How to transfer a car title in Delaware
For private sellers and buyers in Delaware. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Delaware, the seller fills out Section 1 of the title with the buyer, date, price and mileage, sends the Report of Sale and returns the plate. The buyer fills out Section 4 and transfers the title within 30 days of the sale. No notary is needed.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Delaware?
Seller
- Fill out Section 1 on the back of the title with the buyer's name and address, the date, the price and the mileage.
- If the owners are joined by "AND", all of you sign. If they are joined by "AND/OR", one owner can sign.
- Send the Seller's Report of Sale to the DMV with the buyer's name and address and the date and hour of the sale.
- Take the plate off the car and return it to any DMV office.
- If you can, go to the DMV with the buyer.
Buyer
- Sign Section 1 and fill out Section 4 on the back of the title with your driver license number and date of birth.
- Bring proof of insurance and a Delaware driver license, or two proofs of residency.
- Do not drive the car until the new title is in your name. Transfer it within 30 days or pay a late fee.
- Pay the document fee of five and one quarter percent of the price or the NADA trade-in value, whichever is higher.
- If there is a loan, fill out the lien section, Section 3.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles before you go: dmv.de.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Delaware?
Step 1 · Seller
Fill out Section 1 of the title.
The buyer's name and address, the date, the price and the mileage. Every owner signs if the title says "AND".
dmv.de.gov checkedStep 3 · Seller
Return the plate.
Take it off the car and bring it to any DMV office.
dmv.de.gov checked
We have not confirmed whether Delaware requires a bill of sale. Check with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles before you sell.
How do I put a car title in my name in Delaware?
Step 1 · Buyer
Fill out Section 4 of the title.
Every buyer signs. Add your driver license number and date of birth.
Purchaser's Application, Section 4 on the back of the titleStep 2 · Buyer
Go to a DMV office.
Bring proof of insurance and your Delaware license or two proofs of residency.
Step 3 · Buyer
Pay the fees within 30 days.
The title fee and the document fee. Do not drive the car before the title is in your name.
After Delaware DMV processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Delaware guides
Title transfer fees in Delaware
We have not confirmed the Delaware fee amounts yet. Ask the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles for the total before you go.
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | Being checked | Buyer | dmv.de.gov Checked |
| Document fee | Being checked | Buyer | dmv.de.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees | Not confirmed yet |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Delaware are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Duplicate Title (MV213).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
Can I drive the car before the title is transferred?
No. The car may not be driven until the new title is in the buyer's name.
dmv.de.gov checked
Do both owners have to sign?
If the title says "AND", all owners sign. If it says "AND/OR", one owner can sign.
dmv.de.gov checked
What happens to the plate?
The seller takes it off and returns it to any DMV office.
dmv.de.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official Delaware sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.