License Suspensions

Driving is a privilege, not a right. The State grants you the privilege of operating motor vehicles only as long as you drive safely and obey the rules and regulations. If you violate driving laws, your driving privileges may be suspended or revoked. The period of the suspension or revocation varies with the type of offense(s) committed. A fee of must be paid to reinstate a suspended license. A fee is charged to reinstate a revoked license. You may be required to complete all driver license written, road, and eye-screen tests before reinstating your license. Suspension of a license is a temporary removal of your driving privilege. Revocation of a license is a cancellation of your driving privilege. For questions regarding license suspension or to pay your reinstatement fee over the phone you may call 302.744.2509. For questions regarding license revocation or to pay your reinstatement fee over the phone you may call 302.744.2508. For questions regarding serious medical conditions you may call the Division’s Medical department 302.744.2507.

The Division will suspend or revoke the license of any Delaware resident who has been convicted of a violation in another state which, if committed in Delaware, would be grounds for suspension or revocation of a license. The driving record includes all convictions, even those committed in other states.

Suspension Of A Driver's License

The Division of Motor Vehicles will suspend the driver's license of any Delaware resident whenever the Division has reason to believe that such a person:

1. Has committed any offense for which a license suspension is mandatory
2. Excessive Points or Serious Speeding Violations.
3. Has by reckless or unlawful operation of a motor vehicle contributed to an accident resulting in injury or death to any person or caused serious property damage.
4. Is incompetent to drive a motor vehicle for serious medical or mental conditions.
5. Has committed a serious violation of motor vehicle laws.
6. Has driven a motor vehicle without consent of its owner
7. Has issued a non-collectible check to the Division
8. Racing (speed exhibition)
9. Spinning wheels
10. Turfing (causing destruction to grass, yards, property, etc.)
11. Failing to answer a court summons in any state
12. Has violated any of the licensing provision of the Delaware Code including:

• Use of fictitious, suspended, revoked or borrowed driver's license
• Loaning a driver's license to another person
• Failure to surrender a suspended or revoked license
• Giving a fictitious name or address or making a false statement in applying for a license
• Unlawful manufacture or possession of a false insurance document
• Driving an uninsured motor vehicle
• Passing a stopped school bus
• Altering a driver's license or using a fraudulent license
• Failure to pay Child Support

Child Support Delinquency

Any person who owes $1,000.00 or more in arrears or retroactive support and is 30 or more days delinquent in payment of a child support order from either Family Court or the Division of Child Support Enforcement may have his/her license suspended as defined in Title 13 Delaware Code section 516. The suspension will remain in effect until a release is obtained from the requesting agency and received by the Division of Motor Vehicles. A reinstatement fee of must be paid to the Division of Motor Vehicles in order to reinstate the license.

Driving During Suspension or Revocation

A conviction for driving during suspension or revocation shall extend the period of suspension or revocation for a like period up to one year. No driving authority will be permitted during the balance of the initial suspension or revocation and the extended period. Any driving authority previously issued by the Division must be surrendered.