How To Do a Delaware DMV Change of Address

If you’re planning on moving to, from, or within the state of Delaware then you’re going to want to make sure that you know exactly what’s expected of you in terms of DMV paperwork. Like all states, you’ll be required to get your Delaware DMV change of address forms in order before you can truly settle in as a resident—including your address on your driver’s license and an update to your vehicle’s registration documents, if applicable.

It’s good practice to take care of all of your paperwork as early as possible, especially if you’re going to be driving in the state or want to start applying for jobs. And since Delaware requires that you file your change of address paperwork within just 60 days of establishing residency in the state, there really isn’t a ton of time to waste.

Not sure where you should start? That’s where we come in. We’ve put together all of the information that you’ll need to know to complete your Delaware DMV change of address and vehicle registration forms, so read through the information below and then make your way to your nearest Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles office to get started.

If You’re Moving to Delaware from Another State

Will you need to get a new driver’s license if you’re moving to Delaware from another state?

Yes, unless you are a student who will not be permanently moving to the state or an active member of the U.S. military (or a dependent of either).

How do you get a new driver’s license in Delaware?

To get a Delaware driver’s license as a formerly out-of-state resident you’ll have to go to a Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles office in person, since unfortunately you can’t do a Delaware DMV change of address online or over the phone as a new resident. According to the Delaware DMV’s website, this visit must be made at a DMV office in Wilmington, New Castle, Dover, or Georgetown.

Per the rules in most states, expect that a Delaware driver’s license for a new resident to the state is only available to those who do not have any outstanding suspensions, revocations, or cancellations on their out of state driver’s license and who have not been previously deemed unfit or unsafe to drive by the Delaware DMV or an outside court. If any of these are the case, you’ll need to resolve the issue prior to applying for your new license.

You will need to bring along the following documentation when you visit a Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles office:

    • Your out of state driver’s license
    • Proof of identity/legal presence (examples: birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, certificate of citizenship)
    • Two proofs of current Delaware residency (examples: utility bill, credit card statement, voter registration card)
    • Proof of social security (examples: social security card or W-2 tax form)

    Documents must be original, and no photocopies will be accepted.

    Keep in mind that if your name on your primary proof of identity does not match the name on your current proof of identity then you will also have to bring along proof of a legal name change, such as your marriage license, divorce decree, or a court order for a legal name change.

    Find out more about required documents here.

    Does a Delaware DMV change of address require a driving test?

    No, so long as your out of state license is valid. However, you will be required to take a vision test.

    Is there a fee?

    Yes. The cost for a new non-commercial driver’s license in Delaware is $40 for an eight year license. See the license fees page for more information.

    How long do you have to get a Delaware driver’s license or ID card?

    Delaware requires that you complete your Delaware DMV change of address within 60 days of establishing residency in the state.

    So how do you know if you’re officially a resident of Delaware? Head to a DE Division of Motor Vehicles office if you plan to:

      • Live in Delaware for at least 6 months out of the year
      • Register to vote in Delaware
      • Work in Delaware
      • Run a business out of Delaware
      • Send your children to school in Delaware

      Do you need to register your out-of-state vehicle?

      How long do you have to update your vehicle’s registration?

      Just like with your driver’s license, Delaware requires that you register your out-of-state vehicle within 60 days upon establishing residency.

      How do you update your vehicle’s registration as a new resident of Delaware?

      You may as well just do this when you update your driver’s license, since updates to your vehicle registration cannot be done online and must be completed at a Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles office in Wilmington, New Castle, Dover, or Georgetown.

        • Your current out-of-state registration and title
        • Proof of insurance (must be valid in Delaware)

        If you purchased your vehicle with a dealer you will need to bring along a dealer invoice as well. If your car is leased, bring your lease agreement.

        Note that your vehicle will also need to pass a safety and emission inspection.

        What is the registration fee?

        The fee to register an out of state vehicle in Delaware includes a document fee of 4.25% of the value of your vehicle plus a $35 title fee and a $40 registration fee. You can learn more about vehicle registration fees here.

        If You’re Moving Within Delaware

        Delaware requires that you update your driver’s license within 30 days with your new address when moving within the state. (And no, changing your address with the post office doesn’t cut it.)

        How do you do a Delaware change of address?

        You have a couple of options for doing a Delaware DMV change of address. Fill out the DMV Change of Address Form and then either bring it in person to a DMV office or mail it to: Division of Motor Vehicles, Attn: Change of Address, P.O. Box 698, Dover, DE 19903.

        Will Delaware issue you a new driver’s license if you’re moving within the state?

        Only if you want one, though you’ll have to go to the DMV in person to obtain it.

        How much does a Delaware change of address cost?

        A Delaware DMV change of address is free, but if you want a duplicate license with your new address it will cost $20.

        Do you need to update your address on your vehicle registration?

        How long do you have to update your vehicle registration with your new address?

        You will have 30 days to update your address on your vehicle registration documents. Fortunately, filling out the Change of Address Form for your license and either bringing or mailing it in will also update your address on your vehicle registration documents, so there is nothing extra that you have to do.

        If You’re Moving From Delaware to Another State

        Do you need to notify the state of Delaware if you’re moving to another state without a registered car?

        No. Once you obtain your license in your new state of residence Delaware will automatically cancel your DE driver’s license, so there is nothing extra for you to do on your part.

        Do you need to notify the state of Delaware if you’re moving to another state with your registered vehicle?

        Do you need to return your Delaware license plates?

        Yes. Once you have received your new state plates, mail your Delaware license plates to Division of Motor Vehicles, Attn: Uninsured Motorist Section. P.O. Box 698, Dover, DE 19903.

        Have any questions?

        If you have any questions about changing your address on your driver’s license and/or vehicle’s registration when moving to, from, or within the state of Delaware, contact the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles directly:

        Wilmington: (302) 434-3200
        Delaware City: (302) 326-5000
        Dover: (302) 744-2500
        Georgetown: (302) 853-1000

        You can also reach out by email at [email protected].

        If you are going to be contacting the Delaware DMV, you are encouraged to have your driver’s license number and license plate number (if applicable) ready.

        Need to hire movers for your move to, from, or within the state of Delaware?

        We can help you out with that! Use Moving.com to quickly and easily search for reputable interstate movers in your area. Because moving out of state can be costly, we recommend reaching out to at least three different interstate moving companies to get quotes so that you can ensure you are getting the best price possible. Use our moving cost calculator to get an estimate on how much your Delaware move will cost, and happy moving.