How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Delaware?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Delaware residents to maintain legal driving privileges. The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles operates under the Department of Transportation and handles all vehicle registration services through four full-service facilities statewide and mobile DMV units.
Delaware Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
Delaware vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Valid Delaware Liability Insurance: Current proof of Delaware-compliant minimum liability insurance coverage
- Delaware Driver's License: Valid Delaware driver's license or state-issued identification card for all registered owners
- Current Registration Card: Existing vehicle registration certificate or renewal notice
- Vehicle Odometer Reading: Current mileage reading required for all renewals
- Vehicle Inspection Compliance: Passing safety and emissions inspection for vehicles seven model years or older
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Annual Renewal System: Delaware requires vehicle registration renewal every year for most vehicle types
- 90-Day Advance Renewal: Vehicle registrations may be renewed up to 90 days prior to their expiration date
- Automated Reminder System: The Division sends email or phone notifications at 90, 60, and 30 days before expiration to registered participants
- Late Fee Assessment: A $20 late fee applies to all renewals completed after the registration expiration date
- No Grace Period: Late fees are assessed immediately upon expiration without any grace period
- Inspection Requirements: Vehicles six years old receive one-year renewals without inspection; all others receive two-year renewals with required passing inspection
Delaware Registration Renewal Schedule
Delaware operates on individual vehicle renewal dates rather than a staggered system. Each vehicle's registration expires exactly one year from its last renewal date, creating continuous renewal cycles throughout the year.
Special Renewal Categories:
- Vehicles 0-6 Model Years: Eligible for mail renewal packages without inspection requirement
- Vehicles 7+ Model Years: Must pass safety and emissions inspection before renewal
- Commercial Vehicles Over 55,000 Pounds: Must provide current Federal Heavy Weight Use Tax Form 2290
- Military Personnel: Special provisions for temporary duty assignments and deployment extensions
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Delaware in 2025
2025 Delaware Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
The following table shows the base registration fees established by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles:
| Vehicle Type | Weight Classification | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger cars | 5,000 pounds or less | $40.00 |
| Motorcycles | All weights | $15.00 |
| Mopeds | All weights | $5.00 |
| Farm trucks | 5,000 pounds or less | $40.00 |
| Farm trucks | Each 1,000 pounds over 5,000 | $8.00 |
| Recreational vehicles | 5,000 pounds or less | $40.00 |
| Recreational vehicles | Each 1,000 pounds over 5,000 | $8.00 |
Commercial Vehicle Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Weight Classification | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Trucks/Buses/Cargo vans | 5,000 pounds or less | $40.00 |
| Trucks/Buses/Cargo vans | Each 1,000 pounds over 5,000 | $8.00 |
| Commercial vehicles requiring Federal Form 2290 | Over 55,000 pounds | Base fee plus federal tax compliance |
Trailer Registration Fees
| Trailer Type | Weight Classification | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Light trailers | 0-1,000 pounds | $15.00 |
| Medium trailers | 1,001-2,000 pounds | $20.00 |
| Heavy trailers | 2,001-5,000 pounds | $25.00 |
| Extra heavy trailers | Each 1,000 pounds over 5,000 | $8.00 |
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fees (Effective October 1, 2025)
Delaware imposes additional annual fees for alternative fuel vehicles:
| Vehicle Type | Weight Classification | Annual AFV Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) | Under 6,000 lbs MGVWR | $60.00 |
| Non-Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) | 6,001-10,000 lbs MGVWR | $80.00 |
| Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) | Under 6,000 lbs MGVWR | $85.00 |
| Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) | 6,001-10,000 lbs MGVWR | $115.00 |
| Electric Vehicle (EV/FCEV) | Under 6,000 lbs MGVWR | $110.00 |
| Electric Vehicle (EV/FCEV) | 6,001-10,000 lbs MGVWR | $150.00 |
| Other Alternative Fuel Vehicles | Under 6,000 lbs MGVWR | $110.00 |
| Electric Motorcycles | No weight requirements | $15.00 |
Additional Fees and Services
| Service Type | Fee Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Late renewal penalty | $20.00 | Applied immediately after expiration |
| Temporary registration tag | $20.00 | Short-term registration permit |
| Temporary permit | $20.00 | Special circumstances permit |
| Courtesy inspection | $4.00 | DMV facility inspection service |
| Vanity plate (additional) | $40.00 annually | Personalized license plate |
| Handicapped placard | No fee | Disability parking permit |
**Document Fee Structure **: Delaware charges a document fee of 5.25% of the vehicle's purchase price or NADA book value (whichever is greater), with a minimum fee of $8.00 and maximum of $13.75 for mobile homes.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Delaware
Online Renewal Availability
Delaware offers online vehicle registration renewal through the myDMV portal for eligible vehicles. The online system operates 24 hours daily and provides immediate processing for qualifying renewals.
Eligibility Requirements for Online Renewal
Eligible Vehicles: Vehicles in the six newest model years, weighing less than 10,000 pounds, that do not require safety or emissions inspection.
Inspection Requirements:
- Vehicles 0-6 model years: No inspection required, eligible for online renewal
- Vehicles 7+ model years: Must complete safety and emissions inspection at DMV facility before renewal
- Out-of-state vehicles: May require special inspection certification
Account Requirements: Delaware residents must create a myDMV account and verify identity through the Delaware DMV system.
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Account Setup and Verification
- Create a myDMV account on the Delaware DMV website
- Verify identity using Delaware driver's license information
- Register for email/phone renewal notifications to receive advance renewal notices
Step 2: Gather Required Information
- Delaware driver's license number and expiration date
- Current vehicle registration card or license plate number
- Current vehicle odometer reading
- Valid Delaware liability insurance policy information
- Credit or debit card for payment (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
Step 3: Complete Online Renewal
- Log into your myDMV account through the secure portal
- Select vehicle registration renewal from available services
- Enter required vehicle and insurance information
- Verify current odometer reading
- Review renewal term (one-year or two-year based on vehicle age and inspection status)
- Submit payment for registration fees
Step 4: Receive Registration Documentation
- Download and print temporary registration certificate immediately
- Retain printed certificate in vehicle until permanent documents arrive
- New registration sticker and certificate mailed within 7-10 business days
- Update insurance company with new registration information if required
Alternative Renewal Methods
Mail-In Renewal
Eligible vehicles receive mail renewal packages approximately 90 days before expiration:
- Complete the enclosed renewal form with current information
- Include current odometer reading and insurance verification
- Submit payment by check or money order (no cash accepted)
- Mail completed package to the address provided in renewal notice
- Allow 10-14 business days for processing and return mail
In-Person Renewal
All vehicles may be renewed at any of Delaware's four DMV facilities:
- Bring current registration card or renewal notice
- Present valid Delaware driver's license or state ID
- Provide current Delaware liability insurance card
- Submit current vehicle odometer reading
- Complete required inspection if applicable (vehicles 7+ model years)
- Pay renewal fees using cash, check, money order, or credit card
Drive-Through Service: All Delaware DMV facilities offer convenient drive-through windows for registration renewals, accepting cash, check, debit card, or credit card payments for customers with complete documentation.
Mobile DMV Service: The DMV On-The-Go mobile unit provides registration services in Sussex County three days per week from May through October, operating from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Contact Information
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
303 Transportation Circle
Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 744-2500
Customer Service Email: DMVCustomerService@state.de.us
Website: Delaware DMV
DMV Service Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM; Wednesday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Regional DMV Locations:
Delaware City Division of Motor Vehicles
2101 Mid County Drive
New Castle, DE 19720
Phone: (302) 326-5000
Website: Delaware DMV
Dover Division of Motor Vehicles
303 Transportation Circle
Dover, DE 1990
Phone: (302) 744-2500
Website: Delaware DMV
Georgetown Division of Motor Vehicles
23737 DuPont Boulevard
Georgetown, DE 19947
Phone: (302) 853-1000
Website: Delaware DMV
Wilmington Division of Motor Vehicles
2230 Hessler Boulevard
New Castle, Delaware 19720
Phone: (302) 434-3200
Website: Delaware DMV
Delaware residents can access real-time wait times for all DMV facilities online, with optimal service typically available on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. TDD services are available for deaf or hard of hearing customers at 1-800-232-5460 during business hours.
