New to Delaware

Moving to a new state can be exciting and still unsettling. The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has dedicated a special publication just to you―the new Delaware resident.

Before you begin exploring the state and all the natural wonder it has to offer, you'll want to print out the Guidelines for New Residents. Remember to check your insurance to see that you have the necessary coverage.

You'll also have to take care of getting a new driver's license and registering your car here just as soon as you can. Delaware has a three-step inspection process that only seems more daunting than it actually is.

The DMV Web site does a terrific job of explaining all the driver services available to you. And the DMV encourages you to visit a DMV Office to complete as many of your DMV transactions as possible.

Attractions

Delaware has a proud political heritage and is nicknamed "The First State" because the U.S. Constitution was first ratified by Delaware. In contrast to the enormous contributions Delaware has made to our American Government, the state is only 2,000 square miles, making it 49th in the U.S. based on area.

Still, the 780,000 residents of Delaware live by the motto, "Liberty and Independence." Farming, fishing, and manufacturing are important industries in Delaware.

Moving to a new state brings with it a lot of challenges. But there is adventure too; fortunately for you Delaware has a lot to offer. The rich history, beautiful natural coastline, friendly people, and excellent infrastructure make living in Delaware a real pleasure.

Fun Facts

• How low can you go? Not much lower than Delaware, without going under the sea. It's got the lowest average altitude of the states: 60 feet above sea level.

• A bunch of smarty-pants live here too (you among them, since you chose to move here.) Speaking percentage-wise, Delaware's got more doctorate-holding engineers and scientists than any other state.

• You've heard of the Mason-Dixon line: Delaware's the only state that is both North and East of it.

• Thank Delaware for Miss America. Its predecessor, the "Miss United States" contest, was helf in Rehoboth Beah in 1880―with Thomas Edison as one of the judges.

• Delaware has no sales tax to burden your spending. The only other states without it are Oregon, Alaska, Montana, and New Hampshire.