I'm a new resident in Delaware: what do I do with my license?

Compare with the state you moved from

Choose the state you came from to see the main differences from Delaware. Every value comes from that state's official manual (with the page number) or from its license guide. Where a manual does not state a rule, we say so instead of guessing.

Key rules in Delaware

Each rule comes from the Delaware driver manual or from the license guide, with its source.

Licensing and paperwork

• Deadline to switch your license

  60 days after becoming a resident.

  What the manual says

  • You are required to obtain a Delaware driver license within 60 days after becoming a bona fide resident.

  • The 60-day rule

    If you move into Delaware from another state, you must apply for a Delaware driver license within 60 days after becoming a resident. By applying for or keeping a Delaware license or ID card, you agree that all other state-issued licenses and ID cards issued to you are surrendered and cancelled.

  Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 18

  Source: [1] [2]

• Tests when you transfer a license

  Eye screening is required; written and road exams are normally waived if your license is valid.

  What the manual says

  • What to bring

    Bring your previously issued out-of-state driver license, or a current certified copy of your driving record. Also bring proof of legal presence, such as a birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number and two proofs of Delaware residency. If you do not have your valid out-of-state license, you need a certified copy of your driving record. You sign an application and a surrender agreement form and pass an eye screening.

  • Tests and the new license

    Written and road exams may be given, but they are normally waived if your license is valid. Suspended, revoked and restricted licenses cannot be transferred until the outstanding actions are cleared. With proper documentation you are issued a federally compliant driver license.

  Source: [1] [3] [4] [5] [6]

• Liability insurance

  Proof of liability insurance must be carried; minimum $25,000 for one person, $50,000 for two or more injured.

  What the manual says

  • The registration certificate and proof of liability insurance must accompany the vehicle whenever it is operated.
  • The minimum is $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in any one crash.
  • The minimum is $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in any one crash.

  Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 68, 63

• Change of address

  30 days to notify both the Vehicle Registration and Driver License sections.

  What the manual says

  • After changing your Delaware address you have 30 days to notify the Division.
  • You must notify both the Vehicle Registration and Driver License Sections of the Division.

  Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 33

• How long the license lasts

  Eight years, with a few listed exceptions.

  What the manual says

  • Delaware driver licenses are issued for eight years, with a few listed exceptions.

  • How long a license lasts

    Driver licenses are issued for eight years, with the exception of licenses tied to an immigration length of stay, hazmat holders and Driving Privilege Card holders. It is illegal to drive if your license has expired.

  Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 32

  Source: [1] [2]

Road rules

• Teen driving hours

  After 6 months: alone 6 a.m.-10 p.m.; 10 p.m.-6 a.m. supervised, except directly to/from church, work, on-campus school activities.

  What the manual says

  • After six months the permit holder may drive unsupervised between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
  • Driving during those hours requires supervision, except going directly to and from church, work and school activities on school property.

  Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 30

• Passengers for teen drivers

  First 12 months: supervisor plus one other passenger (immediate family exempt with supervisor present); unsupervised driving: one passenger.

  What the manual says

  • No passengers other than an adult supervisor and one other passenger are allowed during the first 12 months.
  • The passenger restriction does not apply to immediate family members of the driver, as long as the adult supervisor is in the car.
  • When a supervisor is not present, only one other passenger in addition to the driver can be in the vehicle.

  Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 29, 30

• Alcohol limit under 21

  Zero Tolerance Law covers drivers under 21; as little as one drink can make driving illegal; first offense: 2-month revocation.

  What the manual says

  • The law applies to anyone under the age of 21 who drives, operates or has actual physical control of a vehicle while consuming or after having consumed alcohol.

  • Drivers under 21 and alcohol

    Under Delaware’s Zero Tolerance Law, if you are under 21, as little as one drink can make it illegal for you to drive. A violation leads to a license revocation of 2 months for a first offense and of not less than 6 months or more than 12 months for each later offense.

  • The manual says the license is revoked for two months for the first offense.

  Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 54

  Source: [7]

• Refusing a chemical test

  Refusal may lead to revocation: 12 months, 1st offense, after an unfavorable administrative hearing; tests may proceed without consent.

  What the manual says

  • Refusing chemical testing may lead to license revocation.
  • The manual says that if the person refuses, reasonable steps can be taken to conduct tests without consent.
  • The refused chemical test column lists 12 months for a 1st offense.

  Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 50, 54, 55

• Seat belts

  All occupants must wear seatbelts; officers may stop a vehicle for an unrestrained occupant.

  What the manual says

  • The manual says Delaware law requires all occupants of a motor vehicle to wear seatbelts.
  • The manual says an officer may pull a vehicle over if they see an unrestrained or improperly restrained occupant.

  Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 108

• Child safety seats

  Under 2 and 30 lb rear-facing; under 4 and 40 lb harnessed seat; then booster to manufacturer limit.

  What the manual says

  • Delaware law requires children under age 2 and 30 pounds to ride in a rear-facing car seat.
  • Delaware law requires children under age 4 and 40 pounds to ride in a harnessed car seat.
  • The law keeps children in a booster seat until the height or weight maximum listed by the booster seat manufacturer.

  Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 109

• Phone use while driving

  Hand-held cell phones are banned; talk only hands-free; GDL drivers may not use phones or devices, even hands-free.

  What the manual says

  • Delaware's law prohibits hand-held cell phones, so drivers who want to talk must use a hands-free device.
  • The manual notes that all cell phone or electronic device use, including hands-free, is prohibited for GDL drivers.

  Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 81

• School buses

  Stay stopped until red lights stop flashing and arm retracts; on roads under 4 lanes, both directions stop.

  What the manual says

  • The manual says you must not proceed until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been retracted.
  • The picture on this page says that on roadways with less than 4 lanes, both directions must stop.

  Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 89

• Move Over law

  Multi-lane: move over a lane until past; two-lane: slow below limit; if unsafe, reduce to safe speed.

  What the manual says

  • On a multi-lane roadway, move over a lane from the stopped vehicle(s) until you are safely past.
  • On a two-lane roadway, slow down below the posted speed limit until you have completely passed the stopped vehicle(s).
  • If changing lanes is impossible or unsafe, you must proceed with caution and reduce to a safe speed.

  Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 82

• Headlights

  After sunset, before sunrise, in rain, mist or snow, wipers on, or when you cannot see 1,000 feet.

  What the manual says

  • Headlights must be on when driving after sunset or before sunrise.
  • Headlights must be on any other time you cannot see beyond 1000 feet.
  • The manual says you must turn on your lights in rain, mist, and snow, and at any time you have your wipers on, and it is the law in Delaware.

  Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 62, 119

• Right turn on red

  Allowed after a full stop, unless a posted sign or a steady red arrow prohibits it.

  What the manual says

  • Right turns on red are permissible after a full stop, except when a posted sign or a steady red arrow prohibits them.
  • Where this sign is posted you must wait for the green signal before proceeding or making turns.

  Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 69, 75

• Speed limits

  School zones 20 mph; divided roads and roads with four or more lanes 55; Route 1 and I-495 65.

  What the manual says

  • The table lists school zones at 20 miles per hour.
  • The table lists divided roads and roads having four or more lanes at 55 miles per hour.
  • The table lists Route 1 and interstate 495 at 65 miles per hour.

  Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 93

• Left lane and keeping right

  With 2+ lanes stay in the right lane except to pass; the left-most lane is for passing.

  What the manual says

  • The manual says to stay in the right lane except to pass on a road with two or more lanes in your direction.
  • The manual says the left-most lane on multi-lane roads is intended for passing slower vehicles.

  Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 87

• Points and suspension

  8 calculated points: advisory letter; 12: 2-month suspension if the required course is skipped; 14: 4-month suspension.

  What the manual says

  • At 8 calculated points the Division sends the driver an advisory letter.
  • Failure to comply, or the driver’s own preference, results in a mandatory 2-month suspension at 12 points.
  • At 14 calculated points the license is suspended for 4 months.

  Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 47

Official steps for moving to Delaware

• The 60-day rule

  If you move into Delaware from another state, you must apply for a Delaware driver license within 60 days after becoming a resident. By applying for or keeping a Delaware license or ID card, you agree that all other state-issued licenses and ID cards issued to you are surrendered and cancelled.

  Source: [1] [2]

• What to bring

  Bring your previously issued out-of-state driver license, or a current certified copy of your driving record. Also bring proof of legal presence, such as a birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number and two proofs of Delaware residency. If you do not have your valid out-of-state license, you need a certified copy of your driving record. You sign an application and a surrender agreement form and pass an eye screening.

  Source: [1] [3] [4]

• Tests and the new license

  Written and road exams may be given, but they are normally waived if your license is valid. Suspended, revoked and restricted licenses cannot be transferred until the outstanding actions are cleared. With proper documentation you are issued a federally compliant driver license.

  Source: [1] [5] [6]

• Endorsements from another state

  A motorcycle endorsement from another state can be transferred for an additional fee. The commercial Tanker (N), Doubles/Triples (T) and Passenger (P) endorsements can also be transferred. The Taxi/Limousine (Z) endorsement cannot be transferred.

  Source: [1]

• Moving from another country

  Sixty days after you become a Delaware resident you must apply for a Delaware driver license. Drivers from other countries may keep their foreign licenses. All drivers licensed in other countries must pass the eye, knowledge and road exams. Delaware has reciprocity agreements with a few countries that exempt those drivers from the knowledge and road exams for a Class D license only; endorsements are not included. The DMV’s pages do not list the countries in the same way, so ask the DMV whether your country is covered.

  Source: [1] [5] [6]

• If you are 16 or 17

  A person who is at least 16 and under 18 and was issued a license by another state must get a Delaware license within 60 days after becoming a Delaware resident. You must have completed an approved driver education course (the Department of Education makes sure out-of-state courses are equivalent to Delaware’s requirements), pass a written and road exam given by the DMV and pass an eye screening. The application must be signed by an approved sponsor. Depending on how long you held your out-of-state license, you may be eligible for a Class D operator’s license after meeting all testing requirements or for a Level One Learner’s Permit. The DMV’s pages give different time limits for this, so ask the DMV which applies to you.

  Source: [1] [8]

• Military members and their families

  Members of the military service and their dependents are not required to get Delaware driver licenses and vehicle registration until 60 days after separation from the service. The manual says this exemption applies to members serving on active duty, and their dependents, who have a valid driver license from their state of domicile.

  Source: [1] [4]

• Your vehicle

  New residents must title and register their vehicles within 60 days after becoming Delaware residents.

  Source: [4]

Sources

1. Delaware Driver Manual, English, July 2026 (Section Two, Licensing, pp. 17-47; Section One p. 11) (dmv.de.gov) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (dmv.de.gov)
2. General Requirements (driver license and ID applicants) (dmv.de.gov) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (dmv.de.gov)
3. Checklist to Obtain a Federally Compliant Driver License or Identification Card in the State of Delaware (dmv.de.gov) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (dmv.de.gov)
4. Guidelines for New Residents (DMV leaflet, ve_frm_newresid.pdf) (dmv.de.gov) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (dmv.de.gov)
5. Driver’s License Over 18 FAQ’s (dmv.de.gov) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (dmv.de.gov)
6. New Resident Transfer License (Over 18) (dmv.de.gov) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (dmv.de.gov)
7. Delaware Teen Driving - Delaware Driving Laws (dmv.de.gov) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (dmv.de.gov)
8. New Resident Transfer License (Under 18) (dmv.de.gov) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (dmv.de.gov)