Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Delaware Driving Privilege Card (DPC) is a driver license for Delaware residents who can’t prove lawful presence in the United States. It lets you drive legally, but only in Delaware, and it is not valid as identification. To get one you need fingerprinting with the State Bureau of Identification, proof you filed Delaware taxes for the previous two years, the DMV tests, and a road exam after a waiting period on the DPC permit (at least 10 days on the DMV’s DPC page; the July 2026 manual sets 30 days for Class D road exams, so check with the DMV). This guide explains who qualifies and each step.
Key facts (Delaware DMV, checked November 2026)
- For foreign Delaware residents who can’t show legal presence in the U.S. U.S. citizens and anyone with valid legal presence documents can’t apply.
- Driving in Delaware only. Not valid for identification.
- The card says “Driving Privilege Only” and “Not Valid for Identification”.
- Valid 4 years. The July 2026 manual lists a $20 fee.
- Steps: State Bureau of Identification (SBI) fingerprinting, then a Division of Revenue tax filing certificate, then the DMV.
- Hold the DPC permit for at least 10 days before the road exam (DMV DPC page). The July 2026 manual sets 30 days for Class D road exams, so confirm the wait when you book.
- DMV DPC help line: 1-877-477-7117.
Who can get a Delaware Driving Privilege Card?
- You live in Delaware.
- You are a foreign national who can’t produce documents proving legal presence in the U.S.
- You have filed Delaware taxes for the previous two years.
- You can pass the vision, knowledge and road exams.
The DPC was created by Senate Bill 59 (2015) and the DMV began processing applications in January 2016. If you have lawful presence, apply for a standard license instead. See the Delaware learner driver guide.
How to get a Driving Privilege Card in Delaware, step by step
- Book an SBI appointment online. Since September 11, 2023, you must schedule online before visiting the State Bureau of Identification. The DMV’s DPC page gives the booking site and the service code to enter. SBI collects fingerprints, checks your identification and gives you a receipt with a date to appear at the DMV on or after.
- Get a Certification of Filing Compliance from the Delaware Division of Revenue. It confirms you filed Delaware taxes for the previous two years. Get it on the Division of Revenue website, or call 302-577-8200 for an appointment. It shows your name, the tax years, your ITIN or SSN and a document locator code.
- Go to the DMV with all your documents, originals or certified copies (list below).
- Pass the vision screening and knowledge exam. These may be done on this first visit. See the Delaware knowledge test guide.
- Receive your DPC permit and practice with a properly licensed driver over 21.
- Take the road exam, no sooner than 10 days after getting the permit under the DMV’s DPC page. The July 2026 manual says 30 days for Class D road exams, so check with the DMV when you book. See the Delaware road test guide.
Documents for a Delaware DPC
| What | Accepted documents |
|---|---|
| SBI receipt | Receipt with your name, date of birth and SBI receipt number. The DMV verifies it with SBI. |
| Tax filing proof | Division of Revenue Certification of Filing Compliance covering the previous two years |
| Name and date of birth (one) | Valid, unexpired foreign passport; valid, unexpired consular ID card from your country; or, for Mexico, the IFE voter card (Credencial para Votar) |
| Residency (two) | From separate sources, showing your physical address, postmarked within 60 days. Examples: utility bill, bank record, rental agreement, insurance policy, employment record. |
| Name change (if any) | All marriage, court or divorce documents linking your names |
| Under 18 | Also an original birth certificate plus a translated copy |
Consular cards on the manual’s list include those from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala and Mexico, and the DMV says the list can change. Foreign-language documents need a professional English translation attached to the original. Photocopied, altered or expired documents are refused.
Driving on a DPC permit and card
- DPC learner permit: you can drive a Class D vehicle only with a properly licensed driver over 21.
- Teens 16 and 17: the GDL rules apply. That means driver education, a sponsor, and the Level One permit limits (see Delaware GDL rules). The GDL program accepts the DPC document list for DPC applicants.
- All Delaware traffic laws apply to DPC holders, including insurance requirements and the phone ban.
- Delaware only: the DPC is issued for driving in Delaware. Don’t assume another state will accept it.
Common questions
Can I use a Delaware DPC as ID?
No. It is printed “Not Valid for Identification” and is for driving only.
Can I drive in other states with a Delaware DPC?
The DMV says the DPC is valid for driving purposes only within Delaware.
Do I need a Social Security number?
No. The tax certificate can show an ITIN instead. If you are eligible for an SSN, the DMV asks for proof.
How long is a Driving Privilege Card valid?
4 years. A standard Class D license lasts 8.
I have a license from another state. Can I get a DPC?
You must surrender your other state’s license when you apply, and you still go through every DPC step.
Are there scams around the DPC?
The DMV’s DPC page carries a scam warning. Apply only through SBI, the Division of Revenue and the DMV, and call 1-877-477-7117 with questions.
Back to the Delaware learner driver guide.
Sources
- Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, “Driving Privilege Card (DPC)” (dmv.de.gov)
- Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, “Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026)” (dmv.de.gov)
- Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, “Graduated Driver License” (dmv.de.gov)