How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Delaware From Out of State
Individuals bringing a motor vehicle into Delaware from another jurisdiction are subject to various mandatory charges administered by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. These costs apply when obtaining a Delaware title and registration for vehicles previously registered outside the state. Understanding the complete fee structure is critical for new residents and anyone transferring vehicle ownership into Delaware.
Title Application Fee
Delaware assesses separate charges for vehicle certificates of title depending on whether a security interest exists on the vehicle. When applying for a Delaware certificate of title at any Division of Motor Vehicles location, vehicle owners must pay the following fees.
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Title without lien | $35.00 |
| Title with lien | $55.00 |
These charges apply to all motor vehicles being titled in the state for the first time, including those brought in from other states.
Motor Vehicle Document Fee
Delaware imposes a motor vehicle document fee calculated as a percentage of the vehicle's value. As of October 1, 2025, this fee is based on either the purchase price or the current NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) average trade-in value, whichever amount is greater.
| Vehicle Type | Document Fee Rate | Minimum Document Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard vehicles | 5.25% of vehicle value | $8.00 |
| Mobile homes | 3.75% of vehicle value | $8.00 |
When a vehicle previously titled in another state is being titled in Delaware, the document fee is based on the vehicle's current NADA average trade-in value unless documentation shows that sales tax or a similar levy was paid in another state within 90 days prior to Delaware registration. Delaware law permits out-of-state vehicle owners to claim credit for taxes paid to another state, provided the vehicle was titled and registered in that state within 90 days before Delaware registration. The 90-day limitation is strictly enforced.
Delaware residents who purchase vehicles from out-of-state dealers typically do not receive credit for any taxes paid in the selling state. While most states exempt out-of-state buyers from their taxes, some jurisdictions collect taxes on all vehicle sales regardless of the buyer's residence.
Registration Fee
Annual registration charges in Delaware are established by Title 21, Chapter 21, Section 2151 of the Delaware Code and vary according to vehicle classification and gross vehicle weight rating. The complete fee schedule includes the following categories:
| Vehicle Classification | Gross Vehicle Weight | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles | 5,000 pounds or less | $40.00 |
| Motorcycles | All weights | $15.00 |
| Mopeds | All weights | $5.00 (valid for 3 years) |
| Farm trucks | 5,000 pounds or less | $40.00 |
| Farm trucks | Over 5,000 pounds | $40.00 plus $3.80 per 1,000 pounds over 5,000 |
| Recreational vehicles | 5,000 pounds or less | $40.00 |
| Recreational vehicles | Over 5,000 pounds | $40.00 plus $6.40 per 1,000 pounds over 5,000 |
| Trailers | 0-1,000 pounds | $15.00 |
| Trailers | 1,001-2,000 pounds | $20.00 |
| Trailers | 2,001-5,000 pounds | $40.00 |
| Trailers | Over 5,000 pounds | $18.00 per 1,000 pounds over 5,000 |
| Trucks/buses/cargo vans | 5,000 pounds or less | $40.00 |
| Trucks/buses/cargo vans | Over 5,000 pounds | $18.00 per 1,000 pounds over 5,000 |
Late Registration Renewal Fee
Delaware imposes a $20.00 late fee on all registration renewals completed after the vehicle's registration expiration date. This charge applies in addition to the standard annual registration fee and any other applicable charges. The late fee is assessed according to vehicle registration regulations administered by the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Temporary Tag Fee
When out-of-state registration has expired, the Division may issue a five-day temporary tag permitting operation of the vehicle for transportation to Delaware registration facilities. The temporary tag is available at any DMV office for a charge of $20.00. This tag allows legal operation during the brief period necessary to complete title and registration transfer procedures.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Registration Fee
Delaware assesses annual supplemental registration charges for vehicles powered by alternative fuel sources, as mandated by 21 Del. C. §2151A. These fees ensure all vehicle operators contribute to highway maintenance funding regardless of fuel type. The charges vary based on vehicle classification and manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating:
| Vehicle Type | Weight Classification | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle | Less than 6,000 pounds | $60.00 |
| Non-Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle | 6,001-10,000 pounds | $80.00 |
| Non-Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle | 10,001-26,000 pounds | $140.00 |
| Non-Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle | Over 26,000 pounds | $480.00 |
| Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle | Less than 6,000 pounds | $85.00 |
| Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle | 6,001-10,000 pounds | $115.00 |
| Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle | 10,001-26,000 pounds | $200.00 |
| Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle | Over 26,000 pounds | $600.00 |
| Electric Vehicle / Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle | Less than 6,000 pounds | $110.00 |
| Electric Vehicle / Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle | 6,001-10,000 pounds | $150.00 |
| Electric Vehicle / Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle | 10,001-26,000 pounds | $260.00 |
| Electric Vehicle / Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle | Over 26,000 pounds | $900.00 |
| Other Alternative Fuel Vehicles | Less than 6,000 pounds | $110.00 |
| Other Alternative Fuel Vehicles | 6,001-10,000 pounds | $150.00 |
| Other Alternative Fuel Vehicles | 10,001-26,000 pounds | $260.00 |
| Other Alternative Fuel Vehicles | Over 26,000 pounds | $900.00 |
| Electric Motorcycles | No weight requirement | $15.00 |
Vanity License Plate Fee
Delaware currently maintains existing vanity license plates issued prior to May 14, 2024, which remain eligible for renewal. The annual fee for vanity license plates is $40.00, charged in addition to the regular annual registration fee for the vehicle. Based upon a court decision issued May 14, 2024, the Division is no longer authorized to issue new vanity license plates.
Specialty License Plate Fee
Delaware offers various specialty license plates supporting designated causes and organizations. Environmental specialty plates, animal welfare specialty plates, and farmland preservation specialty plates require a one-time initial fee of $50.00 at issuance. These plates carry an annual renewal fee of $25.00, collected in addition to the vehicle's standard registration renewal charge.
Division of Motor Vehicles Locations
The following Division of Motor Vehicles offices handle vehicle title and registration transactions throughout Delaware. All locations operate Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. For additional information regarding vehicle services, forms, and online services, visit the official Delaware DMV contact page.
Delaware City Division of Motor Vehicles
2101 Mid County Drive, New Castle, DE 19720
Phone: (302) 326-5000
Official Website: Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Greater Wilmington Division of Motor Vehicles
2230 Hessler Boulevard, New Castle, DE 19720
Phone: (302) 434-3200
Official Website: Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Dover Division of Motor Vehicles
303 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE 19903
Phone: (302) 744-2500
Official Website: Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Georgetown Division of Motor Vehicles
23737 DuPont Boulevard, Georgetown, DE 19947
Phone: (302) 853-1000
Official Website: Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
