The Complete Delaware DMV Document Checklist (for a REAL ID)

One of the most common and frustrating experiences at the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is waiting for your turn only to be sent away because of a missing or incorrect document. A failed trip wastes your time and delays your goal of getting on the road. The single best way to ensure a successful, one-visit appointment is to arrive fully prepared with all your paperwork in order.

This definitive checklist will ensure you have every document you need. We will focus on the requirements for obtaining a Federally Compliant Driver License, which is Delaware's version of the REAL ID.

Why Get a Federally Compliant ID?

A Federally Compliant license meets the enhanced security standards set by the federal REAL ID Act. You can identify it by the gold star in the upper-right corner. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Federally Compliant ID or another approved document (like a U.S. passport) to board domestic flights and enter secure federal facilities.

Because it is a federal credential, the document requirements are very strict. All documents must be original or certified copies from the issuing agency. The DMV will not accept photocopies or expired documents.

The Core Document Categories for a Delaware Compliant ID

To get your Federally Compliant license or permit, you must provide documents that prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Delaware residency. [5]

1. Proof of Identity and Legal Presence (Bring ONE)

This is your primary identity document. It must be an original or a certified copy.

Original or certified U.S. birth certificate (from a state, county, or U.S. territory vital statistics office; not a hospital certificate).
Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card.
Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship.
Unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and I-94 form.
Valid, unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card.

You must provide a document that shows your full, correct Social Security number (SSN). The document must be the original.

Social Security card.
W-2 form (must show full SSN).
SSA-1099 form (must show full SSN).
Paystub from an employer showing your full name and full SSN.
If you are not eligible for an SSN, you must provide an official ineligibility letter from the Social Security Administration.

3. Proof of Delaware Residency (Bring TWO)

You must present two separate documents from two different sources to prove you live in Delaware. The documents must show your name and your current physical address. P.O. boxes are not acceptable. Both documents must be dated within the last 60 days. [5]

Utility bill (gas, electric, water, cell phone, internet, cable, etc.).
Bank statement or credit card statement from a major institution.
Mortgage statement or rental agreement signed by you and your landlord.
Delaware motor vehicle registration card or insurance policy.
Official mail from a federal, state, or local government agency (e.g., IRS, Social Security, town hall).
Employment records such as a paystub.

Important: Both documents must come from different companies. For example, your electric bill and your cable bill are acceptable if they are from two different providers.

What If Your Name is Different?

If your current legal name does not match the name on your primary identity document (like your birth certificate), you must provide legal proof of the name change. You must show the entire paper trail linking the names from birth.

Original or certified marriage certificate.
Divorce decree that specifies the name change.
Court-ordered name change document.

If your name has changed multiple times (e.g., marriage, divorce, another marriage), you must bring the certified document for each and every change.

Additional Forms for Minors (Under 18)

Driver Education Certificate (Blue Certificate): The original certificate of completion from your state-approved driver's ed course. [2]
Application Form: The official license application, which must be co-signed by your parent or sponsor at the DMV. [2]

Final Pre-Appointment Checklist

Before you head to your DMV appointment, organize your documents in a folder and run through this final check:

[ ] Proof of Identity: Do you have ONE original or certified document?
[ ] Proof of SSN: Do you have ONE original document showing your full SSN?
[ ] Proof of Residency: Do you have TWO different documents, both dated within the last 60 days?
[ ] Name Change Documents? (If applicable, do you have the certified originals showing the full chain of changes?)
[ ] Minor Forms? (Blue Certificate and a parent/sponsor present to sign)
[ ] Payment: Do you have an accepted form of payment (cash, check, card) for the fees?

Taking 20 minutes to gather and double-check these documents is the best guarantee for a fast, successful, and stress-free trip to the Delaware DMV.