Transferring a Car Title in Delaware
Steps and fees to transfer a vehicle title in Delaware when you buy, sell or inherit a car, and the deadline to register after moving.
Short answer: For a sale between Delaware residents, the seller completes the title assignment (buyer's name and address, sale date, price and odometer disclosure) and signs it, and sends the Seller's Report of Sale to the DMV; Delaware DMV, Transfer of a Delaware Title Between Delaware Residents
| Transferring a car title | For a sale between Delaware residents, the seller completes the title assignment (buyer's name and address, sale date, price and odometer disclosure) and signs it, and sends the Seller's Report of Sale to the DMV; the buyer completes the Purchaser's Application on the back of the title and signs. Titles do not need to be notarized. The buyer must show proof of liability insurance and a Delaware driver's license (or two proofs of residency). The vehicle may not be driven until a new title is issued in the buyer's name, and transferring more than 30 days after purchase brings a late fee. Fees include a title fee and a 5.25% document fee based on the sale price or the NADA average trade-in value, whichever is higher, plus registration. The title fee amounts did not display on the page as read. Transfers from a deceased owner were not covered on the page reviewed. |
|---|---|
| Registering after you move | New residents must apply for a Delaware driver's license within 60 days after taking up residence (in person, surrendering the out-of-state license; Class D license fee $50, valid 8 years), and must title and register their vehicles within 60 days after becoming residents. Vehicles with an out-of-state title must go through a DMV inspection lane, where all vehicles get a safety inspection and, depending on model year and weight, a full inspection (including emissions testing) or a VIN verification. Military members and dependents need not get a Delaware license or registration until 60 days after separation from service. |
More Delaware car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Delaware
- Driving Without Insurance in Delaware
- SR-22 Insurance in Delaware
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in Delaware
- All Delaware car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
How do you transfer a car title in Delaware?
For a sale between Delaware residents, the seller completes the title assignment (buyer's name and address, sale date, price and odometer disclosure) and signs it, and sends the Seller's Report of Sale to the DMV; the buyer completes the Purchaser's Application on the back of the title and signs. Titles do not need to be notarized. The buyer must show proof of liability insurance and a Delaware driver's license (or two proofs of residency). The vehicle may not be driven until a new title is issued in the buyer's name, and transferring more than 30 days after purchase brings a late fee. Fees include a title fee and a 5.25% document fee based on the sale price or the NADA average trade-in value, whichever is higher, plus registration.
How long do you have to register your car after moving to Delaware?
New residents must apply for a Delaware driver's license within 60 days after taking up residence (in person, surrendering the out-of-state license; Class D license fee $50, valid 8 years), and must title and register their vehicles within 60 days after becoming residents. Vehicles with an out-of-state title must go through a DMV inspection lane, where all vehicles get a safety inspection and, depending on model year and weight, a full inspection (including emissions testing) or a VIN verification. Military members and dependents need not get a Delaware license or registration until 60 days after separation from service.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.