License Renewal for Seniors in Delaware: What You Need to Know

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Seniors in Delaware must renew their driver’s licenses in order to keep their driving independence and to comply with safety and legal obligations. What seniors should know about the procedure is as follows:

License Renewal Requirements for Seniors

While younger drivers typically have an eight-year license renewal period, drivers 65 and older in Delaware are required to renew their licenses every five years. During the renewal process, all applicants—regardless of age—must pass a vision exam. Depending on their physical or mental health, the DMV may additionally require seniors to take a written knowledge test or a road test.

Renewal Options

Seniors have three options for renewing their licenses: in person, online, or through the mail. But there are several limitations:

1. In-Person Renewal

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  Seniors must visit a local DMV office to renew their licenses.
  
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  They need to bring their current driver s license and proof of residency if they have moved.
  
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  A vision test is mandatory for all in-person renewals. If corrective lenses are needed to meet the 20/50 vision standard, this will be noted on the license.
  
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  Written and road tests may be required in specific cases.
  
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  The renewal fee is $40 for a five-year license, with an additional $10 late fee if renewed after expiration
  
  
  
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2. Online Renewal

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  Seniors may renew online if they meet eligibility criteria:
  
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    Their information with the DMV is up-to-date.
    
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    They did not renew online during their previous renewal cycle.
    
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    Their license is not suspended or revoked.
    
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  To renew online, seniors must create a MyDMV account and follow the instructions provided. A temporary paper license can be printed at home, and the new physical license will arrive by mail within two weeks
  
  
  
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  Their information with the DMV is up-to-date.
  
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  They did not renew online during their previous renewal cycle.
  
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  Their license is not suspended or revoked.
  

3. By Mail

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  Mail renewal is available only for seniors who are out of state due to military service or as dependents of Department of Defense employees.
  
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  Applicants must provide personal details, a copy of military orders or ID, and payment via check or money order. A self-addressed stamped envelope is required for faster processing
  
  
  
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Additional Considerations

Vision Test

A vision test is required for all senior drivers renewing in person. They will be directed to a certified vision specialist if they don’t match the requirements. They have to go back to the DMV for another eyesight test after receiving a positive report from the specialist.

Renewal Timeline

Seniors have up to six months before their licenses expire to renew them. Reminders for renewals are sent by the DMV around 60 days before to the expiration date. Driving with a license that has expired has no grace period and can result in fines or penalties.

REAL ID Compliance

Seniors must submit extra paperwork, including evidence of identity, their Social Security number, and proof of domicile, if they want to upgrade to a REAL ID at renewal. An in-person visit is necessary for this upgrade.

Key Tips for Seniors

Seniors in Delaware can easily renew their driver’s licenses and carry on driving safely and confidently by following these instructions and being informed of the requirements.

Sources:

• [1] https://helloskip.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-renewing-your-delaware-driver-license
• [2] https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/driving-rules-seniors/
• [3] https://zutobi.com/us/de-car/driver-guides/delaware-drivers-license-renewal
• [4] https://dmv.de.gov/DriverServices/drivers_license/index.shtml?dc=dr_lic_renewals
• [5] https://driving-tests.org/academy/renew/delaware