by mail or online and receive their new license within two to three weeks.

Your Delaware license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to six months before your expiration date. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a DDMV office in person.

The renewal fee is $70 for a standard eight-year license. If you choose to renew in person and want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel), the fee is the same, but you will need to bring original documents to verify your identity and residency.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew by mail, online, or in person starting six months before your license expires, but only by mail or online if your license is still valid.
  • The renewal fee is $70, and your new license will be valid for eight years from the issue date.
  • If you need to change your address, add a Real ID endorsement, or correct information on your license, you must renew in person at a DDMV office.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks; online renewal is faster but requires a valid email address and access to your current license number.
  • If your license has expired, you cannot use mail or online renewal and must visit a DDMV office with required documents.

Renewing by Mail: Documents and Timeline

Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no office visit. You can renew by mail only if your current Delaware license is still valid (not expired). To renew by mail, you must request a renewal form from the DDMV or read it from the official DDMV website.

Complete the renewal form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $70 (made payable to "Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles") to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want your old license returned.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DDMV receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you move before your renewal arrives, contact the DDMV when ready to update your mailing address.

Renewing Online: Step-by-Step Process

Online renewal is the fastest option and is available through the DDMV website at dmv.delaware.gov. You can renew online only if your license is still valid and you do not need to make changes to your address, name, or other personal information.

To renew online, you will need your current Delaware license number, your date of birth, and a valid email address. Log into the DDMV online portal, select the renewal option, and follow the prompts. You will be asked to verify your identity and confirm the information on your license. Pay the $70 renewal fee using a credit or debit card.

After you submit your process, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file within one to two weeks. If you do not receive your license within 15 days, contact the DDMV to confirm your process was processed.

Renewing In Person: When and Where

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you want to add a Real ID endorsement, if you need to change your address or name, or if you want to correct any information on your current license. In-person renewal also allows you to get a new photo, which is not possible by mail or online.

Delaware has DDMV offices in Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown. You can visit any office; you do not have to go to the one nearest your address. Office hours vary by location, so check the DDMV website before you go. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and some offer limited Saturday hours.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you are renewing an expired license, bring the same documents plus a completed DL-44 form (available on the DDMV website or at the office). Payment is $70 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Real ID Endorsement and What You Need

Delaware's Real ID-compliant license shows a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. If your current license does not have the star, you can add the endorsement during renewal.

To get a Real ID endorsement, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of your date of birth (birth certificate or passport), and two forms of proof of your current Delaware address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement, both dated within 60 days). The renewal fee remains $70.

If you already have a Real ID-compliant Delaware license, you do not need to do anything special during renewal. Your new license will automatically include the Real ID endorsement.

What to Do If Your License Has Expired

If your Delaware license has been expired for any length of time, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DDMV office in person with the documents listed above. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

Complete a DL-44 form at the office or before you arrive. You will have your photo taken and will receive your new license on the same day or within a few days, depending on the office's processing speed. The renewal fee is still $70.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you may be required to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test before renewal. Contact your local DDMV office to confirm what tests, if any, you will need to take.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is mailing a renewal process without including payment or with a check made out to the wrong name. Always make checks payable to "Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles" and include the full $70 fee. If your check bounces, the DDMV will contact you, and you may face additional fees.

Another frequent error is attempting to renew online or by mail when your license has already expired. The DDMV system will reject your process if your license is no longer valid. Check your expiration date before you start the process.

If you are moving, do not assume your renewal will follow you. Update your address with the DDMV before you submit your renewal process, or update it when ready after if you have already applied. Mail sent to an old address will not be forwarded by the DDMV.

Finally, do not wait until the last week before expiration to renew by mail. Processing takes two to three weeks, and if your process arrives after your license expires, you will have to renew in person instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Delaware license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew by mail or online as long as your license is still valid. If your license has expired or you need to update your address to an out-of-state address, you must contact the DDMV office directly to discuss your options, as some in-person requirements may not explore to out-of-state residents.

What if I lost my license before renewal?

You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online. You must visit a DDMV office in person and request a replacement license. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The replacement fee is $70.

How long does it take to get a Real ID license in person?

You will receive your Real ID license on the same day if you renew in person, or within a few days by mail. Processing time varies by office location. Call ahead to ask about current wait times.

Can I renew online if I want to change my name?

No. Name changes must be done in person at a DDMV office. Bring your current license, a certified copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency.

What happens if I renew but my new license does not arrive within three weeks?

Contact the DDMV with your confirmation number or process receipt. Provide your name, date of birth, and license number. The DDMV can track your process and tell you whether it was processed and when your license was mailed.