Identification Cards in Delaware

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SUMMARY: Delaware Identification Cards

Applications for an ID card must be made in person at a DE DMV office. You will need to prove your identity, legal U.S. presence, residency, and SSN, and pay the required fee. In most cases, you'll receive a federally-compliant SecureID card.

For details, keep reading!

Need to apply for, renew, and order a replacement ID card from the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)? We've got the guide you're looking for, including documents and fees to get the federally-compliant REAL ID card.

Let's get started!

Eligibility Requirements

You qualify for an identification card once you've established Delaware residency and can provide proof of your identity and DE address. If you are younger than 18 years old, a parent or guardian with a photo ID must sign for you.

If you are not a U.S. citizen but are legally residing in the state, you also qualify for an identification card. You will need to show documents proving your legal status. Visit the DE DMV website for a list of immigration statuses that are ineligible for an ID card.

Apply for a DE State ID Card

What Is a REAL ID?

The Delaware DMV now issues federally-compliant REAL ID cards that allow you to use your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings. Unless you specifically request a non-compliant card, OR you can't provide the full suite of required documents, you'll receive a REAL ID when you apply. Check out the DMV's guide to REAL IDs if you have questions.

When you apply for your Delaware identification card, you will receive an ID card that is compliant with the REAL ID Act, UNLESS you:

Cannot prove or do not have a Social Security number.
OR
Choose not to provide all of the required documents for a SecureID.
- Note that while this is still an option for you, the DE DMV highly recommends that you get the REAL ID; its process has been adapted entirely to issue such cards.

In either of these cases, you will receive an ID card that is considered “non-compliant.” Call the DMV at (877) 477-7117 if you need or prefer to apply for the non-compliant card.

To apply for a REAL ID, visit a Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person and:

Provide proof of your:
- Identity and legal U.S. presence, including your full name and date of birth.
- DE residency (2 documents).
- Social Security number.
  - The DMV provides a list of acceptable documents.
Complete any required application forms at the DMV.
- Contact your local office to see if you can pick up a form ahead of time.
Pay the $20 ID card fee.

Renew Your Delaware ID Card

Your identification card expires 8 years after your next birthday. You'll can renew it online or in person at any DMV office in Delaware. Make sure to bring your existing ID card with you if you renew in person.

The fee to renew ID cards is $20. For details, including penalty fees for late renewals, see the DMV's fees chart.

Updating to a DE REAL ID

If you DO NOT already have a REAL ID-compliant card, you'll need to re-submit your identity documents that you brought for your initial application; see above for the required proofs to update to the federally-compliant card. The DMV will only need to re-validate these documents once.

Replace Your Identification Card

Non-driver ID cards that are lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed can be replaced in person at any Delaware DMV office.

At the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, be prepared to submit:

a completed application form, available at the DMV, as well as documents of identification. Check out the DMV website for a complete list of acceptable documents.

The fee for a duplicate state ID card is $5.

Change Your Name or DE Address

If any of your information has changed between your initial ID card application and renewal, make sure to submit those changes to the DMV, either before or upon your renewal.

Here's a look at what to prepare for.

Changing Your Address
Changing Your Name

Change Your Address

You must notify the Delaware DMV of all address changes within 30 days. You can file an address change notification via mail by filling out the DMV Change of Address Form. Notifications can also be filed in person at any DE DMV office. No fee is necessary for this service.

Visit our Change of Address in DE page for complete instructions.

Change Your Name

Just like a change of address, a change of name will need to be reported to the DMV within 30 days of the legal change. You must visit a Delaware DMV office in person to update your non-driver ID card. To verify your name change, you will need to bring your former Delaware ID card, and any court documents that prove the name change, such as a marriage certificate. The fee for a new identification card is $1.15. If this is your first SecureID card, make sure to bring all required identity documents, too (see above).

Visit our Change of Name page for more information.