Delaware Title Transfer Guide (2026)
| Titling agency | Delaware DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 0% · No state sales tax, but a 4.25% Document Fee applies to vehicle transfers |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · |
| Lien release form | MV-275 |
Delaware title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (MV-275) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Delaware requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Complete VIN inspection — Delaware requires VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Schedule with Delaware DMV or a licensed inspector.
- 5Buyer files at Delaware DMV — within 30 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Delaware DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 0% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Delaware DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Delaware DMV the same day as the sale.
Delaware lien release procedure
- Obtain Form MV-275 from the Delaware DMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs MV-275 releasing the lien.
- Submit MV-275 with the existing title and title application at a DE DMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean title.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Delaware estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Delaware DMV.
Need a Delaware bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Delaware DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Delaware Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Delaware
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Delaware?▾
Delaware requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 30 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Delaware title transfer cost?▾
Delaware charges 0% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. No state sales tax, but a 4.25% Document Fee applies to vehicle transfers The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Delaware?▾
Yes — Delaware requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Delaware DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Delaware?▾
In Delaware, the lender must complete MV-275 confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Delaware DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Delaware?▾
Delaware inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Delaware DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: Delaware DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07