How to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Delaware

Replace Car Title
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You’ll need to complete a title transfer to pass ownership of the vehicle in Delaware.

The Delaware title transfer process involves signing over the title, showing proof of identification and residency, and paying all related fees when submitting the titling application.

The two parties exchange the title, file the appropriate paperwork, and pay any necessary fees. This process doesn’t take long given you’re prepared. Or, if both parties go to the DMV (recommended).

Below, you’ll learn how the Delaware title transfer process works for private transactions.

Delaware Title Transfer: Step-by-Step

It’s recommended that both parties go to the DMV as this clears any confusion and potential issues when passing ownership of the vehicle. However, you’re more than welcome to exchange the title on your own time and later visit the DMV to complete the process.

You will visit a Delaware county clerk’s office (see our directory) to submit your forms.

As a buyer, you’ll do the following (within 30 days else face a $25 fee):

  1. Retrieve the vehicle’s title or request a duplicate title
    1. Buyers: You may need a lien release from the current owner
    2. Sellers: Provide a lien release to the buyer if needed
  2. Fill in the certificate of title – including:
    1. Full legal name and address of the buyer and current owner
    2. Date of sale (month, day, and year)
    3. Vehicle price the buyer paid
    4. Signatures from both parties
  3. Bring and submit any necessary documents:
    1. Proof of NH identification
    2. Proof of NH residency
    3. Proof of NH auto insurance
  4. Pay the variable fees:
    1. Title transfer: $35
    2. Title transfer (with a lien): $45
    3. Registration: $40
    4. Taxes: 4.25% of the sale price or trade-in value

As a seller, you may need to complete these items when selling the vehicle:

  • Make sure to sign the Assignment of Certificate of Title
  • Keeping the copy of the Seller’s Report of Sale from the title
  • Submitting the Seller’s Report of Sale to the DMV

And there you have it – the title transfer is complete!

What’s Next? Get the Vehicle Registered in Delaware

You should register your vehicle after titling it to avoid any complications. See our Delaware vehicle registration guide to learn how the process is done. If you haven’t got it yet, do consider adding or dropping auto insurance. Or, shopping around for a new policy as you may find new discounts.