Key points
Minimum vision for a Delaware license is 20/40, with or without glasses or contacts.
Source: Handbook p. 40
“Minimum acceptable vision for a Delaware driver license is 20/40, with or without glasses or contact lenses.”
Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 40You may take the Class D road exam 30 days after passing the knowledge exam.
Source: Handbook p. 41
“You are eligible to take a Class D road exam 30 days after you pass the knowledge exam.”
Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 41If you fail any part of the road exam, you must wait at least 30 days before taking it again.
Source: Handbook p. 43
“If you fail any part of the road exam, you should prepare yourself thoroughly to take it again at a later date. You must wait at least 30 days before taking the exam or exams again.”
Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 43An adult learner must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old.
Source: Handbook p. 30
“While you are learning to drive you must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is qualified to drive the class of vehicle in which you are training, and they must be at least 21 years of age.”
Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 30New residents must apply for a Delaware license within 60 days.
Source: Handbook p. 31
“If you move into Delaware from another State, you must apply for a Delaware driver’s license within 60 days after becoming a resident.”
Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 31Licenses are issued for eight years, with a $10.00 late fee if you renew after expiration.
Source: Handbook p. 32
“Driver licenses will be issued for eight years, with the exception of Immigration length of stay, hazmat holders and Driving Privilege Card holders. A $10.00 late fee is charged if the renewal takes place after the expiration date.”
Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 32You may renew any time in the 180 days before your license expires.
Source: Handbook p. 32
“You may renew at any time during the 180-day (six months) period prior to the expiration of your license.”
Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 32After an address change you have 30 days to notify the DMV.
Source: Handbook p. 33
“After changing your Delaware address, you have 30 days to notify both the Vehicle Registration and Driver License Sections of the Division of Motor Vehicles.”
Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 33A replacement for a lost, stolen or destroyed license costs $20.00.
Source: Handbook p. 33
“If your license is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you may apply online at dmv.de.gov or go to the Division for a replacement license which will be issued for a fee of $20.00.”
Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 33
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 20/40 | minimum vision | Handbook p. 40 |
| 30 days | wait after passing the knowledge exam before the Class D road exam | Handbook p. 41 |
| 21 | minimum age of the licensed driver accompanying an adult learner | Handbook p. 30 |
| 60 days | for new residents to get a Delaware license | Handbook p. 31 |
| 8 years | license term | Handbook p. 32 |
| $10.00 | late renewal fee | Handbook p. 32 |
| 180 days | renewal window before expiration | Handbook p. 32 |
| 30 days | to report an address change | Handbook p. 33 |
| $20.00 | replacement license fee | Handbook p. 33 |
3 questions from the Delaware practice test
1. How early may a Delaware driver renew a noncommercial license?
- Only in the last week
- One year early
- Only after it expires
- Any time during the 180 day period before expiration
Show answer
Any time during the 180 day period before expiration. You may renew at any time during the 180 day, six month, period prior to the expiration of your license, at any DMV facility. Licenses are issued for eight years except for limited immigration stays, hazmat holders and Driving Privilege Card holders. Renewing after the expiration date brings a $10 late fee, and endorsements add to the base fee, $12 for motorcycle and $10 for taxi. Commercial driver license holders follow a different rule and may renew no earlier than 30 days before expiration.
2. How long does a Delaware driver have to report an address change?
- One year
- 10 days
- 30 days, to both the Vehicle Registration and Driver License sections
- At the next renewal
Show answer
30 days, to both the Vehicle Registration and Driver License sections. After changing your Delaware address, you have 30 days to notify both the Vehicle Registration and Driver License Sections of the Division of Motor Vehicles. The change can be submitted online or in person, and you provide your license or ID card, your name as it appears on it, and the new address. To update the card itself, visit a DMV facility, where it is replaced at no cost; a duplicate fee applies only if you cannot present the current card or proof that it was stolen.
3. What minimum vision acuity must a Delaware license applicant demonstrate, with or without corrective lenses?
- 20/20 in both eyes without lenses
- 20/50 only during daylight hours
- 20/40 with or without glasses or contact lenses
- 20/70 with a signed physician waiver
Show answer
20/40 with or without glasses or contact lenses. Delaware sets minimum acceptable vision at 20/40, and the standard may be met with glasses or contact lenses. Requiring unaided 20/20 vision is stricter than the manual's rule. Vision between 20/40 and 20/50 may lead to daylight-only permission, but that is not the ordinary minimum stated for a license. A physician waiver and 20/70 do not replace the screening standard. The key cue is the phrase with or without corrective lenses.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with laws and paperwork questions from the free Delaware practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Delaware Driver Manual, Section Two: Driver License Information. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.