by Armando Martinez
Introduction
If you've recently purchased a used car from a private owner in Delaware, the process for registering it will be similar to what you would do if buying from a dealership. You’ll have 30 days from the date of your purchase to complete this process. The following information will help guide you through the steps of transferring ownership and registering your vehicle with the DMV.
Before getting started, take note of some important things:
- You must have proof of insurance before applying for registration or tags (see below).
- If there's more than one owner on record, all owners must sign off on all documents presented at DMV unless otherwise noted on their title certificate or lien release form(s).
- All vehicles over 10 years old or titled outside of Delaware must pass an emissions and safety inspection before being registered with DMV; this includes initial registration as well as renewals every two years thereafter until renewal becomes due again without inspection required (after 10 years).
Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
Gather the required documents. You will need to have or obtain a Delaware DMV bill of sale, DE DMV transfer registration, DE DMV title transfer and proof of insurance (if you have it). If you don't have proof of identity or residence then you will also need to bring in one of the following:
- A valid driver's license from another state
- A valid U.S. passport
- A current military ID card
Step 2: Fill Out the Paperwork
The next step is to fill out the paperwork. You'll need:
- Application for Title and Registration From (Form MV-212)
- Bill of sale form (provided by your seller)
Step 3: Submit the Paperwork
The third step is to submit your paperwork to the DMV. You can do this by mail or in person at a DMV office. You'll need to include:
- The Application for Title and Registration from, the Bill of Sale, your signed Title, the vin verification form (if applicable), a copy of your vehicle insurance and copies of your Driver's License.
- You can walk this paperwork into your local DMV office or mail it to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles P.O Box 698 Dover DE 19903-0698
Step 4: Obtain the License Plates
The next step is to take your new car's license plates to your local DMV office. You will need to pay $50 for each set of plates and receive two stickers for each side of your windshield that must be displayed at all times when driving on public roads in Delaware.
Gifting a Car in Delaware
If you're gifting a car to someone, the process is similar to registering a vehicle bought from a private owner. The person receiving the gift must fill out an Affidavit of Gift form with their name and address. You will also need to bring proof of identity (driver's license), proof of insurance and your own registration card when registering your vehicle at DMV.
Registering a Classic Vehicle in Delaware
- Vehicles 25 years and older
- Fill out two forms:
- CT DMV title transfer form and CT DMV registration application form.
- Proof of identity, such as a driver's license or passport.
- Proof of insurance, if you have it (you don't need to show proof until you register your car).
- Documentation proving that your vehicle meets all state requirements for registration as an antique or classic vehicle.
- For more information, visit the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles classic vehicle home page.
Checklist for Registering a Car in Delaware
The following documents are required to register a car bought in a private owner car sale:
- DE DMV bill of sale
- DE DMV transfer registration
- DE DMV title transfer
- Proof of insurance (if you don't already have proof, you can get it from your insurance agent)
You'll also need:
- A completed title transfer form (available at any Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles office) - Bill of Sale Form (available at any Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles office or online) - Registration Application Form (available at any Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles office or online). You can mail these forms together with the other documents listed above and payment for $20 to: Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles P.O Box 698 Dover DE 19903-0698
Conclusion
Once you have all of the documents, it's time to head to your local DMV office. You will need:
- Proof of title (if applicable)
- Proof of insurance coverage
If you are selling your vehicle privately, additional steps may be required. These include: - A signed bill of sale from both parties stating that they are free and clear of any liens on the vehicle;
- An odometer disclosure form if there has been any change in mileage since last registered; and
- Payment for registration fees (which vary depending on type).
If you have any questions, please visit the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles website.
This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.
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