Documents and items to bring to the DMV

When you go to a Delaware DMV office to get your learner's permit, bring these documents in this order: proof of identity, proof of Delaware residency, proof of your Social Security number, and a completed DL 44 form (the process for a driver's license or permit). You do not need all of these as separate pieces of paper — some documents count for more than one requirement.

The DMV will not issue your permit without each of these four categories covered. If you show up missing one, you will have to leave and come back. Bring originals, not copies, except where noted below.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity, Delaware residency, Social Security number, and a completed DL 44 form — the DMV will turn you away if any one is missing.
  • A birth certificate or passport works for identity; a utility bill or lease counts as residency proof; a Social Security card or tax return covers your SSN.
  • If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian and their ID — Delaware requires their signature on your process.
  • The DL 44 form is available at any DMV office or online at dmv.delaware.gov, and you can fill it out before you arrive to save time.
  • Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one; the DMV will take it and issue your Delaware permit in its place.

Proof of identity documents Delaware accepts

Delaware accepts a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or valid out-of-state driver's license as proof of identity. If you were born outside the United States, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card (green card). All of these must be originals.

A school ID, work ID, or library card does not count. The DMV is strict about this category because identity is the foundation of the permit system. If your birth certificate is a certified copy (not the original), it still counts — certified copies are treated the same as originals.

Proof of Delaware residency

You need one document showing your name and a Delaware address. The DMV accepts a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your current address.

A piece of mail from a government agency — such as a tax notice, voter registration card, or benefit statement — also works. A school enrollment letter with your address counts if it is on official school letterhead. Do not bring a driver's license or ID card as your residency proof, even if it shows a Delaware address; the DMV needs a separate document.

Proof of Social Security number

Bring your Social Security card, or bring a document that shows your full Social Security number. The DMV accepts a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a benefit statement from Social Security. If you bring a pay stub or tax document, it must show your full nine-digit number.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a learner's permit in Delaware, but you will need to complete an additional form (DL 5) and provide a reason why you do not have one. Bring that form with you if this applies to you.

The DL 44 process form

The DL 44 is Delaware's process for a driver's license or learner's permit. You can read it from dmv.delaware.gov, pick one up at any DMV office, or fill it out on a computer at the office before you go to the counter. Filling it out ahead of time cuts down your wait.

The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. Answer honestly — the DMV uses this information to set the terms of your permit. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the form; you cannot sign it yourself.

If you are under 18: parent or guardian requirements

Delaware law requires a parent or legal guardian to come with you to the DMV and sign your process. The parent or guardian must bring their own photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card). The DMV will check their identity before they sign.

If both parents have custody, only one needs to come. If you are in foster care or have a court-appointed guardian, bring the guardianship papers or foster care documentation along with the guardian's ID. If a parent cannot come with you, call your local DMV office to ask about alternatives — some offices have forms that allow a parent to authorize a different adult to sign on their behalf, though this is not may provide.

If you hold an out-of-state license

Bring your current driver's license or learner's permit from another state. The DMV will take it and issue your Delaware permit in exchange. You do not need to surrender it in advance; hand it over when you are at the counter. If your out-of-state license is expired, bring it anyway — it still counts as proof of identity and residency.

If you are switching from an out-of-state permit to a Delaware permit, the process is the same. You will not lose any driving privileges during the switch; your Delaware permit becomes valid as soon as the DMV issues it.

What to expect at the DMV office

Bring all documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. Arrive early — DMV offices get busy, especially on weekends and after school hours. Bring a pen in case you need to make corrections on the DL 44 form at the counter.

The DMV will review your documents, take your photo, and have you sign the process. You will then take a written test on traffic laws and road signs — study the Delaware Driver's Manual before you go. Once you pass the test, you will receive your learner's permit on the spot. The whole process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes if you have all your documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a copy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

A certified copy of your birth certificate counts as an original for DMV purposes. An uncertified photocopy does not. If you have a certified copy, bring it — the DMV will accept it.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove residency?

You can use a bank statement, credit card statement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency with your name and address. Any of these dated within the last 60 days will work. If you are homeless or living with someone else, call your DMV office to ask about options.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring a pay stub instead?

Either one works. A pay stub, W-2, tax return, or benefit statement that shows your full nine-digit Social Security number is acceptable. You do not have to bring the card itself.

What happens if I forget one document and have to leave?

You will need to return another day with the missing document. Your appointment is not held — you will have to wait in line again. Bring everything on your first trip to avoid a second visit.

Can my older sibling sign my process instead of a parent?

No. Delaware law requires a parent or legal guardian to sign. If neither parent can come, contact your DMV office about a notarized authorization form, though availability varies by location.