How To Transfer a Car Title in Delaware

When purchasing a car, the title must be transferred from the seller’s name to the buyer.

The same holds for gifting a car or inheriting one from a relative.

Let’s discuss how to transfer a car title in Delaware, either as a buyer or a seller.

Key Takeaways

• You must transfer a title within 30 days of buying a car in Delaware.
• The title transfer fee costs $35 (or $55 for cars with liens)
• Sellers should also fill out a Report of Sale with the DMV after giving the Assignment Certificate of Title to the buyer.

How To Transfer Car Title in Delaware As a Buyer

When purchasing a car, follow these steps to transfer the title to your name:

1. Fill out the Purchaser’s Application on the reverse side of the title, including your driver’s license number and birthdate.
2. Sign the Assignment of Certificate of Title, found on the back of the vehicle’s title. The seller should also complete this section.
3. Proceed to the DMV office. Remember to bring the following:
   • The fully completed title.
   • Valid proof of car insurance coverage.
   • Your state-issued driver’s license (Alternatively, two legal documents proving state residency can be used).
   • Sufficient cash to cover the applicable
     • $40 for vehicle registration.
     • $35 for title transfer ($55 if a lien is present on the car).
     • 25% of the sale price or trade-in value to account for the document fee.

How To Transfer Car Title in Delaware As a Seller

When selling a car, follow these steps to transfer the title to the buyer:

1. Correctly fill out the Assignment of Certificate of Title on the rear of the vehicle’s title. If multiple owners are listed, both parties must complete this section.
2. Remove the Seller’s Report of Sale from the title document.
3. Hand over the title to the buyer.
4. Complete the Seller’s Report of Sale and submit it to the DMV. Provide accurate information in all fields, including the sale date, the car’s purchase amount, the buyer’s name and address, and your signature.

How to Get a Replacement Title in Delaware

To acquire a duplicate title, complete the Application for Duplicate Title (MV213) and provide the requested information:

• VIN.
• Make, Model, and Color of the Automobile.
• Name and address of the owner.
• Signature(s) of the owner(s).
• Driver License/ID number(s).
• License Plate Number (including any prefixes such as PC, C, CL, MC, etc.).
• The expiration date of the registration.

All owners must append the Application for Duplicate Title and provide their driver’s license number(s).

Power of Attorney for Replacement Title

If the request is made by someone who isn’t the owner, lienholder, or dealer, a Notarized Power of Attorney must be presented.

The person signing on behalf of the owner through Power of Attorney must print the owner’s name(s), sign their name, and indicate “POA” (Power of Attorney).

Cost to Get a Replacement Title in Delaware

A fee of $50.00 must be included with the Application for Duplicate Title.

NOTE: If you are submitting a duplicate title request by mail, enclose a self-addressed envelope.

Transferring The Title When Gifting a Car to a Family Member in Delaware

Gifting a vehicle to a family member in Delaware follows a process similar to purchasing a vehicle in the state.

However, if you are inheriting a vehicle, you need specific documents. Before visiting your local Delaware DMV office, follow these steps:

1. Fill out the Purchaser’s Application on the back of the vehicle’s title, providing your driver’s license number and birthdate.
2. Ensure both you, as the recipient, and the gifter sign the Assignment of Certificate Title on the back of the vehicle’s title.
3. Once the necessary sections on the title are completed, visit your local DE DMV office, bringing the following documents:
   • A fully completed vehicle title.
   • Proof of a valid Delaware auto insurance policy.
   • A valid state-issued driver’s license. Alternatively, you can provide two legal documents establishing Delaware residency.
   • Payment for all applicable fees, including:
     • $40 for vehicle registration.
     • $35 for vehicle title transfer fee ($55 if there is a lien on the vehicle).
     • 25% of the sales price or trade-in value to cover the document fee.

How To Transfer Car Title in Delaware If You Have an Out-of-State Title

To effectively transfer an out-of-state vehicle title, you must follow these steps:

1. Finalize the out-of-state vehicle purchase.
2. Visit your local DMV office with the old vehicle title, proof of a valid Delaware auto insurance policy, and the bill of sale to obtain a temporary 5-day tag.
3. Take the vehicle to a Delaware inspection center for the necessary examination.
4. Once you acquire the inspection certificate, bring all the required documents to your local Delaware DMV office to obtain a new title and registration.

Cost of Title Transfer in Delaware

The title transfer fee is $35, but you should also consider sales tax and other relevant fees.

• Title transfer: $35
• Title transfer with existing loan: $55
• Delaware documentation fee: 4.25% of purchase price
• Registration: $40
• Plate Transfer: $20

How To Complete Delaware Title Transfer Form

In conjunction with fulfilling the Delaware vehicle title transfer forms, you must fill out the Seller’s Report of Sale located on your existing registration card.

The Seller’s Report must include the sale price, date, time, and the buyer’s name and address.

The updated information specified in the Seller’s Report will be incorporated into your new vehicle title by the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles (DE DMV).

Delaware Emissions Requirements

The type of emissions test administered to your vehicle in Delaware is contingent upon the vehicle’s type and model year.

Delaware emissions tests include:

• idle test: For vehicles made between 1968-1980
• a two-speed test: model years 1981-1995
• an onboard diagnostic (OBDII) test: all cars made after 1995

Upon visiting an emissions testing facility, provide the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles (DE DMV) with your current vehicle registration card and evidence of a valid auto insurance policy issued in Delaware.

Delaware Odometer Disclosure Requirements

You must provide the odometer mileage reading to register a vehicle, transfer the title, or renew the registration.

Odometer mileage disclosures help identify any incidents of odometer tampering.

Collecting this information also ensures that consumers have a precise record of the mileage.

Conclusion

To transfer the car title in Delaware, you must complete the Purchaser’s Application, collect the signed title, and bring these documents along with your proof of car insurance, driver’s license, and payment to the DMV. The process is simple and easy to follow, so be sure to do it within 30 days of getting a new car.