Do I Need an Inspection To Renew My Tags in Delaware?
Yes, Delaware requires both safety and emissions inspections for tag renewal on most vehicles. As prescribed under 21 Del.C. § 2143, motor vehicles must be inspected by the Division of Motor Vehicles and determined to be safe and properly equipped before registration can be renewed.
Delaware operates a biennial inspection program, mandating that vehicles pass both safety and emission inspections once every two years. Registration renewals can be processed up to 90 days before the expiration date.
After a successful renewal, Delaware issues registration cards and license plate stickers. The stickers, which display expiration dates, must be affixed to the lower right corner of the rear license plate.
Exemptions and Special Circumstances
Delaware law provides inspection exemptions for certain vehicle categories under 21 Del.C. § 2143 and 7 DE Admin. Code 1131:
- Vehicles in the seven most recent model years
- Small trailers with gross weight of 4,000 pounds or less not equipped with brakes
- Fire trucks, rescue trucks, and ambulances used by fire companies and volunteer services
- Vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan
- Motor vehicles registered as antique vehicles or street rod vehicles
- Farm vehicles with FV license plates used exclusively in farm operations
- Motorcycles and mopeds
- Vehicles powered solely by electricity from solar cells or batteries
- Reconstructed motor vehicles more than 25 years old with usage limited to 1,000 miles per year
- Kit cars manufactured and registered as such
- Tactical military vehicles used exclusively for military field operations
Contact Information for Tag Services
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles - Kent County
303 Transportation Circle, P.O. Box 698, Dover, DE 19903
Phone: (302) 744-2500
Official Website: Division of Motor Vehicles
