Renew in person at a Delaware DMV office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Delaware DMV website

Delaware offers three renewal paths depending on your age, license type, and how long it has been since your last in-person visit. Most people under 79 can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If you are 79 or older, have a commercial license, or have not been in person for more than 16 years, you must renew at a DMV office. The fastest route is online renewal, which takes minutes and costs less than in-person or mail renewal.

Your current license must not be expired by more than five years to use any renewal method. If it is expired beyond that, you will need to explore for a new license in person, which involves a written test and vision screening.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Delaware DMV website is available to most drivers under 79 and costs $10 for a five-year license or $20 for an eight-year license.
  • Mail renewal requires a completed process form, a check or money order, and a copy of your current license, and takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you are 79 or older, hold a commercial license, or have not renewed in person within the past 16 years.
  • Delaware does not require a vision test for online or mail renewal, but you must pass one if you renew in person.
  • Your license remains valid while your renewal is being processed, so you can renew before expiration without losing driving privileges.

Online renewal through the Delaware DMV website

Go to the Delaware DMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer a few questions about your driving record and medical history. You cannot change your address online; if you have moved, you must renew by mail or in person.

Online renewal costs $10 for a five-year license or $20 for an eight-year license. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if you are 79 or older, hold a commercial driver's license, have a medical restriction on your license, or have not renewed in person within the past 16 years.

Mail renewal with a completed process form

read the Delaware driver's license renewal form (Form DL-44) from the Delaware DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, date of birth, and signature. Make a photocopy of the front and back of your current license and include it with your process.

Mail the completed form, a copy of your license, and a check or money order to the Delaware DMV. The address is on the form. Mail renewal costs $10 for a five-year license or $20 for an eight-year license. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. Your current license remains valid during this time.

Mail renewal is not available if you are 79 or older, hold a commercial license, or have not renewed in person within the past 16 years. You also cannot change your address by mail; if you have moved, you must renew in person or use online renewal if your address is already correct in the system.

In-person renewal at a Delaware DMV office

Visit any Delaware DMV office with your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days). Bring a completed process form (Form DL-44) if you have one, though you can also fill it out at the office.

At the office, you will have your photo taken, pass a vision screening, and answer questions about your medical history and driving record. The vision test is required for in-person renewal. Processing is when ready; you will receive a temporary license to drive home, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal costs $10 for a five-year license or $20 for an eight-year license. You must renew in person if you are 79 or older, hold a commercial license, have a medical restriction, or have not renewed in person within the past 16 years. In-person renewal is also your only option if you need to change your address, add or remove a medical restriction, or update your name.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew using any of the three methods above. Your license remains valid for driving purposes during the renewal process, so you will not lose your driving privileges while waiting for your new license to arrive.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew. Instead, you must explore for a new license in person at a DMV office. This process includes a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a road test. You will also need to provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency. A new license process is more time-consuming and costly than a renewal.

Delaware DMV office locations and hours

Delaware has DMV offices in Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown. The Wilmington office is the largest and typically has the shortest wait times on weekday mornings. All offices are closed on Sundays and most state holidays. Hours vary by location; check the Delaware DMV website for the specific office nearest you before you visit.

You do not need an appointment for renewal at most Delaware DMV offices, but you can request one online to reduce wait time. During busy seasons (late summer and early fall), wait times can exceed one hour, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Delaware license if I have moved out of state?

Yes. If you still have a Delaware address on file or can provide proof of a Delaware address, you can renew by mail or online. If you have moved and your address has changed, you must renew in person at a Delaware DMV office to update your address, or you can renew online if the system already shows your new address.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online. You must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity and Social Security number to request a replacement license. The office will issue you a temporary license and mail your permanent one within 7 to 10 business days.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew online?

Online renewals are mailed within 7 to 10 business days of approval. Mail takes an additional 3 to 5 days depending on your location. Your current license remains valid for driving during this time, so you do not need to wait for the new one to arrive before driving.

Do I need to take a vision test to renew online or by mail?

No. Vision tests are only required for in-person renewal. If you renew online or by mail, you will not take a vision test. However, you must answer questions about your vision and medical history on the process.

Can I renew my license early, before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your Delaware license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license; it will still be valid for five or eight years from the issue date.