ID Cards vs Driver’s Licenses in Delaware

In Delaware, both state-issued ID cards and driver’s licenses serve as official forms of identification. However, they differ significantly in purpose, eligibility, and legal authority. Understanding these distinctions is essential whether you're a non-driver seeking valid ID or preparing to drive legally in the state.

Purpose and Legal Authority

Driver’s License: Grants the legal authority to operate motor vehicles on public roads. It also serves as a primary form of identification.
State ID Card: Serves solely as an identification document for non-drivers. It does not confer any driving privileges.

Eligibility Requirements

Driver’s License

To obtain a Delaware driver’s license, applicants must:

Be at least 16 years old (for a Level One Learner’s Permit).
Provide proof of identity, lawful U.S. presence, Social Security number, and Delaware residency.
Pass vision, knowledge, and road skills tests.
Pay a $40 fee for an 8-year license.

For more details, refer to the Delaware License Application Checklist.

State ID Card

Applicants for a Delaware state ID card must:

Be a Delaware resident.
Not hold a valid Delaware driver’s license.
Provide proof of identity, lawful U.S. presence, Social Security number, and Delaware residency.
Pay a $40 fee for an 8-year ID card.

REAL ID Compliance

Both Delaware driver’s licenses and ID cards can be issued as REAL ID-compliant documents, indicated by a star in the upper right corner. As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or another federally accepted form of identification (e.g., U.S. passport) is required to:

Board domestic flights.
Enter federal facilities and military bases.

To obtain a REAL ID-compliant document, applicants must present additional documentation, including:

Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate or passport).
Proof of Social Security number.
Two proofs of Delaware residency (e.g., utility bills, lease agreements).

For a comprehensive guide, visit the Delaware REAL ID vs Standard License resource.

Usage Scenarios

Scenario	Driver’s License	State ID Card
Driving a motor vehicle	✅ Yes	❌ No
Proof of age (e.g., purchasing alcohol)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Boarding domestic flights (with REAL ID)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Voting in elections	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Opening bank accounts	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

Application Process

Both applications must be completed in person at a Delaware DMV office. Applicants should bring all required documents to avoid delays. For a detailed list of what to bring, see Required Documents for a Delaware License.

Additional Resources

For official information, visit the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.