Right up there with paying your taxes, an inevitable part of many people’s lives is renewing their driver’s license.
Because the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles no longer offers permanent driver’s licenses, drivers are required to renew their licenses every eight years or so.
And, as we inch closer to fall, drivers can also expect a series of changes concerning license fees.
Here’s what First State drivers need to know.
Related: Drivers, beware: Delaware law bars driving in the left lane
When to renew your Delaware driver’s license?
You can renew your driver’s license at any time during the six-month period before it expires.
A renewal reminder is typically sent to drivers 60 days before the expiration date, which falls on the driver’s birthday.
You will need to turn in your previously issued license, fill out an application and pass an eye-screening test.
How much does it cost to renew a driver’s licence in Delaware?
The current driver’s license renewal fee is set at $40. If your renewal occurs after the expiration date, expect to pay a $10 late fee.
How do you renew your Delaware driver’s license?
You can renew your license in person at DMV facilities near Wilmington, near Delaware City, in Dover and in Georgetown.
Before you go, you can check wait times online.
Drivers can also renew their license online or at kiosks at the DMV, but you cannot renew this way for two consecutive times. After renewing online, you will need to renew in person the next time to ensure you have an up-to-date photo.
Traffic – both people and vehicles – fills Dewey Beach on Memorial Day weekend, May 24, 2025.
How long does a Delaware driver’s license last?
Once your new driver’s license has been issued, you won’t have to renew it again for another eight years.
In other news: While these Delaware riders depend on Paratransit, the service still lags post-pandemic
How to get a Delaware driver’s license if you are under 18?
The rules are different for new drivers and drivers under the age of 18.
If you are at least 16 years old but are still under the age of 18, you are eligible for the DMV Graduated Driver License program.
To apply for the program’s Level One Learner’s Permit, you will need to present a blue or white Delaware Driver Education Certificate and provide documentation as proof of identity and legal presence, a Social Security number if applicable and “two proofs of Delaware residency.” All program applications must be signed by a sponsor, such as a parent or legal guardian.
You must also pay a $40 license fee and pass an eye-screening exam during the application.
All new licenses will also last for eight years.
Any permit holder who is at least 17 years old but still less than 18 years old may obtain a license when the individual has held a Level One permit for at least a year and driving privileges have not been suspended or revoked, among other qualifications.
How soon do you have to get a Delaware driver’s license when moving to the state?
Drivers who moved to Delaware from another state and are over the age of 18 must apply for a state license “within 60 days” after officially becoming a resident. You need to bring proof of your Delaware address.
Is the cost of a Delaware license going up?
Yes. Gov. Matt Meyer recently signed a House bill that would establish or modify several fees that would then be collected by the DMV.
These fees include:
Raising the driver’s license issuance and license renewal fees from $40 to $50.
Raising the commercial driver’s license issuance and license renewal fees from $48 to $55.
Raising the replacement ID card fee from $5 to $10.
Raising charges for driver’s license and ID card name changes from $1.15 to $10.
Establishing the fee for a duplicate ID card for a lost or destroyed card at $20.
These changes are slated to go into effect on Oct. 1.
Delaware drivers should also expect to see some toll increases starting Aug. 15.
Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: How to renew your driver’s license in Delaware