Delaware Title & Registration Guide

Application for Title

Application for Title (MV212) is presented to the Division of Motor Vehicles in Dover or any DMV Office. An MV212 is not required with a Delaware title assigned to another Delaware resident. Minors must have signature of parent or legal guardian on the application.

Make checks payable to Delaware DMV. Allow 60 days for processing. "Quick Title" service is not available by mail; however, title is issued immediately over the counter for no additional fee. The Dover DMV processes dealer title work. Dealers may submit two titles to be processed as "overnight."

Electronic Signatures

The DMV may accept electronic signatures on any documents required to be submitted pursuant to Powers of Attorney. Electronic signatures are not allowed on other transactions or documentation. Electronic notaries are not accepted.

Insufficient Evidence of Ownership

If the title is held by an out-of-state lienholder, a Request of Title from Lienholder to DMV (MV35) must be sent to the lienholder to obtain the title. Owner will be notified once the DMV receives the title from the lienholder. Titles will only be held for a maximum of 60 days.

Damage Disclosure Statement

Dealers must disclose to the purchaser if the vehicle title has been branded Reconstructed, Rebuilt Salvage, Flood Damaged, Salvage, or Previous Taxi. Purchasers must acknowledge the disclosure by signing a Dealer Disclosure Statement of Title Brand. A copy of the disclosure statement must be provided to the DMV with the title application. It is a violation of Consumer Fraud laws to sell a vehicle with a reconstructed title and not disclose that information in writing prior to sale; however, mechanical problems or accident history is not required.

Transfer Upon Death of an Owner

If the vehicle is titled with multiple owners joined by "and" and one is deceased, the surviving owner must present personal representative papers to remove the deceased owner's name or to transfer to a new owner. If names are joined by "and/or" and one is deceased, the survivor's signature is acceptable to transfer the title.

If a sole owner dies and the value of the estate does not exceed $30,000 and there is no real estate, a Small Estate Affidavit may be obtained from the Register of Wills office. At least 30 days must have elapsed since the death of the decedent and a certified copy of the death certificate is required. Short certificates are issued by the Register of Wills when the personal assets are $30,000 or more or if the deceased had solely owned real estate.

An Authorization to Drive a Vehicle of Deceased Owner Until Registration Expires (MV14) may be used by immediate family members residing in the household to operate the vehicle until the registration expiration date.

For vessels, a copy of the death certificate must be submitted with a copy of the Short Form stating the administrator, and a photo or pencil tracing/rubbing of the HIN. If the vessel is sold, a copy of a notarized bill of sale from the estate is also required.

Limited Assignment Space

When an out-of-state title is presented with all assignments completed, the last designated transferee must apply for title in their name. If the last transferee is a licensed Delaware dealer, the dealer may use a Delaware Dealer's Reassignment (MV202B) to transfer ownership. Delaware does not allow out-of-state dealers to reassign on Delaware titles.

Application for Registration

Presented to the DMV in Dover or any DMV Facility. OHVs are registered upon submission of an Application for Registration of Off-Highway Vehicle (MV458). An Application for Farm Truck (FT) License Plate or Farm Vehicle (FV) Plate (MV31) must be submitted for vehicles used exclusively in the operation of a farm. Registration card must be carried in the vehicle. New residents must register their vehicles within 60 days of establishing residency to avoid a fine of not less than $400.00 and possible imprisonment. Motorboats are registered through the DNREC, Division of Fish and Wildlife or through authorized boat registration agents.

IRP

Motor Carrier Operations (IRP/IFTA), 303 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE 19901 or PO Drawer E, Dover, DE 19903, 302.744.2702, 302.739.6299 fax, [email protected]. New accounts and new vehicles are by appointment only. IRP renewals may be filed online, by email, fax, or mail. There is an online IRP Manual.

Nonresidents

Properly registered vehicles owned by nonresidents may be used in Delaware without being registered in Delaware as long as such state or nation extends similar privileges to Delaware residents. Nonresident vehicles used for the transportation of persons or property for compensation must be registered in Delaware. Nonresidents may register vehicles in Delaware if vehicle is garaged in Delaware upon submission of an Affidavit of Non-Domiciliary Vehicle Registration (MV680).

Nonresident OHVs properly registered in home state may be used in Delaware for up to 15 consecutive days without registering in Delaware. If home state does not require OHV registration, a 1-year permit sticker must be purchased for $6.00.

Nonresident vessels using the waters of Delaware for principal use over 60 days and nonresidents owning a vessel docked and/or stowed in waters of Delaware for over 60 days must be registered in Delaware. All motorboats launched from tidal access areas administered by the DNREC must be registered in Delaware or have a valid Tidal Access Boat Ramp Certificate.

Renewal

Vehicle owners may request email or telephone reminders online. Renewal may be made in person, by mail, or online. Vessels may be renewed online.

Planned Non-Operation

License plates must be surrendered to the DMV prior to canceling insurance on vehicles with active registrations.

Dealer & Manufacturer Plates

Used for pleasure, testing, or demonstration. Fee $10.00 for each plate; $11.50 for one vessel registration number and $5.75 for each additional number. May not be used on work or service vehicles or displayed on lease or rental vehicles. Out-of-State Manufacturer or Dealer Plates are honored in accordance with reciprocal agreement. New residents are not required to surrender out-of-state plates when applying for Delaware registration.

Lease Information

Leased vehicles are subject to same requirements as privately-owned vehicles. A notarized Power of Attorney to Conduct Motor Vehicle Business (MV386) is required from the leasing company for the lessee to sign the title application. Title and registration are issued in the name of the lessor c/o lessee. Every person engaged in the business as a motor vehicle lessor in Delaware must obtain a license from the DOR and pay an annual license tax.

A Vehicle Document Fee is required at time of titling. Owners turning in a leased vehicle may apply for a credit/refund of the Vehicle Document Fee when leasing or purchasing a replacement vehicle. A copy of the lease contract showing the residual value of the leased vehicle must be submitted with the Document Fee Refund Form (MV347) to obtain the credit.

Leases are subject to a 1.9914% use/lease tax on all rental payments. Use/lease tax is not applicable to leases of equipment, machinery, or nonregistered vehicles used in the business of raising crops or animals in agricultural production.

Financial Responsibility Laws

Proof of insurance is required at time of registration and renewal and must be carried in the vehicle. No-fault insurance law is in effect. Failure to maintain insurance may result in fines and registration suspension. License plate must be surrendered prior to cancelling insurance on a vehicle with an active registration. Failure to surrender tags prior to the cancellation of insurance results in an Uninsured Motorist penalty of $100.00 per vehicle for first 30 days, then $5.00 per vehicle per day thereafter. There is also a $50.00 DL Suspension Reinstatement fee and a $50.00 Vehicle Registration Reinstatement fee.

Motor Vehicle Safety / Emissions Inspection

Vehicles titled for the first time in Delaware must pass inspection with the exception of new vehicles never titled in any state sold by a dealer who provided the purchaser with a Delaware Application for Title (MV212). Inspection required prior to registration or renewal.

Exempt: New motor vehicles and the initial registration or renewal of vehicles no older than seven model years. Trailers registered at 4,000 lbs. or less not equipped with brakes. Antique vehicles, street rods, and unique vehicles are exempt annual inspections after passing an initial inspection. Diesel vehicles 1996 and older with a GVWR of less than 8,500 lbs. are exempt from emissions testing. Farm vehicles with an FV tag may qualify for an inspection waiver. Mopeds are exempt from safety inspection.

An Application for an Out-of-State Inspection (MV210) may be used for vehicles more than 200 miles away from nearest Delaware DMV inspection lane. School buses are inspected twice annually. The latest inspection data for vehicles may be found online.