Delaware driver's license renewal basics
In Delaware, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office at all.
Your Delaware license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or online within a certain window. Once that window closes, you will need to visit a DMV office in person and may need to retake the written test.
Key Takeaways
- Delaware lets you renew online or by mail if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $70 for an eight-year license; mail renewal requires a check or money order and takes one to two weeks.
- You will need your current Delaware license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address to renew online.
- If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office, which also lets you update your address or name on the same visit.
- Expired licenses can be renewed by mail or online up to two years after expiration; after that, you must visit a DMV office and pass the written test again.
Online renewal through the Delaware DMV website
The fastest way to renew is online at the Delaware DMV website. You log in with your driver's license number and Social Security number, answer questions about any address or name changes, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal costs $70 for an eight-year license and is available as long as your license expired less than two years ago.
You cannot renew online if you need to change your photo, update your address to something outside Delaware, or if your license was suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must visit a DMV office in person.
Mail renewal with a paper form
To renew by mail, you request a renewal form from the Delaware DMV by phone at 302-744-2500 or read it from the DMV website. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $70 to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes one to two weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. Your new license will be mailed to you after that. Like online renewal, mail renewal is only available if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need a new photo.
Keep a copy of the form and your payment receipt in case you need to follow up. If your check is lost in the mail, the DMV will contact you, so include a phone number on your form.
In-person renewal at a Delaware DMV office
You must visit a DMV office in person if you want a new photo on your license, need to change your address to outside Delaware, or if your license expired more than two years ago. In-person renewal also lets you update your name or correct information on the same visit.
Delaware has DMV offices in Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown. You do not need an appointment for license renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).
In-person renewal costs $70 for an eight-year license. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will also need to pass the written test, which covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Delaware Driver's Manual, available free on the DMV website.
What happens if your license is expired
If your Delaware license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it by mail or online using the same process as a current license. You do not need to take the written test or visit an office.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must visit a DMV office in person. You will need to pass the written test and provide proof of your identity and address, just as if you were getting your first license. You cannot renew by mail or online once the two-year window closes.
If you are unsure how long your license has been expired, call the DMV at 302-744-2500 and give them your license number. They can tell you whether you are still within the two-year window for mail or online renewal.
Fees and what to bring
| Renewal Method | Cost | Processing Time | What to Bring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $70 | 7–10 business days | License number, Social Security number, email address, credit or debit card |
| $70 | 1–2 weeks | Completed form, check or money order, current license | |
| In Person | $70 (plus test fee if expired 2+ years) | Same day | Current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address |
The $70 renewal fee covers an eight-year license. If your license expired more than two years ago and you renew in person, there is an additional fee for the written test, which varies. Call the DMV to confirm the current test fee before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
Yes. Your current license remains valid until it expires. If you renew online or by mail before expiration, you can drive on your current license while waiting for the new one to arrive in the mail. If your license has already expired, you should not drive until you receive your renewed license.
What if I moved out of Delaware?
You cannot renew your Delaware license online or by mail if you have moved out of state. You must visit a DMV office in person to update your address and renew. If you have moved permanently, you may want to get a license in your new state instead.
Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?
No. Online and mail renewal keep your current photo. A new photo is taken only if you renew in person at a DMV office. If you want a new photo but do not need to change your address or name, you can visit an office just for that purpose.
What if my name changed since I got my current license?
You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. You cannot update your name through online or mail renewal.
How do I know if my license is still valid?
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can also call the Delaware DMV at 302-744-2500 with your license number, and they will tell you the exact expiration date and whether you are within the renewal window.