Delaware driver license and state ID — guide for immigrants

Delaware issues a Driving Privilege Card (DPC) to foreign residents who cannot produce legal presence, created by Senate Bill 59 (2015). You need an ITIN and two years of Delaware tax returns to qualify. Here is exactly who qualifies, the documents, and what it costs.

Quick answer

  • Undocumented driver-license access: YES — Driving Privilege Card (DPC) (since 2015)
  • Social Security number required: No — but you need an ITIN (or SSN)
  • Tax requirement: YES — Delaware tax returns (or dependent) for the two most recent consecutive years
  • Fees: $20 application + $72 SBI fingerprinting fee · Card validity: 4 years
  • Card marking: “Driving Privilege Only” / “Not Valid for Identification”
  • Agency: Delaware DMV · Phone: 1-877-477-7117

Who can apply

The DPC is only for foreign Delaware residents unable to produce legal presence (U.S. citizens and people with valid legal presence are not eligible). You must have an ITIN or a Social Security number — the Division of Revenue certification carries it — and you must prove you filed a Delaware tax return (or were claimed as a dependent) for the two most recent consecutive tax years.

Documents you need

  • Name and date of birth — ONE of: a valid, unexpired foreign passport, or a valid, unexpired consular identification document. For Mexican nationals, an approved alternate is the Mexican Federal Electoral Card (IFE/INE). Expired documents cannot be used.
  • Two proofs of Delaware residency, each postmarked by USPS within the last 60 days.
  • Minors also provide an original and translated foreign birth certificate.

What the card can and cannot do

The DPC bears “Driving Privilege Only” and “Not Valid for Identification” on its face. That means:

  • You can legally drive with it (Class D privileges; a motorcycle endorsement is allowed after testing, but not a commercial license).
  • You cannot use it as identification or for federal purposes. Carry your passport for those.

How to apply

  1. Get an ITIN from the IRS and file your Delaware taxes for two consecutive years (or be claimed as a dependent).
  2. Book an online SBI fingerprint appointment at uenroll.identogo.com (service code 27S424).
  3. Gather your identity document, two USPS-postmarked Delaware residency proofs, and your Revenue certification.
  4. Apply at the DMV and pay the $20 fee plus the $72 SBI fee. The card is valid 4 years. (The DMV does not report DPC information to USCIS.)

Last verified: 2026-06-28. Sources: Delaware DMV — Driving Privilege Card and the DPC Requirements; Delaware Division of Revenue — Driving Privilege Card.

General procedural information. DMV policies, fees, and document requirements change frequently — verify with the Delaware DMV before visiting. Not legal or immigration advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.