State of Delaware

Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles

DRIVER SERVICES

Driver's License General FAQ's

· What type of licenses does Delaware issue?

· What fees do you charge for your license and other services?

· When must I report an accident?

· Can I register to vote when getting a license or ID card?

· How can I get a copy of my driving record?

· How much liability insurance must I have?

· Do I have to wear a seat belt or have a child restraint for my child?

Delaware issue?

Class D Operator’s License

This class of license includes passenger cars, station wagons, pickup trucks, utility vehicles, and most panel trucks. This type and class of license is valid for any single motor vehicle, and a trailer, with weights not greater than 26,000 pounds, designed to carry less than 16 passengers (including the driver) and not placarded for the purpose of transporting hazardous materials.

CDL Temporary Instruction Permit (Learner’s Permit)

After passing the knowledge tests and paying a $30.00 fee, you may be issued a CDL learner’s permit which will allow you to drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), but only with another licensed CDL driver. You may only drive the class of vehicle specified on your learner’s permit, and you may drive only with a CDL driver qualified in the same type CMV. This permit is valid for six (6) months. You may extend this learner’s permit one time for another six (6) months, within a two-year period, for $2.00.

CDL Class A License

This license is required when the vehicle’s combination registered, actual or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is over 26,000 pounds, and the vehicle is towing a vehicle with a registered, actual or GVWR over 10,000 pound

CDL Class B License

This license is required when the vehicle’s registered, actual or rated weight (GVWR) is over 26,000 pounds, and it is not towing another vehicle over 10,000 pounds GVWR

CDL Class C License

This license is required for vehicles under 26,000 pounds when vehicles are designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver, or for vehicles required to be placarded for carrying hazardous materials (HAZMAT).

NON - CDL Class A License

Required for the same CMV vehicles as the CDL Class A license, but only when operating farm or firefighting vehicles under a CDL waiver.

NON - CDL Class B License

Required for the same CMV vehicles as the CDL Class B license, but only when operating farm or firefighting vehicles under a CDL waiver.

What fees do you charge for your license and other services?

Registration Cars			Driver’s License
Renewals (yearly)		20.00	Class D	12.50
Late Renewal		10.00	Renewal Class D	12.50
Temporary Tag		10.00	Renewal Permanent Class D	1.15
Temporary Permit		10.00	CDL	30.00
Courtesy Inspection		4.00	CDL each Additional Endorsement	5.00
Vanity Plate (yearly)		40.00	Motorcycle Endorsement	8.00
Handicapped Placard		No Charge	Taxi Endorsement	3.45
Motorcycle		10.00	Late Renewal Fee	1.15
Environmental Specialty Plate (one-time)		35.00	Duplicate License	10.00
Animal Welfare Specialty Plate (one-time)		50.00	Change of Address	No Charge
			Change of Name	1.15
Farm Trucks (yearly)			Photo Identification Card	5.00
5,000 pounds or less		20.00	Duplicate Photo ID Card	5.00
Greater than 5,000 (*Price for each 1,000 pounds over 5,000)		* 2.60	Driver’s License Record	15.00
			Certified DL Affidavit	8.00
			DL Suspension Reinstatement	25.00
Recreational Vehicles (yearly)			DL Revocation Reinstatement	143.75
5,000 pounds or less		20.00
Greater than 5,000 pounds (*Price for each 1,000 pounds over 5,000)		* 5.20	Uninsured Motorist
			Penalty Fee for Uninsured Motorist (*PLUS $5.00 per day after the 31^st day from mailing date of notice)	* 100.00
Trailers (yearly)
0-1,000 pounds		10.00	DL Suspension Reinstatement	25.00
1,001 – 2,000 pounds		12.00	Vehicle Registration Reinstatement	50.00
2,001 – 5,000 pounds		20.00
			DMV will accept personal checks; however, if you present an uncollectible check, a penalty of $25.00 is charged. If the original amount plus the penalty fee is not paid within 10 days, your driver’s license will be suspended.
Commercial Vehicles over 5,000 Pounds (yearly)
5,000 pounds or less		20.00
For each 1,000 pounds over 5,000 pounds		16.80

Duplicates
License Plate with Sticker		6.00
License Plate without Sticker		5.00
Validation Sticker		1.00	Driver’s license fees also include the costs of learner’s permits (motorcycle, class D & CDL) that precede the issuance of the licenses.
Dealer License Plate		6.00
Registration Card		2.00
Sample License Plate		7.00
Environmental/Animal Welfare License Plate		10.00

Titles
Title with Lien		25.00
Title without Lien		15.00
Duplicate		15.00
Change Tag & Title		15.00
Corrected Title without Lien		15.00
Corrected Title with Lien		25.00
Vehicle Record		4.00
Certified Vehicle Affidavit		8.00
Retain Tag Fee & Title		10.00
Switch Tag Fee (per tag & title)		10.00
Document Fee	2.75% of purchase price or NADA book value, whichever is greater. Minimum document fee is $8.00.

NOTE

Delaware law allows a vehicle owner who trades in a Delaware-titled vehicle when purchasing another vehicle, to deduct the value of the trade-in vehicle from the purchase price of the new vehicle. Certain limitations apply to this credit. Refer to the Trade-In Credit Section of this website.

NOTE

Delaware law allows out-of-state vehicle owners a credit on a sales tax, transfer tax or some similar levy paid to another state on the purchase of a vehicle within 90 days prior to registering the vehicle in Delaware. The 90-day rule is strictly enforced.

When must I report an accident?

The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident shall immediately report such accident to the police agency which has primary jurisdictional responsibility for the location in which the accident occurred:

When the accident results in injury or death to any person;
When the accident occurs on a public highway, and it results in property damage to an apparent extent of $500 or more;
When it appears that an accident involves a driver whose physical ability has been impaired as a result of alcohol or drug use.

Accident forms are available from most insurance agents and Delaware Driver's Manual.

Can I register to vote when getting a license or ID card?

As a result of the enactment of the National Voter Rights Act of 1993, any U.S. citizen residing in the State of Delaware, who meets the eligibility requirements, is afforded the opportunity to register to vote while obtaining or renewing a driver’s license. You may register if you are a U.S. citizen; a permanent resident of the State of Delaware; at least 18 years old by the date of the next General Election; and be mentally competent. Ex-felons may register to vote if they meet the requirements as specified by law according to 15, Del. C Chapter 61. Part of the registration process involves selecting a political party of your choice. Options include the two majority parties, numerous minority parties or, if you do not wish to be affiliated with any political party, you may register as an Independent. Only members of a majority party (Democrats and Republicans) are eligible to vote in primary elections in the State of Delaware. In approximately one month, you will receive a polling card from your respective county elections office. This card confirms your registration and provides the name and address of the location where you will cast your vote on election day. If you have any questions or concerns, call the elections office nearest you. Thank you!

Commissioner of Elections (exit)

32 W. Loockerman St., M101 / Dover, DE 19904

(302) 739-4277

Department of Elections

New Castle County	Kent County	Sussex County
820 N. French St.	455 Court St.	119N. Rase St.
Wilmington, DE 19801	Dover, DE 19901	Georgetown, DE 19947
(302) 577-3464	(302) 739-4498	(302) 856-5367

How can I get a copy of my driving record?

The personal information contained in motor vehicle records is highly sensitive and protected by federal and state statute. Large fines may be assessed against the Division of Motor Vehicles or any person who improperly releases personal information. Personal information is defined as any information that identifies an individual, including an individual’s photograph, social security number, driver license number, name, address, telephone number and medical or disability information. The information pertaining to your driving history, such as convictions and license status, is public information. The statute allows the release of personal information when approved by the individual to whom the record pertains or by exception under specific circumstances. These exceptions are listed on the back of the Personal Information Release Form.

The Division does not release your personal information for marketing purposes.

The Division does not release a person’s driver license digitized photograph and signature, social security number, or medical and disability information without the express written consent of the person to whom it pertains unless this information is releasable by statute.

If you want a copy of your driving record or vehicle records by mail, you must:

Complete the Personal Information Release Form
Have the form notarized with a seal or stamp (or submit in person at one of our offices)
Pay $15.00 fee for a 3 year record
We recommend you include a stamped, self-addressed envelope to reduce processing time
Mail the check and form to:

For Driving Records	For Vehicle Records
Division of Motor Vehicles ATTN: Driver License Administration P.O. Box 698 Dover, DE 19903	Division of Motor Vehicles ATTN: Correspondence Section P.O. Box 698 Dover, DE 19903

Please fill out the entire form and have it notarized if you want the information returned by mail.

Call (302) 744-2506 if you have any questions about driving records or (302) 744-2538 for information concerning vehicle records.

How much liability insurance must I have?

The first step in obtaining a Delaware vehicle title/registration is to establish your (the owner(s)) financial responsibility. This is done by purchasing a liability insurance policy from a company licensed by the Insurance Commissioner to operate in Delaware. The minimum coverage is:

$15,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in any one accident.
$30,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in any one accident.
$10,000 for injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident.

The Division requires verification that the car to be registered is properly insured. One of the following documents is acceptable:

A Delaware Insurance Identification Card - All insurance companies are required to issue such cards. The card must be carried in the vehicle at all times and include the period of coverage and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) company identification number (NAIC code).
A valid insurance policy.
A written binder within 30 days of issue from an insurance company or agent on the insurance company's letterhead.

The penalty for operating an uninsured vehicle is a fine not less than $1,500 nor more than $2,000 and mandatory suspension of driver's license and/or driving privileges for 6 months. For each subsequent offense occurring within 3 years of a former offense, the fine shall be not less than $3,000 nor more than $4,000.

Providing false proof of insurance will result in an additional fine of $500 and/or 30 days in jail and suspension of driver’s license for 6 months.

THE INSURANCE ID CARD PRESENTED MUST BE VALID OR IT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Insurance Cards expire every six months and therefore need to be reissued every six months. Insurance companies are required to issue a new ID card every six months.

OWNERS WITH VALID AND CURRENT LICENSE PLATES, CANCELING INSURANCE FOR ANY REASON MUST SURRENDER THEIR VALID LICENSE PLATE TO THE DIVISION. FAILURE TO SURRENDER YOUR LICENSE PLATES PRIOR TO INSURANCE CANCELLATION WILL RESULT IN FINES.

The Division of Motor Vehicles randomly audits for proof of insurance on active registrations. The penalty for being uninsured is $100 for 1-30 days and an additional $5 per day until insurance is obtained, tags are surrendered, or the registration expires. In addition, suspensions are imposed on the registration and on the driver’s license of all owners who fail to respond to the request. Once suspended, reinstatement fees are $25.00 for driver’s license and $50.00 per registration.

Do I have to wear a seat belt or have a child restraint for my child?

DELAWARE LAW REQUIRES EVERY CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF 16 YEARS TO PROPERLY USE A FEDERALLY APPROVED CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM OR SEAT BELT.

Delaware law requires every child under the age of four years to be properly restrained in a Federally approved child restraint system, and every child between ages 4 and 16 to properly use a child safety seat or seatbelt. No child under 12 years of age and 65 inches tall may sit in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger side air bag.

Infants under age 1 and 20 pounds should properly restrained in a federally approved car seat facing rearward. The harness straps should be placed so that they fall at or below the baby's shoulder level. They should be tight enough so that you can get no more than one finger between the harness straps and the baby's collarbone. The safest place to secure children is in the center position of the back seat. Never place a rear-facing child in front of a passenger side airbag.

A child over 40 pounds should be moved into a booster seat and should remain there until they weigh approximately 80 pounds. Seatbelts are made to fit adults, not small children, and serious injuries or death can occur in car crashes if your child is moved into an adult seatbelt too early. When the middle of your child's head is higher than the back of a high-backed booster seat, or when your child can comfortably sit up straight and have his/her legs bend easily over the edge of the seat, then it is safe to allow your child to ride using only a lap/shoulder belt combination. Additionally, any child under the age of 16 must be restrained.

A child over 40 pounds should be moved into a booster seat and should remain there until they weigh approximately 80 pounds. Seatbelts are made to fit adults, not small children, and serious injuries or death can occur in car crashes if your child is moved into an adult seatbelt too early. When the middle of your child's head is higher than the back of a high-backed booster seat, or when your child can comfortably sit up straight and have his/her legs bend easily over the edge of the seat, then it is safe to allow your child to ride using only a lap/shoulder belt combination. Additionally, any child under the age of 16 must be restrained.

It is very important that you read and understand your vehicle's owner manual and the instructions that come with your childrestraint device. The location of the device in the vehicle, its position, whether forward facing or rear facing and in the front or back seats may determine whether or not your child will suffer injury, even in a minor bump or accident. The child's position in relationship to the air bags in your vehicle is also very important for your child's safety. Proper fit, the proper use of blankets or covers and the use of clips, belts and buckles may prevent serious injury. NEVER try and hold a child. At 30 mph, a 10 lb. baby in a crash becomes a force of 300 lbs., which no one can hold!!

The Delaware Office of Highway Safety conducts free monthly child safety seat checks. Federally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will check your seat for recalls and correct installation. They will then provide one-on-one assistance for parents, grandparents, child care providers, etc. who need to have their seats reinstalled properly. No appointment is necessary. For a list of upcoming car seat checks in your county, safety brochures, and additional information, contact the Office of Highway Safety at (302) 744-2740 or by mail at P.O. Box 1321, Dover, DE 19903-1321.

WARNING! When it's hot outside, do not leave children unattended.

On a hot summer day the interior of a car can get dangerously hot. One study found that with the windows up and the temperature outside at 94 degrees, the inside of a car could be 122 degrees in just half an hour, or 132 degrees after an hour.

Prevent a needless tragedy, and make sure no one leaves small children in a hot vehicle unattended

If You Can't Afford A Child Safety Seat.

If you are low income and cannot afford a child restraint, you may borrow one from one of the State Service Centers at: Wilmington 577-3150; Newark 368-6700; Dover 739-5301; or Georgetown 856-5574.

Bad Information

Some people still have "bad information" about using safety belts. For example,

"Safety belts can trap you inside a car." It takes less than a second to undo a safety belt. Crashes where a vehicle catches fire or sinks in deep water and you are "trapped," seldom happen. Even if they do, a safety belt may keep you from being "knocked out." Your chance to escape will be better if you are conscious.

"Safety belts are good on long trips, but I do not need them if I am driving around town." Over half of all traffic deaths happen within 25 miles of home. Many of them occur on roads posted at less then 45 mph.

"Some people are thrown clear in a crash and walk away with hardly a scratch." Your chances of not being killed in an accident are much better if you stay inside the vehicle. Safety belts can keep you from being thrown out of your vehicle, into the path of another one. Staying inside the vehicle will definitely reduce injuries.

"If I get hit from the side, I am better off being thrown across the car; away from the crash point." When a vehicle is struck from the side, it will move sideways. Everything in the vehicle that is not fastened down, including the passengers, will effectively slide toward the point of crash, not away from it.

"At slow speeds, I can brace myself." Even at 25 mph, the force of a head-on crash is the same as pedaling a bicycle full-speed into a brick wall or diving off a three-story building onto the sidewalk. No one can "brace" for that.

Last Updated: Thursday, 30-Sep-04 06:26:02

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