How To Transfer a Car Title in Delaware 2026
Delaware mandates that every motor vehicle purchaser apply for a new certificate of title upon acquiring ownership. Under 21 Del. C. § 2503 (Chapter 25), the application must be submitted to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of the date of purchase. Individuals establishing Delaware residency have 60 days from the date of relocation to title and register any out-of-state vehicle.
Required Documents for Title Transfer in Delaware
| Document | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Certificate of Title (seller-assigned) | Required | Must include buyer's name and address, sale date, purchase price, odometer reading, and all required seller signatures |
| Seller's Report of Sale | Required | Detachable section of the title; seller must submit to DMV independently |
| Purchaser's Application | Required | Buyer enters Delaware driver's license number, date of birth, and lienholder details if financed |
| Proof of Delaware Liability Insurance | Required | Policy must be in the buyer's name and currently active |
| Delaware Driver's License | Required | Alternative is two accepted residency documents |
| Bill of Sale | Required | Must state VIN, year, make, sale date, purchase price, and include buyer and seller signatures |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Required (MY 2011+) | Completed on the face of the title |
| Registration Card (endorsed by seller) | Required | Seller must enter transferee name, address, and transfer date on the reverse |
| Lien / Security Agreement | Conditional | Required if the vehicle is being financed at the time of purchase |
| Power of Attorney | Conditional | Required when a representative signs on behalf of either party |
| Letters Testamentary / Small Estate Affidavit + Death Certificate | Conditional | Required for estate and inheritance transfers |
| Out-of-State Title + VIN Verification | Conditional | Required for vehicles previously titled in another state |
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in Delaware
Step 1: Gather and Review All Required Documents
Before any signatures are exchanged, both the buyer and seller should confirm that the existing certificate of title is free of alterations, erasures, or damage. The seller must ensure the title is unencumbered or, if a lien exists, that a properly executed lien release accompanies it. Buyers may review the Delaware Title Sample to understand the correct layout and identify each section that must be completed.
Step 2: Seller Completes the Title Assignment
The seller fills out the Assignment of Certificate of Title on the reverse of the title, recording the buyer's full legal name and address, date of sale, sale price, and current odometer reading. Signature requirements depend on how ownership is recorded: if the title lists multiple owners joined by "& OR," one seller's signature is sufficient; if joined by "(AND)," every listed owner must sign.
Step 3: Seller Files the Report of Sale with the DMV
To limit ongoing liability after the vehicle changes hands, the seller must detach and submit the Seller's Report of Sale to the DMV. This can be done in person at any DMV office location or by mail to:
Delaware DMV — Data Management Section, P.O. Box 698, Dover, DE 19903
When selling to an out-of-state buyer, the seller also removes the license plates and may arrange a 5-day temporary tag, allowing the buyer to transport the vehicle to the state of titling. Dealers are subject to separate reporting obligations and must transmit title applications within 30 days of delivery.
Step 4: Buyer Completes the Purchaser's Application and Odometer Disclosure
The buyer completes the Purchaser's Application, providing their Delaware driver's license number and date of birth. If the vehicle is being financed, the lienholder's full legal name and address must be entered in the designated lien section. For vehicles of model year 2011 or newer, both the seller and buyer must sign and print their names in the odometer disclosure area of the title, selecting the appropriate statement: actual mileage, exceeds mechanical limits, or odometer reading is not the actual mileage. Providing a false odometer declaration is a violation of state and federal law and may result in criminal penalties.
Step 5: Submit the Complete Document Packet and Pay Applicable Fees
The buyer presents the full set of documents at a Delaware DMV office in person. The DMV fee schedule establishes a document fee of 5.25% of the sale price or NADA trade-in value, whichever is greater, with a minimum of $8.00. Delaware permits a trade-in credit that reduces the taxable purchase price when a vehicle is traded as part of the transaction. The DMV fee calculator can assist in estimating total costs prior to the appointment. Accepted payment methods include cash, personal check, money order, and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover).
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title — Without Lien | $35.00 | Standard private-party transfer |
| Title — With Lien | $55.00 | Financed purchase |
| Duplicate / Replacement Title | $50.00 | Lost or destroyed title |
| Corrected Title | $35.00 | Correction to existing title data |
| Late Transfer Penalty | $35.00 | Applied when application submitted after 30-day deadline |
| Document Fee | 5.25% | Of sale price or NADA trade-in value (whichever is greater); effective Oct. 1, 2025 |
| 5-Day Temporary Tag | $20.00 | Issued to out-of-state buyers for transport purposes |
| HEV Registration (≤ 6,000 lb) | $60.00 / yr | Hybrid electric vehicle |
| PHEV Registration (≤ 6,000 lb) | $85.00 / yr | Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle |
| EV / FCEV Registration (≤ 6,000 lb) | $110.00 / yr | Battery electric or fuel cell electric vehicle |
| Electric Motorcycle | $15.00 / yr | — |
Step 6: Receive the New Certificate of Title
Once the application is approved and all fees are paid, the DMV issues the new certificate of title. If no lien is recorded, the title is mailed directly to the registered owner. If the vehicle is financed, the title is forwarded to the lienholder for retention until the loan is satisfied. The new title reflects the odometer disclosure status entered at the time of transfer.
Contact Information
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
303 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 744-2500
Official Website: Delaware DMV
