Private-party transfer in Delaware: closing the sale without surprises
Steps for buyer and seller, documents, payment and state-specific plate conditions.
A private sale calls for checking the title, payment, plate and applicable state procedures. This guide is written for both sides of the table, with Delaware's rules.
The place and the moment
Ask the titling office (In person at one of the four DMV offices (Wilmington, Delaware City, Dover or Georgetown). Delaware does not use county offices for this. If the car comes from another state, it first goes through a DMV inspection lane) in advance about accepted signatures, documents, appointments and payments. Where available, coordinate the handover with that office and verify payment with the issuing bank before releasing the car or documents.
Step by step
| # | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm the title is in your name and lien-free. If there is a loan, get the bank's release before listing. | Ask for the VIN and check title, recalls and history before seeing the car. |
| 2 | Allow an independent inspection. Agree in writing how and when it will take place. | Pre-purchase inspection with your own mechanic. |
| 3 | Agree the total price in writing on a bill of sale: VIN, year, make, model, price, date, names, signatures. Two copies. | Same. The bill of sale is your proof of price for the tax. |
| 4 | On the title: your signature, the buyer's name and address, price, date and the applicable odometer disclosure, including exemptions and any required mileage-discrepancy indicators. Odometer statement on the back of the title (federal law, 49 CFR 580, and Delaware law). | Check that the VIN on the title is the car's and that the person signing is the titled owner. |
| 5 | Receive payment: cashier's check verified at the issuing bank, confirmed transfer, or cash inside the bank. | Pay only when the signed title is in your hand. |
| 6 | Handle the seller's plate. Follow the state conditions below for removal, transfer or return. | Confirm the registration, permit and plate you need before driving; do not assume you can use the seller's. |
| 7 | Listed seller-process document: Seller's Report of Sale (o el reverso de la tarjeta de registro / or the back of the registration card). Follow the timing and conditions in the state process below; keep your copy. | Confirm the required documents, fees, taxes and deadline with the agency, including the event that starts the deadline. Bring the applicable insurance or financial-responsibility documents. |
| 8 | Ask your insurer when to cancel or transfer coverage, and first confirm the registration and plate conditions. | Confirm the coverage or proof of financial responsibility required for your transaction and before driving. |
The plate in Delaware
The plate belongs to the owner: the seller removes it. The seller can leave it in retention at the DMV (kept up to 365 days after it expires) and move it to another car later for $20.00, or return it. Retention is not free and the DMV publishes two different amounts: its "Retaining a Delaware License Plate" sheet charges $35 without a lien and $55 with a lien, while its fee table lists a Retain Tag Fee of $20.00. Ask the amount at the office before you pay. If not, toll, red-light or parking tickets can reach the seller. The Report of Sale only flags the vehicle record: it does not change the owner, so the seller stays answerable until the buyer titles the car. The buyer may not drive the car until the new title is in the buyer's name; the DMV sells a $20.00 temporary tag with proof of insurance.
What each one must bring
Seller
- Title (or printout of the electronic one)
- Photo ID
- Lien release, if any
- Seller's Report of Sale (o el reverso de la tarjeta de registro / or the back of the registration card)
- A screwdriver for the plate
Buyer
- State forms (MV212, Report of Sale, MV213)
- Photo ID
- Insurance card
- Payment for fees and tax
- If out of state: whatever VIN verification the state requires
Three special situations
- Lost title. The seller requests a duplicate before selling. Don't accept "I'll send it later."
- Two owners on the title. If the names are joined by "and," both sign. With "or," one is usually enough.
- The seller is an heir or holds a power of attorney. Extra documentation is needed (estate papers or POA). Confirm at the office before paying.
Keep the records; check the official process
Sources
- Delaware DMV — Fees
- Delaware DMV — Transfer a Delaware Vehicle Title
- Delaware DMV — Vehicles Purchased from Out of State
- Delaware DMV — Insurance Requirements
- Delaware DMV — Tips on Purchasing a Used Vehicle
- 21 Del. C. §§ 2503, 2508 — New title within 30 days; $35 fee and $35 penalty
- 21 Del. C. § 2118 — Required insurance (PIP $15,000/$30,000)
- Delaware DMV — Forms
- 21 Del. C. § 2503(a) — Title application immediately after purchase, in no case more than 30 days; Director may extend for good cause
- Delaware DMV — Vehicle Credit (trade-in credit; MV347 within 30 days of the sale or of titling; one vehicle per application)
- Delaware DMV — Retaining a Delaware License Plate (PDF: $35 without lien, $55 with lien, $20 out of retention, 365 days)
- Delaware DMV — Tips for Privately Selling a Delaware Titled Vehicle (PDF: Report of Sale, plate return, $20 temporary tag)
- 21 Del. C. § 2502 — Seller's Report of Sale (o el reverso de la tarjeta de registro / or the back of the registration card)
- 49 CFR Part 580 — Federal odometer disclosure requirements
This guide informs; it is not legal or financial advice, nor an offer, quote or appraisal. Every figure carries its source and date; check it is still current before you decide.