Delaware Side By Side: Bill of Sale vs. Title
A bill of sale and a vehicle title are two different documents that do two different things — and you need both to complete a legal private Side By Side sale in Delaware. Here is exactly what each one does and how they work together.
Quick answer: The bill of sale is a private receipt documenting the transaction. The Certificate of Title is the government certificate of ownership.Delaware DMV requires both to transfer a Side By Side — the title proves ownership changed hands and the bill of sale establishes the taxable sale price.
Bill of Sale vs. Certificate of Title — Comparison
| Aspect | Bill of Sale | Certificate of Title |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A receipt proving a sale occurred between two parties | A government-issued certificate of ownership |
| Who issues it | The seller (private party or dealer) | Delaware DMV / state motor vehicle agency |
| Primary purpose | Documents the terms of the sale (price, date, condition) | Proves legal ownership and enables registration |
| Required to drive legally | No — insurance and registration are required to drive | Required for registration; must be transferred to new owner |
| Required at DMV | Yes — Delaware DMV requires it for title transfer | Yes — must be signed over to buyer |
| Contains VIN / ID | Yes — must include VIN or serial number | Yes — VIN or serial number printed on face |
| Affects sales tax | Yes — sale price on BOS determines tax owed at DMV | No — title transfer fee is separate from sales tax |
| Can be replaced | Yes — recreate from memory or mutual agreement | Yes — duplicate title available from Delaware DMV (fee applies) |
Side By Side note: Requirements vary by vehicle type. Confirm with your state DMV whether a title is issued for this vehicle type.
Delaware Title Transfer Rules for Side By Sides
Most states require a bill of sale for private party vehicle title transfers. The sale price on the bill of sale is used to calculate sales tax at the DMV. Check your state DMV website for the specific form required.
Transfer Deadline
Typically 15–30 days from date of sale (varies by state)
Fees
Varies by state — typically $15–$75 title fee plus sales tax on the sale price
Notarization Required
No
What If I Have One But Not the Other?
I have a title but no bill of sale
You can recreate the bill of sale. Both parties should sign a written document stating the VIN or serial number, sale price, date of sale, and buyer and seller names. The title signature is the more legally critical document for Delaware DMV — but the bill of sale is needed to calculate sales tax. Without a written price, Delaware may assess tax on book value.
I have a bill of sale but no title
A bill of sale alone does NOT transfer legal ownership of a Side By Side in Delaware. You must obtain a Certificate of Title. If the title is lost, the seller must apply for a duplicate title from Your State DMV before the sale can be legally completed. Do not pay full price for a vehicle without a clear, signed title.
How to Transfer a Delaware Side By Side Title
- 1
Seller signs over the title
The seller signs the back of the Certificate of Title in the designated seller signature box. They should also print their name legibly and enter the odometer reading if required.
- 2
Both parties sign the bill of sale
The bill of sale documents the sale price, date, VIN or serial number, buyer and seller names, and any AS-IS terms. In Delaware, the bill of sale is used to calculate sales tax at the DMV.
- 3
Buyer submits both documents to Delaware DMV
The buyer brings the signed title AND the bill of sale to the Delaware DMV (or county tax office). Most states require a bill of sale for private party vehicle title transfers. The sale price on the bill of sale is used to calculate sales tax at the DMV. Check your state DMV website for the specific form required.
- 4
Pay title transfer fee and sales tax
Delaware charges Varies by state — typically $15–$75 title fee plus sales tax on the sale price. Payment is due at the DMV counter when submitting the title transfer paperwork.
- 5
Receive new title in your name
The DMV processes the transfer and issues a new Certificate of Title in the buyer's name. Processing time varies — most states mail the title within 4–8 weeks. The registration card is typically available same day.
FAQ — Delaware Side By Side Bill of Sale vs. Title
What is the difference between a bill of sale and a car title in Delaware?
A bill of sale is a private document between buyer and seller that records the terms of the transaction. A Certificate of Title is a government-issued certificate of ownership issued by Delaware. You need both to complete a legal private party Side By Side sale in Delaware — the bill of sale documents the transaction and the title proves ownership.
Can I register a Side By Side in Delaware without a title?
Generally no. Delaware requires a signed Certificate of Title to register a Side By Side. Without a title, you must first apply for a duplicate title (if the title exists but is lost) or a bonded title (if the title was never issued or is permanently lost). Contact Your State DMV for the specific process.
Can I register a Side By Side in Delaware with only a bill of sale?
A bill of sale alone is not sufficient to register a Side By Side in Delaware. You need a signed title transfer. The bill of sale is a supporting document that establishes the sale price for tax purposes — but the Certificate of Title is the ownership instrument that must be transferred.
What if the seller lost the title?
The seller must apply for a duplicate Certificate of Title from Your State DMV before the sale can be completed. Sellers cannot transfer ownership of a titled vehicle without a physical title (or a bonded title process). Never buy a vehicle without receiving a properly signed title — a bill of sale alone does not transfer legal ownership.
How long does the buyer have to transfer the title in Delaware?
Delaware requires title transfer within Typically 15–30 days from date of sale (varies by state). Late transfers may incur penalty fees. The buyer is responsible for completing the transfer — operating a vehicle with an untransferred title can result in registration violations.
Does a Delaware Side By Side bill of sale need to be notarized?
No — Delaware does not require notarization of a private party Side By Side bill of sale for title transfer purposes. Notarization adds evidentiary weight but is not mandated.
Create a Delaware Side By Side Bill of Sale
Generate a properly formatted bill of sale that satisfies Delaware DMV requirements in minutes.
Create Delaware Side By Side Bill of Sale