How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Delaware in 2026
Delaware does not offer an online system for canceling vehicle registration. Vehicle owners must complete registration cancellation by surrendering license plates to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles in person or by mail.
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles manages all motor vehicle registration services centrally from four primary locations serving the state's three counties.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
Motorists must cancel their Delaware vehicle registration under various circumstances:
- Transferring ownership when selling your vehicle
- Gifting the vehicle to another individual
- Trading the vehicle to an automotive dealer
- Establishing legal residence in another state
- Sending the vehicle to a salvage or scrap yard
- Receiving an insurance settlement for total loss
- Reporting a stolen vehicle without recovery
- Canceling liability insurance on a registered vehicle
- Storing the vehicle without maintaining insurance coverage
In-Person and Mail Processing Through DMV Facilities
Delaware provides two methods for completing registration cancellation: delivering license plates to a DMV facility in person or mailing plates with required documentation to any DMV location.
Surrender License Plates In Person
Visit any of Delaware's four DMV locations during regular business hours. Bring your license plate and registration documentation.
Items to Bring:
- Valid government-issued identification
- Vehicle registration certificate or card
- License plate (Delaware issues one rear plate only)
- Proof of vehicle sale, disposal, or other qualifying reason
Staff will accept your surrendered plate at no charge if you provide proof of insurance coverage and the registration remains current. You will receive a receipt documenting the plate cancellation.
Mail License Plate to DMV
Send your license plate and accompanying materials through the United States Postal Service to any Delaware DMV facility.
Necessary Materials:
- License plate
- Written explanation stating your reason for cancellation (e.g., "canceling liability insurance," "sold vehicle," "relocated out of state")
- Copy of vehicle registration
- Return address for receipt
Recommended Mailing Address:
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
303 Transportation Circle
P.O. Box 698
Dover, DE 19903
The DMV will process your plate surrender and mail a confirmation to your address.
License Plate Retention Options
Delaware law permits vehicle owners to retain their license plates under certain conditions. If you wish to keep your plate for future use, you may place it in retention status at any DMV location. Tag retention allows you to preserve your plate for up to one year after expiration. Fees apply for plate retention and subsequent transfer to another vehicle.
Refund of Registration Fees
Delaware provides limited refunds for registration fees under specific circumstances outlined in state law.
Refund Eligibility
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles evaluates refund requests according to Delaware Code Title 21 § 2117:
- Registration fees for unused registration periods
- Fees paid when license plates are surrendered to the Department
- Document fees for vehicles sold within sixty days of purchase
- Registration fees collected in error or duplicate
Important Restriction: Refunds apply exclusively to specific registration-related fees. Processing typically requires surrender of the license plate to qualify for refund consideration.
Refund Application Process
Step 1: Obtain Application Form
Download the Document Fee Credit/Refund Application (Form MV347) from the Delaware DMV website. This form applies to document fee credits and refunds for qualifying circumstances.
Step 2: Complete Required Documentation
Fill out Form MV347 with complete information about your vehicle, the reason for your refund request, and your contact details. Gather supporting materials demonstrating your eligibility.
Step 3: Submit Application and License Plate
Submit your completed application to the DMV when surrendering your license plate. You may submit in person at any DMV facility or by mail, as previously stated.
Include your license plate, completed Form MV347, and any supporting documentation, such as the bill of sale or proof of vehicle disposal.
Step 4: DMV Processing
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles reviews refund applications. The DMV calculates refund amounts based on the unused portion of your registration period and issues approved refunds by check, mailed to the address provided on your application.
Processing Note: Document fee refunds specifically apply when Delaware residents sell a Delaware-titled vehicle within sixty days before or after purchasing a new vehicle. Standard registration fee refunds require plate surrender and vary based on circumstances.
Governing Laws and Regulations
Delaware vehicle registration cancellation procedures are established through statutes in the Delaware Code:
- Delaware Code Title 21 § 2117 authorizes refunds of fees paid for certain unused registrations upon surrender of license plates to the Department
- Delaware Code Title 21 § 2507 requires vehicle owners who relocate to another state to surrender Delaware registration and license plates
- Delaware Code Title 21 Chapter 21 establishes comprehensive motor vehicle registration requirements and procedures
Government Agencies
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
303 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE 19903
Phone: (302) 744-2500
Official Website: Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Toll-Free TDD: (800) 232-5460 (for Deaf or Hard of Hearing)
Online Services:
myDMV Account Services
Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM; Wednesday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
DMV Facilities and Mobile Services
Delaware operates four primary DMV facilities serving the state's three counties.
Greater Wilmington Division of Motor Vehicles
2230 Hessler Boulevard, New Castle, DE 19720
Phone: (302) 434-3200
Official Website: DMV Contact Information
Delaware City Division of Motor Vehicles
2101 Mid County Drive, New Castle, DE 19720
Phone: (302) 326-5000
Official Website: DMV Contact Information
Dover Division of Motor Vehicles
303 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE 19903
Phone: (302) 744-2500
Official Website: DMV Contact Information
Georgetown Division of Motor Vehicles
23737 DuPont Boulevard, Georgetown, DE 19947
Phone: (302) 853-1000
Official Website: DMV Contact Information
