How to Register a Car in Delaware

Posted on March 21, 2025

The process to register a car can vary state by state, and each one has specific requirements and processes. Registering a car in Delaware is similar to some of its surrounding states, but there are some variations in Delaware title transfers, inspections, and insurance requirements. There are also some differentiating requirements for new residents, existing residents, and non-residents looking to register a car. Having an understanding of the state’s regulations and procedures is key to efficiently navigating the process.

Car Registration for New Delaware Residents

New Delaware residents must title and register their vehicle within 60 days of establishing residency. Failing to do so may result in penalties or fines, so it’s important to complete the process as soon as possible.

Before registering, new residents will need:

Proof of Legal Presence
Two proofs of Delaware residency
Proof of Delaware auto insurance
Proof of passing vehicle inspection
- Safety inspection
- Emissions test
Completed Certificate of Title application (Form MV-212)
Out-of-state car title
A Delaware driver's license (English)
- Guia para nuevos residentes de Delaware (Español)

Car Registration for Non-Residents

In some cases, people who don’t live in Delaware can still register a vehicle in the state. Delaware’s registration policies allow out-of-state residents to register a vehicle under certain circumstances, often for business, tax, or convenience-related reasons.

To register a car, non-residents will need:

Vehicle registration

Proof of insurance for a vehicle owned in the state where they are a resident.

Driver’s license from resident state.

Proof of Delaware insurance for the vehicle that will be garaged in Delaware

The vehicle must pass Delaware inspection and pay all applicable titling and registration fees.

Two (2) proofs of the address where the vehicle to be registered will be principally garaged within the State of Delaware, postmarked within 60 days of the date of application.

Car Registration for Existing Delaware Residents

Registering a newly purchased vehicle or renewing an existing Delaware vehicle registration also requires specific steps and documentation for current residents. To register a new car or renew an existing registration, Delaware residents will need:

Valid Delaware Insurance Card
Delaware Driver’s License
Certificate of Title or Registration
Payment method ready to process your registration renewal

Delaware Car Registration Requirements

Fee Exemptions for Active Duty Military & Veterans

The Delaware DMV offers document fee exemptions for veterans and current military members, including a Document Fee Exemption for Active Duty Military.

Active Duty Exemptions

The DMV does not charge late fees for active duty military personnel, Dept of Defense employees, or their dependents when renewing their driver licenses beyond the expiration date if it can be proven that they were deployed or stationed outside of the State of Delaware at the time of expiration. A military member or their dependent family member must provide military orders to the Division of Motor Vehicles indicating a temporary or permanent change of duty station within 90 days of relocating to the State or within 90 days of vehicle purchase.

Veteran Exemptions

Motor vehicles owned by disabled veterans eligible for “adaptive equipment” benefits are exempt from paying registration fees if the proper documentation is provided. This exemption is limited to one automobile per eligible veteran at any one time.

Long-Term Steps to Car Registration in Delaware

Once the registration process is complete, there are still some things to keep in mind as the months and years go by. Delaware has additional fees for renewal and insurance requirements that can result in penalties if they aren’t completed, so it’s important to pay frequent attention to the status of your registered car.

Renewal

There is a $40 annual fee for renewal. A $20 late fee is charged for all renewals performed after the vehicle's registration has expired.

Online

To virtually renew their registration, license holders can set up a MyDMV account on the Delaware DMV website.

In-Person

License holders can renew their registration in-person at a DMV office or at a kiosk if no inspection is needed. The Delaware DMV had locations in New Castle, Dover, and Georgetown.

Insurance

Proof of insurance is required to register a car in Delaware; there is a minimum liability insurance coverage of $25,000/$50,000/$10,00 and a PIP minimum of $15,000 for any 1 person and $30,000 for all persons injured in any 1 accident. Delaware has a higher than average cost of car insurance compared to other states, and there is a $1,500 to $3,000 penalty if you are pulled over and do not have proof of insurance.

Purchasing a Used Car in Delaware

Vehicle Safety Inspection

A vehicle safety inspection is generally required to register a car in the state of Delaware. This inspection may occur up to 90 days before the registration expiration date and will typically include a tire, brake, and window examination, an exhaust emissions inspection, and a fuel system test. Depending on the type of car, curb-idle, gas cap, and OBDII tests will also be performed.

Vehicles in the state are required to pass safety and emission inspections once every other year, and a vehicle is exempt from emissions testing for its first seven model years

Vehicle Credit

If an out-of-state registered owner trades in a Delaware-titled vehicle when purchasing another vehicle, Delaware law allows them to deduct the value of the trade-in vehicle from the purchase price of the new vehicle. This trade-in credit is only allowed for one motor vehicle or trailer per application and the vehicle must have been titled/registered in the other state within 90 days before registering the vehicle in Delaware. Delaware residents who purchase a vehicle from an out-of-state dealer will not receive credit for any taxes paid..

Delaware Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale

A motor vehicle bill of sale records the sale of a vehicle between a buyer and a seller. This document is used as a proof of ownership and can protect both parties from fraud.

In Delaware, a motor vehicle bill of sale includes:

The buyer's and seller's full names, addresses, and driver's license or state ID numbers
The vehicle's identification number, make, model, year, color, and current mileage
The date and time of the sale
The price paid for the vehicle

How MyCar Can Help You Purchase and Register a Used Car in Delaware

Bad credit? No Credit? No problem! At MyCar, we aim to work with our clients to help them find a car that best fits their needs and situations, no matter what challenges they may face. We are proud to serve several areas in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey as a full-service used car dealer. Our professionals at MyCar will guide you through the regulations in the state of Delaware to help you avoid potential mistakes so you can successfully purchase a vehicle that fits your needs. Contact us at https://www.mycarde.com/contact-My-Car to learn more about our options for purchasing a used car in Delaware.

FAQs

How many years can you register a car in Delaware?

A new model year vehicle can be registered for up to seven years if it weighs 10,000 pounds or less. A previous model year vehicle can be registered for up to six years.

Do you pay taxes on a car in Delaware?

Delaware has no statewide sales tax, which includes car purchases. There is a one-time document fee for vehicles brought into the state. This is 4.25% of the purchase price or the NADA book value, whichever is greater.