What to Bring to the Delaware DMV for Your Permit Test
Don't get sent home. Here's the complete checklist — documents, fees, forms, and what to leave at home.
Before You Go
- →Book an appointment online to skip the long lines
- →Make sure your parent/guardian knows the exact time and has their ID
- →Study the Delaware Driver's Manual (it's free online)
- →Get a good night's sleep so you don't fail the vision test
- →Arrive 15 minutes early to check in
- →Double-check that all documents are originals, not copies
- →Download the permit practice test app to quiz yourself
Required Documents
Proof of Identity (Primary Document)
- ✓U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- ✓Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
- ✓Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- ✓Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
- ✓Valid Foreign Passport with I-94
You must bring the original document; photocopies are not accepted for the primary identity proof.
Proof of Social Security Number
- ✓Social Security Card
- ✓W-2 Form
- ✓Pay Stub with full SSN
- ✓SSA-1099 Form
- ✓Non-SSA-1099 Form
If you don't have a card, bring a W-2 or pay stub with your full number visible. Delaware does not waive this requirement for minors.
Proof of Delaware Residency
Bring 2 of these:
- ✓Utility bill (electric, water, gas) in parent's name
- ✓Bank statement with current address
- ✓School report card or transcript
- ✓Lease agreement or mortgage statement
- ✓Parent's Delaware driver's license (if address matches)
Delaware requires two different documents to prove residency if you want a REAL ID. If you just want a standard license, one is usually enough, but bring two to be safe.
Parental / Guardian Consent (applicants under 18)
- ✓Parent or legal guardian must sign the application in person at the DMV
- ✓Parent must present their own valid ID
- ✓If parents are divorced, the custodial parent must sign
- ✓Legal guardians must bring court documents proving guardianship
- ✓Foster parents must bring specific agency documentation
There is no notarized form you can sign at home; the parent MUST show up with you at the counter to sign the application.
Fees & Payment
$40
This fee covers the learner's permit. If you fail the vision or written test, there is a small re-test fee, but the permit fee itself is paid once.
Accepted payment:
Forms
DL-44 (Application for Driver's License or Learner's Permit)
Available at: DMV office or downloadable from dmv.delaware.gov
Do not sign this form until you are standing in front of the DMV clerk; they need to watch you sign it.
What NOT to Bring
- ✗Large backpacks or heavy bags (storage is limited)
- ✗Your friends (they can't take the test with you)
- ✗Pets (unless it's a service animal)
- ✗Food or drinks inside the office
- ✗Your own pen (use the one provided to avoid ink issues)
- ✗Sunglasses (you need to take them off for the photo)
- ✗Confidence issues (just breathe, it's easier than you think)
At the Office
- →The written test is computer-based, so no writing on paper
- →If you fail the written test, you can usually retake it the same day for a small fee
- →You will take a vision screening right before the written test
- →Once you pass, you get an interim paper permit immediately
- →Your official plastic card will arrive by mail in about 2 weeks
Official Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles info: dmv.delaware.gov
Take the Free Delaware Practice Quiz →