Vehicle Titling Requirements

Procedures for Delaware Residents for Vehicle Titling

Delaware law requires the following vehicles to be titled in Delaware prior to the vehicle being registered to operate on Delaware highways: All motor vehicles, truck tractors, trailers, motorcycles, mopeds, mobile homes and house trailers. Off-highway vehicles and all-terrain vehicles are required to be registered at the Division of Motor Vehicles but not titled. Boat registrations are handled by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control . Boat trailers must be titled and registered at the Division of Motor Vehicles. Snowmobiles are not required to be titled or registered.

Delaware law requires all buyers of Delaware-registered vehicles to make application for a new certificate of title immediately following the purchase of the vehicle; but in no case, more than 30 days after the purchase of the vehicle. A penalty fee is charged for the issuance of a new certificate of title when the application is received more than 30 days after the vehicle was purchased.

The Division of Motor Vehicles recommends the seller transfer the title of the vehicle to the buyer at a Division facility.  This will ensure the buyer actually obtains a new title on the vehicle, ensures the seller’s name is removed as the vehicle owner and allows a Motor Vehicle Title Associate to review the paperwork and provides the ability to correct any errors with the paperwork. If the seller and buyer cannot meet at DMV for the title transfer, Delaware law requires the registered owner to notify DMV of the sale or transfer of a vehicle. The seller must complete the Seller's Report of Sale and registration card and mail them to DMV except when the vehicle is sold/transferred to a dealer. In that case, provide the registration card to the dealer and mail the Seller's Report of Sale to DMV.
All documents presented to DMV, such as, title application, power of attorney, estate executor document, etc. must be the original document. Photocopies are not accepted.

Select from the title option that applies to your specific situation from the left navigation menu.