Suspicious package forces evacuation of Dover DMV on Tuesday, police say

A suspicious package forced the evacuation of the DMV in Dover, Del., on Tuesday morning, Delaware Capitol police said.

The package, which was a backpack, was left outside the DMV and was reported by an employee at around 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, police said.

The DMV was evacuated out of precaution, and the Delaware State Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit later determined that the backpack posed no threat to the public, police said.

Investigators were able to determine that the backpack had likely been left unintentionally by a man who went to the DMV on Monday, police said.

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The DMV was reopened at around 1:30 p.m., police said.

The incident occurred on the same day as the DMV in Wilmington reopening for the first time since Delaware State Trooper, Corporal Grade One Matthew T. “Ty” Snook, was shot and killed on Dec. 23, 2025.

Delaware’s DMV system also announced on Tuesday that it will begin requiring people to pass through weapons detector systems before entering any of its locations.

NBC10’s Tim Furlong was given a first-look at the new detectors, which will be run by private security employee.

A DMV in Delaware is preparing to welcome back visitors months after a state trooper was shot and killed inside. NBC10’s Tim Furlong takes a look at the new upgrades aimed at keeping customers and employees safe.