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Delaware Medical Cannabis Caregiver Registration

Caregivers play a vital role in Delaware's medical marijuana program, purchasing and managing cannabis for patients who cannot visit dispensaries themselves. Here's how to register and what's required.

Last verified: March 2026

What Is a Designated Caregiver?

A designated caregiver is a person authorized by the OMC to purchase, transport, and administer medical cannabis on behalf of a registered patient. Caregivers are essential for patients who are homebound, have mobility limitations, are minors, or otherwise cannot visit a dispensary independently.

Caregivers receive their own registration card and can purchase medical cannabis at any licensed dispensary on behalf of their designated patients.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Age: Must be at least 21 years old
  • Residency: Must be a Delaware resident with a valid Delaware driver's license or state-issued ID
  • Background check: Must pass a criminal background check conducted through the State Bureau of Identification (SBI)
  • Patient limit: May serve as caregiver for up to 5 patients

Background Check Process

Delaware requires all prospective caregivers to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check through the State Bureau of Identification (SBI). The cost is $85, paid directly to SBI.

Certain criminal convictions may disqualify an applicant from serving as a caregiver. The OMC reviews each background check result individually and will notify applicants of any disqualifying findings.

Registration Steps

  1. Patient initiates the request: The registered patient must designate you as their caregiver through the BioTrack patient portal or on their application form.
  2. Complete the SBI background check: Schedule and complete your fingerprint-based background check ($85 fee). Results are sent directly to the OMC.
  3. Submit caregiver application: Complete the caregiver registration through the OMC, either online or via PDF from omc.delaware.gov/medical/.
  4. Upload documents: Provide your Delaware driver's license or state ID and proof of background check submission.
  5. Receive your caregiver card: The OMC processes caregiver applications alongside patient applications, within 45 calendar days.

Caregiver Costs

Expense Cost
SBI background check $85
Caregiver card fee Included with patient's card fee

Caregiver Responsibilities

  • Carry your card: Always have your caregiver card when purchasing or transporting cannabis for a patient.
  • Purchase only for designated patients: You may only purchase cannabis for patients who have formally designated you through the OMC system.
  • Respect possession limits: Medical patients may possess up to 6 ounces. As a caregiver, the cannabis you carry on a patient's behalf counts toward that patient's limit.
  • No diversion: Using or selling a patient's medical cannabis for your own purposes or to third parties is a criminal offense.
  • Maintain current registration: Your caregiver card must remain valid. If a patient's card expires, your authorization to purchase on their behalf also lapses.

Multiple Patients

A single caregiver may serve up to 5 patients simultaneously. Each patient must independently designate you as their caregiver through the OMC system. When purchasing at a dispensary, you will need to specify which patient the purchase is for, and the dispensary will track it against that patient's allotment.

Caregivers Must Be Delaware Residents

Unlike the patient program, which now accepts out-of-state cards, caregiver registration is limited to Delaware residents only. Out-of-state residents cannot serve as caregivers in Delaware's medical program.

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