Delaware Driver’s License Renewal Guide

Updated July 10, 2021

Delaware has a little over 800,000 licensed drivers, from which about 250,000 are over the age of 60. In fact, the small mid-Atlantic state is home to the fasted growing elderly population in the U.S. If you’re over 65 and driving in the Diamond State, you have to renew your license in person and complete both a vision test and a highway sign and signal test.

The Delaware DMV requires a vision score of 20/40 with or without corrections for an unrestricted license. If you score a 20/50, you may be subject to a daylight driving restriction on your license. Continue reading for more info about driving in the Diamond State.

How do I renew my Delaware driver’s license?

Is it time for your Delaware driver’s license renewal? Make sure you know what to do and where to go so your renewal is hassle free.

We’ve got the answers to all your questions about how to renew a Delaware driver’s license right here.

Do I need to renew my license?

Anyone whose Delaware license is within 180 days (30 days for commercial licenses) of expiration. Your Delaware driver’s license is good for a period of eight years.

Make sure you check your license expiration date and that you are not accidently illegally driving.

What do I need to bring when renewing?

Bring your current Delaware driver’s license with you, because you will have to surrender it to get your new license.

Bring eyeglasses if you use them to drive because you will have to take an eye exam. Of course, its not free so make sure you bring, or have in your bank account, the correct amount for the fee.

In some situations, you will be asked to show a proof of residency, if you have moved, or proof of social security number and/or legal presence when you are renewing your Delaware driver’s license.

Be prepared. Bring a utility bill with your address and/or your social security card.

Where do I go to renew my driver’s license?

Just go to any any local Division of Motor Vehicle facility. All locations are able to handle Delaware driver’s license renewals.

When do I have to renew?

You can renew your license any time, staring six months, or 180 days, before the expiration date of your license. If you have commercial drivers license (CDL) you cannot renew your license before 30 days before the expiration date.

If you’ve kept your mailing address and/or email address up to date with the Division of Motor Vehicle Safety, you should receive a renewal reminder 60 days before the expiration date of your license.

Even if you don’t receive a renewal notice, you are responsible for keeping your license current.

Your license expiration date is easy to remember though, because your renewal day and month are the same as your birth day and month.

How do I renew?

You can renew your license at any local Division of Motor Vehicle facility. There, you will have to fill out an application form for Delaware license renewal. You will then have to pass a vision test and give up your expiring Delaware license.

Don’t worry, you’ll get a new with a brand new photo. The last part of the process is paying the required fee.

How much does it cost to renew a license in Delaware?

The fee for a standard Delaware driver’s license renewal is $40.00. Make sure you get there on time though, because you will be charged a $10.00 late fee if you are renewing after the expiration date.

For commercial licenses (CDL), the fee is $48.00, and a CDL with HazMat is $30.00 (these are only good for five years instead of eight). If your renewal includes a motorcycle endorsement, you’ll have to add another $12.00 on for that.

Important Information

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicle works with the federal Social Security Administration to verify Social Security numbers. The DMV uses the Social Security Number On-Line Verification service to match your Delaware driver’s license records with your social security records.

You may not be able to complete a Delaware driver’s license renewal if the information in both systems does not match. The system verifies that your name, date of birth, and/or social security number in the DMV system match with the information in the Social Security Administration system.

Play it safe and smart. Make sure you renew your license on time and keep your information up to date with the DMV.