Q: How much is a Temporary tag?
A: temporary tag is $20.
Q: Where may I purchase a Temporary tag?
A: Delaware Temporary tags are only sold at Delaware Division of Motor Vehicle locations or by authorized licensed Delaware Motor Vehicle Dealers for vehicles sold by those dealerships.
This process can be completed inside the DMV office or at the drive thru.
Q: Can I purchase a Temporary tag online?
A: No, Delaware temporary tags are only sold in person at Delaware Division of Motor Vehicle locations or by authorized licensed Delaware Motor Vehicle Dealers for vehicles sold by those dealerships.
Q: Are there vehicles that do not qualify for a temporary tag?
A: Vehicles registered as a Licensed Transporter (LT), Construction Tag (CT), Limousine (LX), Taxi (TX), a school bus, any vehicles branded junk etc. are not eligible.
Vehicles that will be registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP) must obtain a temporary tag from the Motor Carrier Section and are only eligible to drive interstate (Delaware only).
If a temporary tag is issued from a dealership for a new vehicle purchase, the vehicle is only eligible to drive intrastate.
Q: After failing inspection some repairs were completed, but I am still waiting on parts and need a second temporary tag. What do I do?
A: The vehicle is required to go through inspection again to prove some repairs have been completed. If the vehicle does not fail for safety related items, the inspection lane will determine if the vehicle is eligible for a second temporary tag.
Q: I bought a new car from a dealer, and I need another temp tag. What do I do?
A: If you purchased your vehicle from a Delaware dealer, you must request a second temporary tag from your dealership. The dealership may contact Dealer Services Help desk at mtrvdealerserviceshelpdesk@delaware.gov for additional information.
If you purchased your vehicle from an out of state dealer, you can contact the dealership for a second temporary tag or purchase one directly from the Delaware DMV.
You must submit the bill of sale showing the purchaser’s name and vehicle identification number (VIN), Delaware driver's license, valid Delaware insurance, pass the Delaware DMV inspection, and pay the $20 fee.
This process can be completed inside the DMV office or at the drive thru.
Q: What inspection failure reasons result in a temporary tag denial?
A: Vehicles that fail for safety related items such as cracks in windshield, brakes, headlights, turn signals, wipers etc. The eligibility for a temporary tag would be determined by DMV’s inspection lane personnel based on the DMV Inspection Lane Manual accessible via the link below. https://dmv.de.gov/forms/veh_serv_forms/pdfs/Vehicle_Inspection_Manual.pdf
Q: I purchased a vehicle out of state and need to drive it back to Delaware. How can I purchase a temporary tag for this purpose?
A: To qualify for a five-day transit tag, you must provide:
- Your Delaware driver license,
- Valid Delaware insurance in your name. The proof of insurance can be for another vehicle you own or may be for the vehicle you plan on purchasing.
- If the insurance does not have the VIN of the vehicle you plan on purchasing, you must submit a document including the date of sale, name of seller and purchaser, year, make, model, and VIN of the new vehicle.
Q: Can I get a temporary tag without taking my vehicle through a DMV inspection lane?
A: No, a vehicle must be inspected in Delaware to purchase a temporary tag.
Q: My tag is expired, how to I drive it to the DMV for inspection?
A: You can complete a Direct Drive Permit to travel to the closest Delaware DMV location. This permit is only valid during Delaware DMV business hours, and you must travel the most direct route to your local DMV office. You must have valid Delaware insurance on the vehicle.
Q: My car was impounded. How can I get a temporary tag to pick it up?
A: If your vehicle is impounded, you may be eligible for a 2-day temporary tag. You must present a valid Delaware insurance card, the impound paperwork, and your Delaware driver license. The person requesting the temporary tag must be the owner of the vehicle. The fee is $20.
Q: What if my valid temporary tag is stolen or falls off the vehicle?
A: Bring your temporary tag registration card, valid insurance, and your Delaware driver license to your local DMV. The fee for a duplicate temporary tag is $2.00. This process can be completed inside the DMV office or at the drive thru.
Q: Does DMV or licensed Delaware dealerships offer temporary tags that are good more than 90-days?
A: No, one 90- day Temporary Tag can be issued by a licensed Delaware Dealership upon the completion of a sale. DMV can issue a 60-, 30- or 5-day temporary tag depending on the unique situation. Delaware will never issue a temporary tag beyond 90 days.
For further assistance please contact, DMVCustomerService@delaware.gov.
