How Much Does It Cost to Get a License Plate in Delaware in 2025?
Factors That Influence the Total License Plate Cost in Delaware
The cost of obtaining a license plate in Delaware is influenced by several factors, including the type of vehicle, the type of license plate, and any additional services or customizations requested. Below are the primary factors that affect the total cost:
- Vehicle Type: The cost varies depending on whether the vehicle is a passenger car, motorcycle, commercial vehicle, or trailer.
- License Plate Type: Standard, specialty, and personalized plates have different fee structures.
- Registration Period: Delaware offers options for one-year or two-year registration periods, which can affect the overall cost.
- Additional Fees: Administrative fees, such as those for processing or late renewals, may apply.
Specialty License Plates in Delaware
Delaware offers a variety of specialty license plates that cater to different interests and affiliations. These plates often come with additional fees, which contribute to specific causes or organizations. Some examples include:
- Organizational Plates: Available for members of certain organizations, such as universities or military groups.
- Cause Plates: Support specific causes, such as environmental conservation or public health awareness.
- Fee Structure:
- Initial issuance fee: $50
- Annual renewal fee: $40
Personalized License Plates in Delaware
Personalized license plates allow vehicle owners to customize their plate numbers with a unique combination of letters and numbers. The process and costs associated with obtaining a personalized plate in Delaware are as follows:
- Application Fee: $40 for the initial application.
- Annual Renewal Fee: $40, in addition to the standard registration fee.
- Character Limit: Up to seven characters, including spaces and special symbols.
- Approval Process: All personalized plate requests are subject to approval by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to ensure appropriateness.
Delaware License Plate Renewal Fee
License plate renewal in Delaware is required annually or biennially, depending on the registration period chosen. The renewal fees are structured as follows:
- Standard Passenger Vehicles:
- One-year renewal: $40
- Two-year renewal: $80
- Motorcycles:
- One-year renewal: $15
- Two-year renewal: $30
- Commercial Vehicles: Fees vary based on the weight and type of vehicle.
Delaware License Plate Replacements Fee
In the event that a license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement can be obtained from the Delaware DMV. The fees for replacement plates are as follows:
- Standard Plate Replacement: $10
- Specialty Plate Replacement: $20
- Personalized Plate Replacement: $20
How Much Is the Tag Transfer Fee in Delaware
When transferring a license plate from one vehicle to another, a tag transfer fee is applicable. This fee is necessary to update the vehicle registration records and ensure compliance with state regulations. The tag transfer fee in Delaware is:
- Tag Transfer Fee: $20
Exemptions and Discounts
Certain exemptions and discounts are available for specific groups of individuals in Delaware, which can reduce the overall cost of obtaining or renewing a license plate. These include:
- Senior Citizens: Delaware residents aged 65 and older may qualify for reduced registration fees.
- Military Personnel: Active duty military members and veterans may be eligible for discounted or waived fees for certain specialty plates.
- Disability Plates: Individuals with qualifying disabilities may receive special plates at a reduced cost or with waived fees.
- Low-Income Assistance: Programs may be available to assist low-income individuals with registration and plate fees.
These exemptions and discounts are subject to eligibility criteria and require appropriate documentation to be submitted to the Delaware DMV.