Renewing Your License

Determine the Status of Your License

To drive anywhere in the state, you must have a valid license. So, be sure to know when your license is set to expire. You can renew your license up to 60 days before it expires.

Of course, you'll also need to be covered by an auto liability insurance policy. Visit our Insurance Center to find the best rates for the coverage you need.

Valid License

Class D (standard or permanent) driver licenses must be renewed every five years. (Commercial drivers should refer to our Renewing Your CDL page for information about their situation. With a few exceptions outlined below, you must renew in person at any Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV) office.

If you're curious about your license status, you can always obtain a copy of your driving record.

Expired License

Although it's illegal to drive on an expired license, you have up to one year after your license expires without having to repeat the licensing process. Expired license renewals are handled in the same manner as current licenses, except latecomers must pay a $1.15 fine. You may purchase a copy of your driving record at any time to check on your license status.

Suspended License

To inquire on the status of your license, you may purchase a copy of your driving record. It's common for insurance costs to rise after dealing with a license suspension, so check our Insurance Center to find carriers with the most affordable rates.

Our Suspended License page carries information on how to reinstate your license, as well as the costs involved.

Lost License

To obtain a duplicate license, just follow the instructions provided on our Replacing a Lost License page.

Renew In Person

When it's time to renew, head to any DMV office with your old license and be ready to:

1. Complete the renewal application form.
2. Pass a vision test.
3. Pay the required fees.

It costs $25 to renew your standard license; if you want to renew a motorcycle endorsement, tack on another $8. If you were issued a permanent license, the renewal cost is $15.

Be aware that if your name, date of birth, or Social Security number doesn't match what's on file with the Social Security Administration (SSA) records, you may not be allowed to renew your license. Contact the DMV for more information.

Under rare circumstances, renewal applicants may be asked to take the road and written tests.

Renew Online

You can't renew online; you must renew in person or by mail.

Renew by Mail

If you're stationed in the military outside of Delaware, you may renew your license by mail. See our Drivers in the Military section for instructions.

The DMV also grants select renewal-by-mail privileges on an individual basis. Call the DMV to see if your situation qualifies for this sort of renewal.

Update Your Driving Skills

Keeping your driving skills and knowledge of new laws up-to-date is important. Taking a traffic school course is an excellent way to accomplish this, and doing so may even lower your insurance rates. Check with your carrier for more information, or visit our Insurance Center to investigate other providers.