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How To Register a Car in Delaware

Who Needs Vehicle Registration in Delaware

Vehicle registration is mandatory for all motor vehicles operated on Delaware's public highways and roads. Registration requirements apply to various categories of owners and operators under Delaware's comprehensive motor vehicle code outlined in Delaware Code Title 21.

New residents must register their vehicles within 60 days after establishing residency in Delaware. This requirement applies regardless of when out-of-state registration expires or the length of intended stay. Establishing residency typically occurs when individuals obtain Delaware employment, lease or purchase property, register to vote, or enroll children in Delaware schools.

Military personnel receive specific accommodations under Delaware law. Active duty service members and their dependents are not required to obtain Delaware vehicle registration until 60 days after separation from military service, provided they maintain legal domicile in another state. However, military members who establish Delaware residency must comply with standard registration requirements. Active duty personnel may qualify for exemptions from the 4.25% document fee when registering vehicles.

Students attending Delaware educational institutions must register vehicles if they establish residency or remain beyond temporary visitor status. College students maintaining out-of-state legal residence may continue using valid out-of-state registration during their educational tenure.

Temporary visitors may operate vehicles with valid out-of-state registration for reasonable periods while visiting Delaware. Extended stays that suggest residency establishment trigger the 60-day registration requirement.

Business operators and fleet owners must register all commercial vehicles operated within Delaware, regardless of business domicile. Commercial vehicles engaged in interstate operations may qualify for International Registration Plan (IRP) apportioned registration through the Delaware DMV.

Licensed dealers must comply with specific dealer registration provisions and may utilize dealer license plates for inventory vehicles and demonstration purposes.

What Types of Vehicles Need Registration in Delaware

Delaware requires registration for various vehicle categories with specific classification criteria and weight thresholds:

Passenger cars including sedans, coupes, convertibles, and station wagons under 5,000 pounds
Motorcycles designed for operation on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground
Commercial vehicles designed for transportation of persons or property, including delivery trucks and cargo vans
Trucks exceeding 5,000 pounds registered weight, subject to graduated commercial registration fees
Buses used for passenger transportation, including school buses and public transit vehicles
Recreational vehicles including motorhomes, travel trailers, and camping trailers
Trailers and semitrailers exceeding 3,000 pounds gross weight require separate registration
Antique motor vehicles manufactured more than 25 years prior to the current year, eligible for special antique registration with $25 lifetime plates
Farm vehicles owned by farmers deriving at least $1,000 annually from farming operations, qualifying for reduced "FT" license plates
Utility trailers and boat trailers based on weight and usage classifications
Autocycles and three-wheel motor vehicles meeting specific design criteria

Weight classifications determine registration fees, with passenger vehicles under 5,000 pounds paying $40 annually, while commercial vehicles face graduated rates based on registered weight from 5,001 to 80,000 pounds and beyond.

Which Vehicles Are Exempt From Registration in Delaware

Several vehicle categories qualify for registration exemptions or special provisions under Delaware law:

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations recognized by the IRS are completely exempt from vehicle registration fees under Delaware Code Title 21 § 2159(a)(7), though vehicles must still be registered and titled.

Farm vehicles and equipment used exclusively for agricultural operations by farmers earning at least $1,000 annually from farming may qualify for reduced registration fees and inspection exemptions under the Farm Manual provisions.

Government vehicles owned and operated by federal, state, county, or municipal agencies may qualify for exemptions or special registration procedures.

Military tactical vehicles and specialized military equipment used exclusively for official purposes are exempt from civilian registration requirements.

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) designed exclusively for off-road use are exempt from standard registration but may require separate off-highway vehicle registration for legal operation on designated trails.

Construction and logging equipment used exclusively for work purposes and not operated on public highways for transportation may qualify for exemptions.

Emergency vehicles including fire trucks and ambulances operated by qualified emergency services may qualify for special registration exemptions or reduced fees.

Vehicles operated exclusively on private property that never traverse public roads are exempt from registration requirements.

Antique vehicles registered under special antique provisions are exempt from annual inspection requirements after passing an initial inspection.

What Do You Need To Register a Car in Delaware

Vehicle registration in Delaware requires specific documentation, inspections, and fee payments that vary by vehicle type and ownership status:

Required documents include:

Completed Application for Certificate of Title Form MV-212
Proof of ownership including manufacturer's certificate of origin for new vehicles or properly assigned out-of-state title
Valid Delaware driver's license or state-issued identification card
Proof of Delaware liability insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements of $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 plus Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification for out-of-state vehicles
Bill of sale or purchase agreement documenting transaction details and purchase price

Inspection requirements mandate biennial safety and emissions testing for most vehicles. Safety inspections cover brakes, lights, steering, suspension, tires, and glass. Emissions testing applies to vehicles 8 model years and older, with the first 7 model years exempt from emissions requirements. Inspections are performed at no charge to vehicle owners.

Fees and taxes include:

Registration fee: $40 annually for vehicles under 5,000 pounds
Document fee: 4.25% of purchase price or NADA book value, whichever is greater (minimum $8), increasing to 5.25% effective October 1, 2025
Title fee: $35 for new titles
Lien processing: $10 when applicable
Temporary registration: $20 for 30-day permits
Alternative fuel vehicle fees: $400 annually for electric vehicles and $250 for hybrid vehicles (effective October 1, 2025)

Special requirements include odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 model years old and compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for imported vehicles under 25 years old.

Where to Register Your Vehicle in Delaware

Delaware operates four DMV facilities serving residents statewide, with each location providing full vehicle registration and titling services:

Delaware City Division of Motor Vehicles
2101 Mid County Drive, New Castle, DE 19720
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM; Wednesday, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
(302) 326-5000
Delaware City DMV

Greater Wilmington Division of Motor Vehicles
2230 Hessler Boulevard, New Castle, DE 19720
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM; Wednesday, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
(302) 434-3200
Greater Wilmington DMV

Dover Division of Motor Vehicles
303 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE 19903
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM; Wednesday, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
(302) 744-2500
Dover DMV

Georgetown Division of Motor Vehicles
23737 DuPont Boulevard, Georgetown, DE 19947
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM; Wednesday, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
(302) 853-1000
Georgetown DMV

DMV On-The-Go mobile services provide select services at various community locations throughout Delaware on a scheduled basis through the DMV On-The-Go Bus Calendar.

A complete directory is available at the Delaware DMV locations page.

Authorized third-party services include drive-thru renewal lanes at select DMV facilities and kiosk services for certain transactions.

Can I Register a Vehicle Online in Delaware?

Delaware offers comprehensive online vehicle services through the myDMV portal system with various registration-related capabilities:

Available online services include:

Vehicle registration renewal for eligible vehicles through the myDMV account system
Change of address notifications for both vehicle registration and driver license records
Registration renewal notifications allowing customers to sign up for email or phone reminders
Duplicate registration card requests for lost or damaged certificates
Special license plate applications and renewals
Handicap placard applications and renewals for qualifying individuals

Service limitations require in-person processing for:

Initial vehicle registration from out-of-state or new purchases
Title transfers between owners requiring document verification
New resident registration requiring inspection and documentation review
Lien additions or releases involving financial institutions
Antique vehicle registration requiring special documentation

Eligibility requirements for online renewal include:

Valid myDMV account with current email address and phone number
Vehicles in the six newest model years weighing less than 10,000 pounds
No outstanding fees or violations on the vehicle registration
Valid Delaware liability insurance meeting state requirements
Current inspection status with no expired safety or emissions requirements

Payment methods accept major credit cards and electronic checks through secure payment processing. Online transactions include convenience fees assessed by third-party payment processors.

When Does Vehicle Registration Expire in Delaware

Delaware utilizes a 12-month registration period with specific expiration timing and renewal procedures designed to balance DMV workload throughout the year:

Registration term length is one year from the issue date, requiring annual renewal regardless of when the vehicle was initially registered.

Expiration system uses a split-month approach implemented since September 1991, where vehicle registrations expire on either the 15th or last day of the assigned month to distribute renewal volume evenly across DMV facilities.

Month assignment is based on the last digit of the license plate number, creating a systematic distribution of expiration dates throughout the year. This system ensures consistent monthly renewal volumes rather than seasonal peaks.

Registration validity requires:

Current Delaware liability insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements
Valid biennial safety inspection within the required timeframe
Emissions compliance for vehicles subject to testing requirements
Payment of all registration fees and any outstanding penalties

Consequences of expired registration include:

Traffic citations with fines and court appearances
$20 late fee in addition to standard registration fees when renewing after expiration
Vehicle impoundment risk during traffic stops
Insurance complications as some policies require valid registration

Grace periods do not exist in Delaware law. Registration expires at midnight on the specified expiration date with no legal operating period beyond that time.

Renewal timing allows registration renewal up to 90 days prior to expiration, encouraging early renewal to avoid lapses. Delaware discontinued mailing registration renewal notices in 2009, placing responsibility on vehicle owners to track expiration dates and complete timely renewals through the Vehicle Registration eNotification Sign Up system.