How To Transfer a Car Title in Delaware

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Chris Cho

Chris Cho

Chris is Head of Content for FindTheBestCarPrice and is based out of Philadelphia, PA. As a seasoned automotive industry analyst and car enthusiast, he ensures the highest level of quality across all our content and curates our picks for the best deals each month.
Chris studied information systems and marketing at Drexel University and writes about a wide range of topics ranging from car buying tips to troubleshooting common mechanical issues.

When he’s not thinking about cars, he likes to stay in with his dog and make an “attempt” to finish a crossword puzzle (he’s not quite at the Saturday/Sunday level…yet). As a former cheesemonger, Chris still has a “sharp” passion for all things cheese, and his fridge is always loaded with it!

Although one may assume that a vehicle changes ownership solely when the seller receives payment from the buyer, the process is more complex. A title transfer and completion of specific forms are required to ensure compliance with state law.

There is no verifiable evidence of car ownership without a title since the owner holds it. When purchasing a car, the title must be transferred from the seller's name to the buyer.

And when selling a car, it should be transferred from the seller 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, and it also includes details on emissions, odometer requirements, and more.

How To Transfer Car Title in Delaware If You're a Buyer

When purchasing a car, there are crucial steps to undertake, starting even before you visit the DMV. Ensure the following actions are taken:

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. After completing the required sections on the title, 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 fees, as outlined below:
    • $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 If You're a Seller

When selling a car, it is essential to take specific actions to facilitate a smooth title transfer to the buyer. Follow these steps:

1. Ensure the Assignment of Certificate of Title on the rear of the vehicle's title is correctly filled out. 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 Procure a Replacement Car Title in Delaware

To acquire a duplicate title, you will need to 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).

Suppose the duplicate request is being lodged through the mail. In that case, enclosing a photocopy of the owner's driver's license or an alternative identification document that exhibits the owner's signature is essential.

If the request is made by someone that 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).

If the proprietor permits you to undertake the request on their behalf by endorsing the document, it is mandatory to affix your signature and provide your driver's license number. Your driver's license is also required.

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.

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, specific documents are required. Before visiting your local Delaware DMV office, it is crucial to 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 seller 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

When relocating to Delaware from another state, your vehicle will possess 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

In the case of a new vehicle with an existing loan, the title cost amounts to $55. However, the title cost is reduced to $35 if the vehicle is lien-free.

A 4.25% tax is imposed on the higher value between the purchase price and the NADA trade-in value for each transaction.

Registering the vehicle in Delaware and obtaining the license plates entails an additional fee of $40.

How To Complete Delaware Title Transfer Form

In conjunction with fulfilling the Delaware vehicle title transfer forms, it is mandatory to fill out the Seller's Report of Sale, which is situated on your existing registration card.

The Seller's Report necessitates the inclusion of pertinent details such as the sale price, date, and time, as well as 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 employs various emissions tests, including an idle test, a two-speed test, and an onboard diagnostic (OBDII) test.

Idle tests are conducted on vehicles with model years ranging from 1968 to 1980. Two-speed tests are carried out on vehicles with model years spanning from 1981 to 1995.

OBDII tests are performed on vehicles manufactured after 1995 that have attained a minimum of 5 model years.

Upon visiting an emissions testing facility, you must furnish 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

Federal and State statutes obligate the Division to obtain and verify the odometer mileage readings for most motor vehicles when they are first registered and when title transfers occur.

In addition, the Division logs vehicle mileage when a Delaware-registered vehicle undergoes inspection for registration renewal.

The recorded mileage history of each Delaware-registered vehicle contains both the initial registration and renewal mileage.

The reporting of odometer mileage disclosures helps identify any incidents of odometer tampering.

Collecting this information also ensures that consumers have a precise record of the mileage that affects the market value of their vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the necessary documents for transferring a car title in Delaware?

The necessary documents to transfer a car title in Delaware are a signed title, a notarized Bill of Sale, and an Application for a Certificate of Title and Registration.

Is a car inspection required before transferring a title to Delaware?

No, there is no need to have your car inspected before transferring the title to Delaware.

However, if you want to register the car in Delaware, you must get it inspected and provide the DMV with proof of valid Delaware liability insurance.

How long does it take to transfer a car title in Delaware?

Transferring a car title in Delaware typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. However, it may take longer if the DMV needs additional information or documents.

Can I transfer a car title in Delaware if the previous owner did not provide a title?

Transferring a car title in Delaware is only possible if the previous owner provided a title.

You must contact the previous owner and obtain a signed title before transferring the car title to your name.