Quick Answer
Yes — Delaware issues a Driving Privilege Card to residents who can't prove legal presence but have an ITIN or SSN. To get one:
- Get fingerprinted at the State Bureau of Identification ($72).
- Get a Certification of Filing Compliance from the Division of Revenue showing 2 years of Delaware tax filing.
- Pass the DMV vision, knowledge, and road tests and pay $20.
The card is valid for 4 years but is not valid for identification.
Can You Get a Driver's License in Delaware Without an SSN?
Yes. Delaware issues a Driving Privilege Card to residents who cannot prove legal presence in the United States, and it began taking applications in December 2015. You need an ITIN or Social Security number, 2 years of Delaware tax filing, and fingerprints. The card is a valid driver license, but only for driving.
The Division of Motor Vehicles describes the program in its Driving Privilege Card brochure, and the tax step is explained by the Delaware Division of Revenue.
Do You Need Fingerprints for a Delaware Driving Privilege Card?
Yes. Fingerprinting is the first step. Since September 11, 2023, applicants must book an appointment online through IdentoGO before visiting a Delaware State Bureau of Identification office. The bureau checks your identity, collects a $72 fee, and gives you a receipt that you must bring to the DMV, so keep it safe.
- Book at uenroll.identogo.com, and bring proof of identity to the appointment.
- Find locations through the State Bureau of Identification or call 302-739-2528.
Do You Need to File Delaware Taxes First?
Yes. You need a Certification of Filing Compliance from the Delaware Division of Revenue showing you filed Delaware taxes, or were claimed as a dependent, for the 2 most recent consecutive tax years. The letter is free, lists the tax years filed, and expires 12 months after it is issued.
- If you filed both years with an ITIN, you can self-certify online and print the letter.
- Dependents who can't self-certify must book an appointment: call 1-800-292-7826 or 302-577-8200 and bring a photo ID and your IRS ITIN letter.
- Wait 24 hours after getting the letter before scheduling your DMV appointment.
What Documents Does Delaware Require?
Delaware requires 4 things at the DMV: an ITIN or Social Security number, a valid foreign passport or other foreign government photo ID, 2 documents proving Delaware residency, and your Certification of Filing Compliance. Bring the State Bureau of Identification fingerprint receipt too. Residency documents include a residential lease, a utility bill, or a bank statement.
- 1ITIN or Social Security number — see how to apply for an ITIN (IRS processing usually takes several weeks)
- 2Valid, current foreign passport or other foreign government photo ID
- 32 residency documents — residential lease, utility bill, or bank statement
- 4Certification of Filing Compliance from the Division of Revenue
- 5State Bureau of Identification fingerprint receipt
How Much Does a Delaware Driving Privilege Card Cost?
A Delaware Driving Privilege Card costs $92 in total: a $20 DMV card fee plus a $72 fingerprinting fee paid to the State Bureau of Identification. The Division of Revenue's tax certification letter is free, and getting an ITIN from the IRS is free. The card is valid for 4 years.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Fingerprinting (State Bureau of Identification) | $72 |
| Driving Privilege Card (DMV) | $20 |
| Certification of Filing Compliance | Free |
| Total | $92 |
How Do I Apply Step by Step?
Getting a Delaware Driving Privilege Card takes 4 steps in a set order: fingerprinting at the State Bureau of Identification, the Division of Revenue tax certification, a DMV appointment booked at least 24 hours after you receive the certification, and the DMV's vision screening, knowledge exam, and road skills test. The DMV does not accept walk-ins.
- Step 1: Book fingerprinting through IdentoGO and pay $72 at the State Bureau of Identification.
- Step 2: Get your Certification of Filing Compliance from the Division of Revenue.
- Step 3: Wait 24 hours, then schedule a Delaware DMV appointment.
- Step 4: Pass the vision screening, knowledge exam, and road skills test, and pay $20.
Can You Use a Delaware Driving Privilege Card as ID?
No. The Delaware Driving Privilege Card is issued for driving purposes only, and its face reads "Driving Privilege Only" and "Not Valid for Identification." Delaware guarantees its driving privileges only within the state, and Florida, Tennessee and Wyoming treat the card as invalid. For identification, carry your foreign passport.
- Drive legally in Delaware and buy auto insurance — see car insurance without an SSN
- Need a photo ID? See state ID cards for ITIN holders
You cannot use it as identification at a bank, at an airport, or at a federal building. See our guide to flying with an ITIN.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Delaware's tax certification letter valid?
The Certification of Filing Compliance expires 12 months after its issue date. Wait 24 hours after receiving it before scheduling your DMV appointment.
Can I walk in to the Delaware DMV for a Driving Privilege Card?
No. Walk-ins are not accepted. Schedule a DMV appointment only after you have your fingerprint receipt and your tax certification letter.
Can I drive in other states with a Delaware Driving Privilege Card?
Not everywhere. Florida, Tennessee and Wyoming treat the Driving Privilege Card as invalid, so driving on it there can mean a citation in Florida or a misdemeanor charge in Tennessee and Wyoming. Georgia also bars non-citizens without lawful status from driving there. Delaware guarantees the card's privileges only within Delaware.
Do I need an ITIN for a Delaware Driving Privilege Card?
Yes, unless you have a Social Security number. Getting an ITIN from the IRS is free, though processing usually takes several weeks.
Who do I call with questions about Delaware's Driving Privilege Card?
Call the Delaware DMV at 877-477-7117. For the tax certification, call the Division of Revenue at 302-577-8200.
Which Nearby States Also Issue Licenses Without an SSN?
Delaware is one of 19 states, plus Washington, D.C., that license drivers without proof of lawful status. Neighboring Maryland and New Jersey also do, while Pennsylvania does not. Delaware's card stands out because it requires fingerprints and cannot be used as identification.
Compare every state's law, documents, and limits in the full driver's license guide →