Delaware Drivers License Replacement

Delaware duplicate driver’s license services provided by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) help all motorists in the state to replace their driving credentials as necessary. It is important that motorists request a copy of a driver’s license as soon as possible after the loss, damage or theft of their documents. Otherwise, these residents will be unable to maintain their driving privileges.

after replacing a driver’s license in DE, motorists can rest assured that they can continue to use their replacement credential as a primary form of identification. As a general rule, the state does not issue a driver’s license copy online at this time. However, the DMV offers in-person, by mail or by fax methods for replacement services. Residents can keep reading the sections below to learn how to replace a driver’s license while living in Delaware, in another state or in another country.

When is a replacement drivers license required in Delaware?

Per Delaware state law, you must have a valid copy of a driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle legally. Thus, you must replace driver’s license documents as soon as possible, or you may face the consequences of driving without a license.

For example, you must seek a DE driver’s license replacement after the theft or damage of your credential, especially if the information or picture displayed on your card is difficult to see. Moreover, you should contact the DMV about replacing a driver’s license if you change your legal name, apply for a change of gender or move to a new address.

How to Replace Your Delaware Drivers License in Person

When replacing driver’s license credentials in Delaware, you must submit your request in person at a DMV location. In order to apply for a replacement driver’s license in person, you must bring three approved forms of identification to your appointment. Furthermore, you must make sure that some or all of your documents have your name, address and signature.

Depending on the reason or circumstances for your DMV license replacement, you may need to bring additional documentation, such as a proof of name change, in order to complete the replacement.

Accepted documents for driving license replacement purposes include paperwork that proves your identity, legal U.S. presence, state residency, immigration status and/or legal name change. Overall, the DMV provides an online tool to help you select the best documents to replace a driver’s license in the state. After the appropriate documents have been submitted, a DMV clerk will process your request and issue you a new license after you pay the applicable fees.

If you are replacing a damaged license instead of a lost driver’s license, you must also make sure to surrender the damaged card to the DMV for proper disposal.

How to Replace Your Drivers License by Mail in Delaware

A mailed-in driver’s license replacement in Delaware is restricted to active duty military members, civilian military employees, Department of Defense (DOD) contractors and their dependents living in another state or country. Eligible license holders applying for a duplicate driver’s license will receive a license with the same expiration date as the original, unless they apply for renewal at the same time.

To request a replacement drivers license in DE by mail, out-of-state residents must write a letter to the DMV that includes the following information:

Their full name, date of birth, Social Security Number (SSN) and license number, if known.
Their place of birth, including city, state and country.
The Delaware address listed on the duplicate driver’s license and the applicant’s current mailing address.
The motorist’s contact phone number, email address and signature.

When replacing driver’s license documents by mail, applicants must include a copy of military assignment orders, a clear photocopy of their military ID or DOD/Geneva Conventions ID card or dependent military ID card. Motorists who need a copy of a driver’s license but have expired orders must submit a letter from their commanding officer explaining why the applicant is still living in that location. Drivers applying for a duplicate driving license must include payment for the necessary fees.

Out-of-State Drivers License Replacement in Delaware

While living outside of Delaware, you may wonder, “Where can I get a copy of my driver’s license?” if you cannot get to a local DMV location in a timely manner. As a general rule, you may replace a lost driver’s license for up to six months by fax if you are eligible.

To get a copy of a driving license by fax, you must be living out-of-state, but you cannot be a member of the military or affiliated with Department of Defense. Military personnel, DOD employees and dependents must send their DE driver’s license replacement request by mail, as listed in the mailing section above.

To request a duplicate Delaware driving license by mail, write a letter that explains your reason for needing another credential, why you are living out of state and the date that you plan to return to the state. In addition, you must provide the DE DMV duplicate license clerk with your full legal name, date of birth, driver’s license number, Social Security Number (SSN) and your place of birth, including city, state and country.

Furthermore, you must include your current address and the address on file with the DMV. The replacement driver’s license request letter must include your signature and a current email address or fax number for the DMV to send your temporary license.

Note: If you were born outside of the U.S. or do not have a photo on your license, you must call a specific telephone number in order to gain driving license replacement assistance.