General FAQ's
Q. I just moved to DE, how do I get a driver license?
A: To continue to drive in Delaware you must
apply for and receive a Delaware driver license within 60
days after becoming a Delaware resident. Although most
traffic laws in all states are somewhat uniform, there are
some that may be unique to Delaware. Because of this, we
suggest that you pick up a driver manual at one of our
offices to acquaint yourself with Delaware's traffic laws.
When you obtain your driver license, you may also register
to vote and/or become an organ donor through our offices.
You must apply in person at one of the offices of the
Division of Motor Vehicles in Wilmington, New Castle,
Dover or Georgetown. You will be required to pass an eye
test. The written test and the road test may be waived if
you hold a valid driver license from another state. New
residents should be prepared to provide one proof of
identity, one proof of legal presence, two proofs of
Delaware residence, proof of Social Security Number, and
if applicable, proof of legal name change(s). For a
complete list of acceptable documents, please visit our
website at www.dmv.de.gov under general requirements.
You may also utilize the "Document Selector Guide" on our
website to ensure you have the appropriate documents prior
to visiting the DMV. Upon receiving a Delaware driver
license you must give up all valid licenses from other
states. If your out-of-state license has expired, you must
present to the division at time of application, a current
driving record from your previous state of residence and
be prepared for a written test. Unlicensed drivers must
present a certified birth certificate with a raised seal
to show their correct name and date of birth. If you are
under 18 years of age, you must have completed a course in
driver education, which must be approved by the Delaware
Department of Education. Also, one parent (with whom the
child resides) is required to sign your application. Those
drivers under 18 years of age who transfer from another
state will be issued a graduated driver license unless
their out-of-state license was issued for over one year,
and the driver has reached at least 17 years of age.
Members in the military service and their dependents are
not required to obtain Delaware driver licenses and
vehicle registrations until 60 days after separation from
the service. The fee for a driver license is . It is
valid for 8 years (with the exception of immigration
length of stay) and will expire on applicant's birth date.
Q. I just moved to DE, how do I title / register my vehicle?
A: If you just moved to Delaware, you will need to have Delaware vehicle insurance for the vehicle(s) you wish to register and title in Delaware. You will need to first have your vehicle(s) go through and pass inspection. Once it has passed, you will proceed into the DMV to title and register your vehicle. If you do not have a Delaware drivers license or ID, you will need to bring two proofs of residency; proof of insurance; a passing inspection; and proof of identity. If your vehicle(s) has a lien, you will be given a form (MV35) to complete and mail to your lien holder requesting the title be sent to Delaware for titling. You will need to pay for a new title ( if no lien holder, if you do have a lien holder); registration fees ( per year. Most vehicles can be registered up to two years), and the document fee, which is of the NADA average trade in value of your vehicle. For example, if your vehicle is valued at the document fee would be . All services (inspection, obtaining driver license, register, and title vehicle(s) can be accomplished at any of the four DMV locations in Delaware.
Q. How do I title a vehicle that belonged to someone who passed away?
A: The executor/executrix of the decedent will
sign the existing title over to you in section 1. The
Division is required to witness the original document
issued by the County Register of Wills Office. A photocopy
of this document will not be accepted. Documentation fee,
title fee, and/or registration fees shall apply.
Q. What is the procedure to title/register a vehicle that was given to me as a gift?
A: This only applies to vehicles currently
titled in the State of Delaware and gifted to you by an
immediate relative (spouse, parent, grandparent, child, or
sibling). The Delaware title shall be signed over to you
in section 1. If it is not evident that you are immediate
family, proof of relationship must be provided to the
Division (such as birth certificate or marriage
certificate). A title fee of shall apply.
Q. How soon can I renew my vehicle registration?
A: Vehicle registration can be inspected and
renewed up to 90 days prior to the expiration date without
any loss of time.
Q. How do I transfer my current license plate to another vehicle?
A: Bring the titles and proof of Delaware insurance for all vehicles involved. Notate the odometer disclosure of each vehicle in section 1 in the Odometer Disclosure box as well as sign and print your name as buyer. You will be subject to any title fees, service fees, and/or registration fees based on the nature of the complete transaction.
Q. Do I have to title/register a trailer?
A: Yes, all trailers used on Delaware highways
are required to be titled and registered.
Q. Do I have to title and register a moped?
A: Yes, all mopeds used on Delaware highways
are required to be titled and registered.
Q. Do I have to take my moped through inspection again to renew the registration?
No. Mopeds are exempt from Delaware's safety inspection.
Q. How do I title/register a mobile home?
A: After receiving the current title which
shall be endorsed by the seller(s) on the reverse side,
you will first take the title to the County Tax Assessment
Office and obtain a Certification Letter. This is a
mandatory document for processing with the Division. The
names on the Letter must match the buyers names on the
reverse side of the title. Bring the Letter and title to
your nearest DMV location for processing. You are subject
to documentation and title fees.
Q. How do I change the name on my title & registration?
A: In order to change your name on your
registration, you must also change the title. You must
first have your driver license changed prior to title and
registration. You will bring your title, driver license,
and proof of insurance to your nearest DMV location. You
will be asked to disclose the current mileage and endorse
the title in sections 1 and 4. The charge is . In the
event a lien holder is holding your title, you will be
given a MV-35 to mail to your lender requesting the title
to be mailed to the Division. The charge for a title with
a lien is
Q. How do I change the name on my driver license?
A: You must first change your name with the
Social Security Administration 72 hours prior to changing
with the DMV. You will need to bring your legal name
changing document (marriage license, divorce decree, court
order) to the DMV. A photo and signature will be required.
Q. Do I have to return my license plate if I move to another state?
A: Yes. License plates must be surrendered to the Division prior to canceling insurance for any reason on vehicles with active registrations. You may take your tag to the nearest Delaware DMV office. Tags will be returned at no charge if proper insurance is provided and the registration has not expired.
Tags may be mailed to the Division along with a note explaining why tags are being surrendered, for example:
- canceling the liability insurance
- sold the vehicle
- titled vehicle in another state
- vehicle was junked
Mailing address:
Division of Motor Vehicles
Uninsured Motorist Section
P O Box 698
Dover, DE 19903
Q. Do I have to accompany the buyer to the DMV if I am privately selling my vehicle?
A: No. As a seller, your obligation is to
complete the Sellers Report of Sale, a detachable portion
at the bottom of the current title and to complete section
one on the reverse side of the title, including the
buyer(s) name, address, date of sale, total cost of the
vehicle, odometer reading, signature, and printed name.
The buyer will take the Certificate of Title. You will
need to mail the Sellers Report to the address provided or
hand carry it to a DMV location as soon as possible. This
releases you of liability but does not transfer ownership
until the buyer presents documentation to the Division.
Please note that it is unlawful for a buyer to drive on a
vehicle prior to the title/registration being transferred
at a Division of Motor Vehicles location.
Q. I am out of state and lost my driver license. What do I do?
A: Delaware will provide a non-military
individual with temporary driving authority for a period
not to exceed 6 months if the individual's license has
been lost, stolen, or is expiring.
The following information must be provided
- Name in full.
- Date of birth.
- Social Security Number.
- Driver license number.
- Delaware address.
- Reason for being out-of-state.
- Date of return to Delaware.
- Place of birth (city, state, and country). **If you were born outside of the US, please call 302.744.2506 for additional information.**
- Current contact phone number.
- Fax number or e-mail address to send temporary to.
- Signature.
The above-required information should be faxed to: 302.739.2602, Attn: Driver License.
Q. How do I renew my driver license when I am in the military stationed out of Delaware?
A: Please click on the link below for the
process to allow active duty military and their dependents
to renew their driver license.
http://www.dmv.de.gov/DriverServices/other/index.shtml?dc=dr_oth_military_renewal
Q. How do I renew my vehicle registration when I am in the military stationed out of Delaware?
A: You will need to contact our Registration
Correspondence Section for an Out-of-State Inspection
Packet to be mailed to your address provided you are
outside a 250 mile radius of a DMV location in the State
of Delaware. The packet consists of a safety inspection
checklist and an emission test requirements. The packet
and vehicle shall be taken to a vehicle dealership or
mechanic for inspection and their endorsement that the
vehicle meets these requirements. You may then mail the
documents, a photocopy of your Delaware driver license and
current Delaware insurance card and necessary fees to the
address provided on the form for processing through the
mail. We suggest you include a self-addressed envelope
back to your address.
Q. How do I renew my vehicle registration when I am away at college?
A: You will need to contact our Registration
Correspondence Section for an Out-of-State Inspection
Packet to be mailed to your address provided you are
outside a 200 mile radius of a DMV location in the State
of Delaware. The packet consists of a safety inspection
checklist and an emission test requirements. The packet
and vehicle shall be taken to a vehicle dealership or
mechanic for inspection and their endorsement that the
vehicle meets these requirements. You may then mail the
documents, a photocopy of your Delaware driver license and
current Delaware insurance card and necessary fees to the
address provided on the form for processing through the
mail. We suggest you include a self-addressed envelope
back to your address.
Q. How do I renew my driver license when I am away at college?
A: Delaware will provide a non-military
individual with temporary driving authority for a period
not to exceed 6 months if the individual's license has
been lost, stolen, or is expiring.
The following information must be provided:
- Name in full.
- Date of birth.
- Social Security Number.
- Driver license number.
- Delaware address.
- Reason for being out-of-state.
- Date of return to Delaware.
- Place of birth (city, state, and country). **If you were born outside of the US, please call 302.744.2506 for additional information.**
- Current contact phone number.
- Fax number or e-mail address to send temporary to.
- Signature.
The above-required information should be faxed to: 302.739.2602, Attn: Driver License.
Q. How many questions are on the driver license knowledge/written test?
A: There are 30 questions on the knowledge
test of which at least 24 must be answered correctly to
pass.
http://www.dmv.de.gov/DriverServices/drivers_license/index.shtml?dc=dr_lic_written
Q. How do I make an appointment for a child safety seat check?
A: Child seat safety checks are performed by
the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS). Click on the
link http://ohs.delaware.gov/carseat for more information
on how to make an appointment or you can call OHS
directly. For New Castle County (302) 434-3234, Kent
County (302) 744-2749 or Sussex County (302) 853-1014.
Q. Are 501(c)(3) non-profit organization exempt from paying vehicle registration fees?
A: Yes. Under Delaware Code Title 21 � 2159(a)(7), non-profit organizations that are recognized as a 501(c)(3) by the IRS are exempt from vehicle registration fees. Please present the IRS 501(c)(3) documentation to DMV for waiver of the registration fee. However, 501(c)(3) organizations must pay the document fee at time of titling. The document fee is of the vehicle's value.