Delaware Vehicle Registration

For New Residents

Newcomers must register their vehicles within 60 days of establishing residency in Delaware. Any address changes must be reported to the DMV within 30 days. To register a vehicle, follow these steps:

• Get liability/car insurance that meets Delaware's minimum requirements.

• $15,000 per person injury/death per accident
• $30,000 multiple injuries/deaths per accident
• $10,000 property damage per accident

• Pass the vehicle safety and emissions test (depending on vehicle type).
• Gather necessary documents.

• Certificate of title (manufacturer's certificate from previous state)
• Proof of insurance
• Completed Certificate of Title Application (Form MV-212)
• Driver's license
• Proof of residency (e.g., utility bills and credit card statements)

• Submit the required documents to a DMV office.
• Pay the fees.

Additional Information

Here are some important things to note when registering a vehicle in Delaware as a new resident:

• All vehicle owners must sign the application, or an authorized representative can sign with power of attorney.
• There is a 2.75% vehicle document fee, with a minimum of $8. Title fees are $15 (no lien) or $25 (with lien).
• Depending on the vehicle's model year, owners can choose a registration duration of up to five years.
• Applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign the application.

For more information on navigating the registration process for new residents, check the "Guidelines For New Residents" booklet prepared by the DE DMV.

For Out-of-State Vehicles

An out-of-state vehicle that has not been titled or registered in Delaware requires several steps and specific documentation for registration. Follow these steps:

• Visit a local DMV office.
• Present the vehicle at the DMV recheck inspection lane for VIN verification.
• Provide the required documents.

• Document of Origin or Present Title (with an odometer disclosure or mileage details)
• Bill of sale
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of residency
• Proof of identification or driver's license

• Complete the Form MV-212.
• Pass the vehicle safety and emissions test(depending on vehicle type).
• Pay the required fees.
• Get a temporary tag (If necessary).

If the current out-of-state registration has expired, purchase a temporary tag to drive the vehicle into the state and take it for inspection. This tag is valid for five days, enough to complete the necessary process.

To purchase, visit the DE DMV office and present the following:

• Proof of car insurance
• Bill of sale or vehicle title
• VIN
• Vehicle make, model, and year
• Payment of $20 fee

For Non-Residents

Delaware law permits non-residents to register a vehicle upon meeting specific conditions. To do so, follow these steps:

• Visit the nearest DE DMV office.
• Provide the required documents.

• Vehicle registration (from the state where the owner resides)
• Car insurance proof (for vehicle garaged in Delaware)
• Two proofs of address (where the vehicle will be garaged in Delaware)
• Driver's license (from their resident state)

• Pass a Delaware vehicle inspection.
• Pay all applicable fees.
• Sign the Affidavit of Non-Domiciliary Resident form.

For Military Members

Military members, whether residents or non-residents of Delaware, can register their vehicles in the state. Follow the steps below:

• Gather the required documents.

• For Residents:
• A copy of the military orders showing assignment to Delaware
• Proof of Delaware residency
• Non-Residents:
• Military orders showing assignment to Delaware
• Registration and vehicle insurance owned in their home state
• Two proofs of the address where the vehicle will be garaged
• Driver's license from their home state

• Secure proof of insurance.
• Pass the vehicle inspection.
• Pay all applicable fees.

Active-duty military members and their families in Delaware can register vehicles without the document fee within 90 days of relocating or purchasing a car. Furthermore, the Delaware DMV offers various services for military personnel that can be added to any driver's license.

Vehicles Bought at a Dealership

Dealers typically handle the titling and registration paperwork when a vehicle is purchased. New cars may be eligible for more extended registration periods.

Vehicles Bought from a Private Seller

When purchasing a vehicle from a private party in Delaware, the buyer must handle titling and registration personally. Here are some essential steps to consider:

• Verify the title and vehicle information.

• The seller must sign the title.
• The VIN on the title should be the same as the VIN displayed.

• Provide a notarized lien release if the title lists a lienholder.
• Check the odometer reading on the title.
• Gather the required documents.

• Driver's license or Identification Card
• Proof of insurance (for the purchased vehicle)
• Bill of sale or certificate of title
• VIN, make, and manufacture year

• Take the required documents to a Delaware DMV office.
• Apply for a new certificate of title.This must be done within 30 days of purchase and pass a vehicle inspection.
• Pay the required fees.

For Heavy Vehicles

Vehicles exceeding 26,000 lbs in Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) necessitate additional registration procedures in Delaware. For safe operation within specified limits, these vehicles should not be registered with a weight that exceeds the GVWR.

Here is the process:

• Gather the required documentation.

• Manufacturer's plate, sticker, or plaque
• New vehicle delivery documents
• Manufacturer's statement: VIN, weight ratings, and GVWR
• DMV-assigned GVWR

• Complete the Form MV-212.
• Register for a weight capacity of 26,000 lbs or higher if needed.

• $100 fee
• Vehicles under 65,000 lbs GVWR cannot be registered at a higher weight.
• New vehicles or those older than 20 cannot exceed the manufacturer's GVWR.
• Effective June 15, 2026 : No vehicle can exceed its manufacturer's GVWR.

• Pay registration fees based on the vehicle's GVWR.

• Vehicles under 5,000 lbs GVWR pay $40/year.
• Vehicles of more than 5,000 lbs pay an extra $18/year for each 1,000 lbs or part thereof.

Key Information

To navigate the process when registering heavy vehicles, here are the things to remember:

• First-time vehicle registrants must adhere to the manufacturer's GVWR.
• Vehicles aged 20 years or older should not exceed the GVWR limit for registration purposes.
• In cases of expired registration, a late fee of $20 will be added to the standard fee unless the registration has lapsed for over 12 months or a permit was acquired.
• Owners of trailer fleets meeting specific requirements can register trailers for seven years by applying to the DMV and paying the required fees.

For Farm Vehicles

To register a farm vehicle in Delaware, applicants must first assess their eligibility for registration based on the following categories:

• Farm Vehicles With FT Tag License Plates
• Farm Vehicles with FV Tags License Plates (No Inspection Required)

To register, follow these steps:

• Gather the necessary documentation.

• Proof of income derived from farm operations
• Proof of owning or renting a minimum of 10 acres for farming
• Documentation proving the vehicle's exclusive use in farm operations

• Register at the Delaware DMV office.

• Registering "F.T." Tags
• Complete an application form for "F.T." tags at the Delaware DMV.
• Submit proof of income, ownership/rental, and exclusive use for farm operations or personal use.
• Registering "FV" Tags
• Complete an application form for "F.V." tags at the Delaware DMV.
• Submit proof of income, ownership/rental, and exclusive use for farm operations or personal use.

• Submit the documentation and pay registration fees for "F.T." or "F.V." tags.

Other Special Vehicles

Besides farm and heavy vehicles, the following types of special vehicles must be registered in Delaware:

Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs)

Low-speed vehicles are four-wheeled vehicles designed to operate at speeds not exceeding 25 mph. Registration for this type of vehicle can be done with the following required documents:

• Form MV-212
• Manufacturer's certificate of origin
• Proof of insurance
• VIN verification documentation (if applicable)
• Certification of equipment condition

Off-highway and Terrain Vehicles

Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are motorized vehicles designed for off-road use. They are popular for recreational and agricultural activities and must be registered at the DMV but not titled.

To register an OHV in Delaware, the required documents are:

• Description of the vehicle (make, year, serial number)
• Proof of age for the applicant, with a valid ID, if under 18
• Parental consent for applicants under 18
• $6 registration fee for three years
• Confirmation of safety equipment (brakes, muffler)

License Plates in Delaware

In Delaware, every vehicle that operates on public roads must have a license plate issued by the state DMV. These plates serve as a unique identifier for each vehicle. When registering a car, the owner receives a license plate along with a registration card.

Delaware license plates typically feature black characters on a white background. The plate number usually consists of a combination of numbers and letters. The state's name, "Delaware," is prominently displayed at the top of the plate.

Residents must renew their vehicle registration annually, which also renews the validity of their license plates. If a plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, the owner can request a replacement from the DE DMV. It is essential for vehicle owners to keep their plates clean and visible, as obscured plates can result in fines.

Vanity License Plates

In a significant change for Delaware drivers, the U.S. District Court issued a decision on May 14, 2024, that impacts the availability of vanity license plates. According to this ruling, the DE DMV is no longer allowed to issue new vanity license plates.

Vanity plates, which previously allowed vehicle owners to personalize their license plates with unique combinations of letters, numbers, and some symbols, were a popular way for residents to express their individuality. These plates were available for various vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and RVs.

However, the court's decision means that as of May 14, 2024, the DMV will no longer accept or process new applications for vanity plates. This change affects all those who were planning to obtain a new vanity plate.

Note that the court's decision doesn't affect existing vanity plates. Those who already have a vanity plate issued before the court's ruling can still renew it annually along with their regular vehicle registration.

For additional information about renewing a vanity plate, contact the DE DMV or any local DMV facilities.

Requirements for Renewal

When renewing Delaware vehicle registration, individuals are required to provide the following:

• Delaware insurance
• Driver's license
• Present vehicle registration
• Vehicle odometer mileage
• Payment
• Handicap Self-Certification Form MV2011 (to renew the handicap tag)

Renewal Methods

The Delaware DMV offers several methods for vehicle registration renewal:

Online

Delaware vehicle owners can renew their registration online through the Delaware DMV's website for convenience. To complete an online renewal, applicants will need to:

• Create or log in on the DE myDMV Online Account Services.
• Fill in the necessary fields.
• Pay the fee shown.

In-Person

To complete the renewal in person, vehicle owners will need to:

• Locate and go to the Delaware DMV office.
• Bring the required documents.
• Proof of insurance
• Vehicle inspection proof, if required
• Driver's license
• Present vehicle registration
• Submit payment for the applicable renewal fees.

By Mail

Vehicles in the six newest model years, weighing less than 10,000 pounds, can be renewed by mail. The DMV will send a package with the necessary forms and instructions, which include following the steps below:

• Gather the essential documents.
• Proof of insurance
• Vehicle inspection proof, if needed
• Present vehicle registration card
• Mail the documents to the DMV:

Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles

Vehicle Registration

P.O. Box 108

Dover, DE 19903

• Pay the applicable fees.

Drive-Thru Service

For the convenience of vehicle owners, The DE DMV offers drive-thru window service at all DMV facilities. They will need to:

• Gather all the required documentation.
• Proof of Delaware insurance
• Proof of passing a vehicle inspection (if applicable)
• Driver's license
• Present vehicle registration card
• Visit the nearest DMV office and use the drive-thru window service.
• Pay the applicable fees.