Delaware
Title Fee
$35.00
Sales Tax Rate
n/a
Other Tax Rate
4.25%
Who must title a vehicle in Delaware?
All motor vehicles, truck tractors, trailers, motorcycles, mopeds, and house trailers must be titled.
Manufactured homes are titled unless classified as real property (one title per home regardless of number of units).
Exempt: Snowmobiles, OHVs, vessels, tow dollies, special mobile equipment, military vehicles, and implements of husbandry.
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Dover or any DMV office.
Application for Title (MV212) is required, except for Delaware titles assigned to another DE resident.
Fee: $35.00; $55.00 if there is a lien. Dealer handling fee: $2.00 per sale.
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin and dealer’s bill of sale.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title and bill of sale.
Non-title states: Current registration and notarized bill of sale.
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs plus compliance with FMVSS, NHTSA, EPA, and CBP forms; English translation if needed.
How are special titles or brands handled?
Brands: Antique, Disabled Veteran, Flood, New, Prev Taxi, Rebuilt Salvage, Reconstructed, Replica, Salvage, Taxi, Transfer/Used, plus odometer brands.
Out-of-state brands are carried forward.
Salvage: Title must be surrendered within 30 days of insurance settlement; if title unavailable, MV215 and proof of payment required.
Rebuilt Salvage: Requires State Police Auto Theft Unit inspection, proof of repairs, and documentation.
Junked: Title must be surrendered; scrap processors must upload VIN to NMVTIS.
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Duplicate: MV213, $50.00 fee.
Amended: MV216, $55.00 with lien, $35.00 without lien.
Other notes:
Odometer disclosure required on transfer and renewal (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN verification required for vehicles ≤7 model years with out-of-state title.
Are electronic signatures accepted?
Only for Powers of Attorney; not for other transactions.
What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?
Vehicle Document Fee: 4.25% of purchase price or book value, whichever is greater; 3.75% for mobile homes. Minimum $8.00.
Trade-in credit: Allowed for one Delaware-titled vehicle/trailer in same name.
Credit for taxes paid to another state: Allowed if registered in DE within 90 days of out-of-state purchase.
Exemptions: Nonresidents registering out of state, gifts between immediate family, inheritance, joint owner transfers, lessor-to-lessee, certain dealer sales, and previously registered vehicles by same owner.
Sales/Use Tax:
No state or local sales tax; Delaware imposes a gross receipts tax on sellers (not passed to consumer).
Other taxes/fees:
Ad Valorem tax on mobile homes not attached to real property.
Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (IRS Form 2290) required for vehicles >55,000 lbs.
How are liens recorded and perfected?
Application for Title (MV212) notes the lien; $20.00 fee.
Lien is perfected as of application date.
Priority is based on application date.
How are liens released or assigned?
Lienholder must submit released title to DMV within 30 days of final payment (fine up to $100 if late).
If not released within 60 days, DMV can satisfy the lien administratively.
Assignment: New lienholder enters lien on title after assignment and submits to DMV.
How does repossession work in Delaware?
Lienholder may repossess without judicial process if peaceful.
To transfer after repossession: Lienholder completes transferor section on title and submits title and Certificate of Repossession and Sale (MV195).
For dealer recourse: MV518 required.
Out-of-state repossessions follow same process if Delaware lienholder is recorded.
Other notes:
No ELT (Electronic Lien & Title) program.
Lien records on file at DMV; title mailed to lienholder.
PO Box 698, Dover, Delaware 19903
302.744.2500
Enforcement Agency:
Delaware Division of Motor VehiclesPO Box 698, Dover, DE 19903
302.744.2500
DMVCustomerService@delaware.gov
Delaware DMV Website
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
Delaware State Police1441 N. DuPont Highway, PO Box 430, Dover, DE 19903
302.739.5901
Key Regulations:
DMV manages titling, registration, tax collection, liens, and repossession.
State Police enforce vehicle laws and highway safety.
Insurance required: Minimum $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 liability and $15,000/$30,000 PIP.
Safety/emissions inspection required for first-time titles and renewals (exemptions for new vehicles, antique/unique vehicles, some diesel vehicles, etc.).
Title and registration records maintained permanently.
One plate issued per vehicle; must be surrendered if registering out of state.