Delaware Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Delaware requires all drivers to carry liability insurance: $15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 property damage. These are among the lowest minimums in the US.
Driving without insurance in Delaware means a fine of $500-$1,000, license suspension for up to one year, and potential jail time. Your vehicle can also be impounded.
Even if you have an ITIN or foreign license, you must carry proof of insurance at all times while driving.
Can Immigrants Get a License in Delaware?
Delaware does NOT currently issue driver licenses to undocumented immigrants. You must have lawful immigration status or be a legal resident to qualify.
If you have a visa, work permit (EAD), or green card, visit your local Delaware DMV with your passport, immigration documents, proof of Delaware residency, and Social Security Number or ITIN.
Check the National Conference of State Legislatures for the latest Delaware licensing rules: https://www.ncsl.org/transportation/states-that-allow-unauthorized-immigrants-to-get-a-drivers-license
If you have a valid foreign license, some insurers will quote you, but you cannot legally drive in Delaware without a US or Delaware license.
Best Insurance Options for Immigrants in Delaware
Major insurers in Delaware include State Farm, Progressive, Geico, and Allstate. All accept ITIN numbers instead of SSN for policy holders.
To get a quote without a license, call insurers directly and explain your situation. Bring your passport, visa, ITIN letter from the IRS, and any driving records from your home country.
Get your ITIN at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number if you do not have one yet.
Buying car insurance does NOT report you to ICE. Insurance companies are not immigration enforcement. Your data is protected under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.
Tips for Immigrant Drivers in Delaware
Always keep proof of insurance in your car. Delaware police will ask for it during traffic stops. Have your ITIN letter ready if asked for ID.
If you are stopped, you have the right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer. Police cannot ask about immigration status during a routine traffic stop.
Delaware has no special immigrant driver programs, but you can contact the Delaware DMV at your local office for help navigating the licensing process with your documents.
Join local immigrant support groups in Wilmington and Newark for advice on driving, insurance, and legal rights.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $15,000 | Delaware state minimum |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $30,000 | Delaware state minimum |
| Property Damage | $10,000 | Delaware state minimum |
| Uninsured Motorist (BI per person) | $15,000 | Required in Delaware |
| Uninsured Motorist (BI per accident) | $30,000 | Required in Delaware |
| Uninsured Motorist (PD) | $10,000 | Required in Delaware |
| Medical Payments (PIP) | Not required | Optional coverage available |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Most insurers accept ITIN for quotes and policies. Get your ITIN from the IRS at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number
No. Delaware does not offer licenses to undocumented immigrants. Check https://www.ncsl.org/transportation/states-that-allow-unauthorized-immigrants-to-get-a-drivers-license for states that do.
Delaware requires: 15k bodily injury per person, 30k per accident, 5k property damage. Uninsured motorist coverage also required at same limits.
Many major insurers accept ITIN: State Farm, Allstate, Geico, Progressive, Nationwide. Rates vary. Get quotes from multiple companies. Some specialize in high-risk drivers.
No. You need a Delaware driver license to get insured. If you have a valid foreign license, you can drive 30 days. For longer, you need a Delaware license.
No. Insurance companies are NOT immigration enforcement. Your data is protected by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Buying insurance does NOT flag ICE or report you.
You cannot legally drive in Delaware without a license. You can take the written and road test at the DMV. Bring proof of identity and residency to apply.
No. An ITIN works for insurance. You do not need to file taxes to get an ITIN. Apply at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number