Register a vehicle in Delaware

By · checked

Title and register a vehicle in Delaware: insurance, inspection for out-of-state vehicles, the title application, and the fees: a $35 or $55 title, a 5.25% document fee and $40 a year registration.

Your situation

Where did the vehicle come from?
Online or in person
Not for a first registration · DMV office recommendedThe DMV's title steps describe an inspection lane and a DMV office. Its online services list covers registration renewal, not a first title. The DMV recommends that all parties appear at its office to complete the transfer.
Cost
Title $35, or $55 with a lienTitle fee for most passenger vehicles of 5,000 lbs. or less. Plus a 5.25% document fee on the sale price or the NADA average trade-in value, whichever is higher (minimum $8.00), and $40.00 per year registration for passenger vehicles. See the DMV fee page for other vehicles.
You leave with
Title, registration card and tagIssued once documents, acceptance and fees are complete. If there is a lien, the title is mailed to the lien holder.

Your plan

  1. Gather your documents

    • Show accepted documents (bring 1)
      • Insurance identification card
      • A valid insurance policy
      • A written binder within 30 days of issuance, on the insurer's letterhead

  2. Transfer the title

    The buyer applies for a new certificate of title immediately after the purchase and no more than 30 days after it. Provide proof of liability insurance and a Delaware driver's license or two accepted proofs of residency.

    Transfer a Delaware Vehicle Title ↗

  3. Pay the title, document and registration fees

    For most passenger vehicles of 5,000 lbs. or less, the DMV lists a title at $35.00 without a lien or $55.00 with a lien. The document fee is 5.25% of the sale price or the NADA average trade-in value, whichever is higher, with an $8.00 minimum. Passenger vehicle registration is $40.00 per year. Vehicles powered by an alternative fuel pay an additional registration fee.

    DMV fee chart ↗

Common reasons people get turned away

  • Photocopies of title application, power of attorney and similar documents are not accepted; they must be originals.
  • Apply for a title within 30 days of purchase or a late fee is charged.
  • The insurance card must be valid on the day of service.
  • The application for title must be signed by all owners.

Offices that register vehicles

The DMV's new-resident guide says you apply for the title at one of its four offices (Wilmington, Delaware City, Dover, Georgetown); out-of-state vehicles are inspected at a DMV inspection lane first. Agency source.

4 offices where you can register a vehicleSee them on a map, search by county or show the ones open now

Results show offices where you can register a vehicle or may be able to, nearest first, each labelled.

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Sources · checked October 30, 2026

We wrote this plan ourselves from the official pages above on the date shown. Agencies change rules without notice: the official page always wins. DMV Decoded is independent and not a government agency; we don't book appointments or take payments.