Driving Tests

How Much Is a Delaware Driver's License in 2026? Fee, Retests, 30-Day Wait

informational·how to guide·Published September 21, 2026

How much is a Delaware driver's license in 2026, and how soon can you retake the road test?

A Delaware Class D driver's license costs $50 (U.S. dollars) and is valid for 8 years. The fee rose from $40 on October 1, 2025. A driving privilege card costs $20 for 4 years. You can take the Class D road exam 30 days after you pass the knowledge exam. The Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026) says to wait at least 30 days before you take it again after a fail.

Where the Delaware fee and test rules come from

The fees come from Delaware Code Title 21, section 2715, the 2025 act that changed the fee (85 Del. Laws c. 40) and the 2026 DMV new residents guide. Sections 2710, 2712, 2720 and 2737 of Title 21 cover permits, replacements and reinstatement. The 30-day waiting rules come from the current Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), which also lists the $50 fee. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Delaware DMV (dmv.de.gov) before you drive.

Delaware DMV fees in 2026

Delaware DMV fees in 2026
Service	Fee	What to know
Class D driver's license	$50	Valid for 8 years. It expires on the eighth anniversary of your birth date after issue.
Driving privilege card (DPC)	$20	Valid for 4 years. It expires on the fourth anniversary of your birth date after issue.
Late renewal	$10 extra	Added to the renewal fee when your license has already expired.
Duplicate of a lost or destroyed license	$20	Apply online at dmv.de.gov or at a DMV office. This also applies to a stolen license.
Updated license after a name change	$10	A holder of a valid Delaware personal credential card pays no replacement fee.
Return of a license after a suspension	$50	You pay it at the end of the suspension or disqualification to get your license or driving privileges back.

Why some pages still show $40

House Bill 164 (85 Del. Laws c. 40) changed the 8-year Class D fee from $40 to $50. The act took effect on October 1, 2025, and the 2026 DMV new residents guide also lists $50. The July 2026 Driver Manual also lists $50, for the license and for a teen who applies for a Level 1 Learner's Permit. Older sources, such as the 2024 Manual, still show $40. The Level 1 Learner's Permit section of the law (section 2710) also still names a $40 Class D fee at first application. If you are a teen who applies for a permit, confirm the amount with the DMV before you pay.

Delaware learner's permit cost: part of the license fee

The Manual says the driver's license fee also covers the cost of the learner's permit that comes before the license. An adult who is 18 or older applies for a Class D Temporary Instruction Permit and pays when the application is made. You get the permit after you pass the written exam. The guide to the Delaware Temporary Instruction Permit for adults explains the full steps.

How the 30-day wait works for the road exam

1
Pass the knowledge exam
The July 2026 Manual says you are eligible for a Class D road exam 30 days after you pass the knowledge exam. The 2024 Manual said 10 days. For a motorcycle road exam, the wait is still 10 days.
2
Count the days from the knowledge exam (adults)
An adult on a Temporary Instruction Permit cannot take the road exam until at least 30 days after the knowledge exam is passed.
3
Schedule the exam
Use the DMV's online My Road Test scheduler or call your local DMV office. Road exams are given every weekday except Wednesday.
4
Bring your permit and your accompanying driver
Bring your valid learner's permit and the valid license of your accompanying driver. For an adult permit, this driver must be licensed and over 21. A question on the accompanying driver for an adult permit tests that rule.
5
Keep your phone off
You may not use a cell phone or play music during the road test.

What if you fail or your permit runs out?

You fail any part of the road exam

Wait at least 30 days before you take the exam or exams again, according to the July 2026 Manual. Prepare well for the next try.

Your adult Temporary Instruction Permit passes 12 months without a pass

The permit is void, and you lose the fee that you paid for it.

Your Level 1 Learner's Permit expires

The permit expires 12 months after issue. You then pay the fees again and take a new written test and road skills test at the DMV.

Where Delaware teens and adults take the road test

A teen takes the written test and the road skills test before the Level 1 Learner's Permit. The Division or a driver education teacher gives these tests. Adults take the road exam at the DMV. The Delaware driver examination has four parts, and the question on the four parts of the Delaware driver examination lists them. For the skills and the vehicle check, read the guide to the Delaware road exam.

Key takeaways

The Delaware Class D license costs $50 for 8 years. The fee changed from $40 on October 1, 2025.
A driving privilege card costs $20 for 4 years. A late renewal adds $10. A lost license costs $20 to replace.
You can take a Class D road exam 30 days after the knowledge exam. After a failed road exam, wait at least 30 days.
An adult Temporary Instruction Permit is void after 12 months, and the fee is lost. A Level 1 permit that expires needs new fees and new tests.
Next step: practice on the free Delaware Class D practice test.

Delaware license cost and retest: common questions

When does a Delaware Class D license expire, and what if I renew late?

A Class D license expires and renews on the eighth anniversary of your birth date after issue. If your birthday is February 29, it expires on February 28. If you renew after the license has expired, a $10 late fee is added to the renewal fee. The DMV website at dmv.de.gov has the complete fee list.

How much is a Delaware driving privilege card?

A driving privilege card (DPC) costs $20 and is valid for 4 years. It expires on the fourth anniversary of your birth date after issue. Over 8 years, two DPCs cost $40 ($20 x 2), and one Class D license costs $50.

How much does it cost to replace a lost Delaware license?

A duplicate for a lost, stolen or destroyed license costs $20. You can apply online at dmv.de.gov or go to a DMV office. An updated license after a name change costs $10.

Do children in state custody pay the Delaware license fee?

No. Under section 2715, a child in the custody of the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families does not pay the license fee. The same rule is in the adult permit section and applies to duplicate and replacement licenses. It also applies to a person who meets section 9011A(g) of Title 29.

Who must come with me to the Delaware road test?

A licensed driver must come with you if you do not have a valid Class D license. For an adult permit, this driver must be over 21. The driver must stay on site to drive the vehicle away if you do not pass. Bring that driver's valid license to the exam.