Titling and registering happens in three steps: insure the vehicle, get it inspected, then apply for the title and registration. New residents have 60 days, and once registration expires there is no grace period.
Time new residents have to title and register their vehicles in Delaware
Handbook p. 59 ↗Three steps to title and register:
- Step 1: Buy liability insurance from a company licensed in Delaware
- Step 2: Pass inspection at a DMV location
- Step 3: Apply for a Delaware title and registration
Know the rule
If the vehicle comes from a state that issues titles, surrender the certificate of title. If there's a lien, DMV provides form letter MV-35 to get the title from the lienholder.
Handbook p. 64 ↗Know the rule
The title application (MV-212) must be signed by all owners, by someone with an original notarized power of attorney, or by an officer of the owning company.
Handbook p. 64 ↗Know the rule
Vehicles brought from another state pay a document fee of 4.25% of the NADA average trade-in value (minimum $8.00; mobile homes 3.75%), unless you prove you paid another state's sales or transfer tax within 90 days before registering.
Handbook p. 65 ↗Know the rule
Trading in a Delaware-titled vehicle lets you deduct its value from the new vehicle's purchase price for the document fee (limits apply). The 90-day out-of-state tax credit rule is strictly enforced.
Handbook p. 15 ↗Title & registration fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Title, no lien | $35.00 |
| Title, with lien (mailed to lienholder) | $55.00 |
| Passenger registration, 1 year | $40.00 |
| Passenger registration, 2 years | $80.00 |
| Registration, 6 months | $21.00 |
| Late renewal | $20.00 |
Know the rule
If you're under 18, your title application must be signed by a parent, guardian or court-appointed custodian.
Handbook p. 65 ↗Know the rule
To renew you need proof of insurance and a passed safety and emissions inspection. You may inspect any time 90 days before expiration (a June 30 expiration can be inspected after April 1). Trailers of 4,000 pounds or less need no re-inspection.
Handbook p. 65 ↗Changes
| Change | Rule |
|---|---|
| Address within Delaware | Within 30 days; tell Vehicle Services and DL |
| Name | Within 30 days; new title/registration $35/$55 |
Know the rule
Change your name on your driver license before changing it on the title and registration.
Handbook p. 66 ↗Know the rule
Residents temporarily living more than 200 miles out of state (such as military personnel and college students) may renew by mail using out-of-state inspection form MV210.
Handbook p. 66 ↗Know the rule
Keep the registration card and proof of insurance in the vehicle. The plate goes on the rear, with the expiration sticker on its lower right corner.
Handbook p. 66 ↗Registration expires at midnight on the day shown on the sticker—there is no grace period
Handbook p. 66 ↗Put it into practice
Your sticker shows June 30. You can be inspected any time after April 1 without losing any time. If you wait until July 1, you're driving unregistered—there's no grace period—and you'll owe a $20.00 late fee.