Moving to Delaware, REAL ID and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain how to transfer a license from another state.
• You can say which foreign license holders skip the knowledge and road tests.
• You can describe the rules for teens moving to Delaware.
• You can explain the difference between compliant and non-compliant cards.
• You can plan a license renewal.

What you need to know and understand

• New residents must apply for a Delaware license within 60 days.
• Adults with a valid license from another state normally have the written and road tests waived but must pass an eye screening.
• Holders of valid licenses from Germany, Taiwan and France are exempt from the knowledge and road exams for a Class D license.
• Other foreign license holders must pass the eye, knowledge and road exams, but may keep their foreign license.
• A federally compliant (REAL ID) card has a gold star; a non-compliant card says Not for Federal ID.
• Class D licenses last 8 years, cost $50, and can be renewed in the 180 days before expiry.
• A late renewal adds a $10 fee.

Coming from another state

Turn in your old license or bring a current certified copy of your driving record. Bring proof of legal presence such as a birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and two proofs of Delaware residency. You sign an application and a surrender form and pass an eye screening. Written and road exams may be given, but are normally waived if your license is valid. A suspended or revoked license cannot be transferred until it is cleared. Remember to title and register your car within 60 days too. Our guide to transferring an out-of-state license to Delaware has a full document checklist.

Coming from another country

Visitors over 16 with a valid license from home may drive while it is in their possession. Sixty days after becoming a resident, you must apply for a Delaware license. You may keep your foreign license, but must pass the eye, knowledge and road exams, unless your license is from Germany, Taiwan or France, which are exempt from the knowledge and road exams for a Class D license. People who cannot prove legal presence may be able to apply for a Driving Privilege Card instead, which is valid for 4 years and cannot be used as ID.

Teens moving to Delaware

• Apply within 60 days of becoming a resident if you are 16 or 17 with an out-of-state license.
• You need an approved driver education course, a sponsor's signature, an eye screening, and written and road exams at the DMV.
• Licensed in your old state for over 12 months: you may qualify for a Class D license after testing.
• Licensed for less than 12 months: you may qualify for the Level One Learner's Permit.

REAL ID and renewals

A compliant card, marked with a gold star, can be used for domestic flights and entering federal facilities. To upgrade a non-compliant card, bring the required documents to any DMV office and pay the $20 replacement fee. Renewal reminders arrive about 60 days before your license expires on your birthday. You can renew up to 180 days early, turning in your old license and passing an eye screening. A knowledge or road exam may be given, and you may be asked for proof of residency if you moved.

Common mistakes

• Waiting until your old license expires before switching. Delaware's deadline is 60 days after you become a resident.
• Bringing photocopies of documents. Bring originals.
• Assuming every foreign license transfers without testing. Only Germany, Taiwan and France are exempt. Drivers from U.S. territories also test.
• Booking a flight with a card marked Not for Federal ID. Upgrade to a gold star card or carry a passport.

Test yourself: Moving to Delaware, REAL ID and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Transferring an Out-of-State License to Delaware
• Delaware Permit Test
• Delaware Driver’s Ed and the Blue Certificate