How to Get a Title for an Abandoned Vehicle in Delaware
Delaware has a 10–30 days wait period before you can begin the title process. Here is everything a towing company, storage facility, or property owner needs to know.
Quick Reference
Wait Period & Reporting
10–30 days wait required. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
Notifying the Owner
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder
Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
Lienholder Rights
Lienholder must be notified and given time to respond
Failure to notify a lienholder properly can void the entire abandoned vehicle title process.
The Title Application Process
Form/Program: Abandoned Vehicle Title Application
Process varies by state. Typically initiated by a towing company, storage facility, or property owner.
Restrictions & Requirements
- Must follow state-specific notice and wait period requirements
- All liens must be resolved before a clean title can issue
- Storage or towing facility typically must be licensed
Delaware-Specific Note
Delaware-Specific Facts for Abandoned Vehicle Title
Delaware Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In Delaware, the title transfer fee is $55 and registration costs $40 per year. Vehicle sales are subject to No sales tax; 4.25% Document Fee on vehicle price. Delaware does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Emission testing is required in Delaware — verify the vehicle passes before completing the sale.
- No state sales tax but 4.25% Document Fee applies
- Emissions testing required in New Castle and Kent counties
- VIN inspection required for out-of-state titled vehicles
Delaware sales tax on vehicle purchases
Delaware has a 0% state sales tax rate. No sales tax; 4.25% Document Fee on vehicle price. Private-party vehicle sales in Delaware may be exempt from state sales tax. No state sales tax, but a 4.25% Document Fee applies to vehicle transfers. The title transfer fee is $55.
Delaware bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 314 bill of sale documents for Delaware transactions, with 9 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
More Delaware Vehicle Guides
- Hold Harmless Vehicle Sale in Delaware
- Insurance Required to Register in Delaware
- Junk Title Conversion in Delaware
- Kelley Blue Book Value in Delaware
- Leasing vs Buying in Delaware
- Mechanic's Lien on Vehicle in Delaware
Each guide is written specifically for Delaware laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in Delaware?
Delaware requires a 10–30 days wait period. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
How do I notify the owner of an abandoned vehicle in Delaware?
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder. Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
How much does it cost to get an abandoned vehicle title in Delaware?
DMV fees + towing and storage charges. Costs vary widely by state and accumulate with each day in storage.
How long does the abandoned vehicle title process take in Delaware?
45–90 days. Process includes wait periods, notice periods, and DMV processing time.
Does Delaware require a surety bond for an abandoned vehicle title?
Not for the standard process. Some states require a surety bond if the title history is unclear or the vehicle has a prior out-of-state registration.
Selling the Vehicle After You Get Title?
Create a compliant Delaware bill of sale to protect yourself in the transaction.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: State DMV. Abandoned vehicle laws change frequently — verify current wait periods with your state DMV.