Delaware License Plate Purchase
Getting your first Delaware plate for a vehicle is a title and registration process, not a separate plate purchase. The plate itself is issued as part of registering the vehicle, so the real question is what documents and fees the DMV requires to complete that registration.
Who Needs to Register for a New Delaware Plate?
- New Delaware residents titling a vehicle for the first time in the state.
- Buyers of a used vehicle who do not already hold a transferable Delaware plate.
- Buyers of a new vehicle from a dealer, who typically handle initial registration as part of the sale.
What Documents Does the DMV Require?
- The vehicle's title, or a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin for a new vehicle.
- Proof of a valid Delaware auto insurance policy.
- A completed title and registration application.
- A passed safety and emissions inspection where required for the vehicle and county.
- Payment for title, registration, and document fees.
What Does It Cost to Register a Vehicle in Delaware?
| Fee | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard passenger registration (annual) | $40 |
| Title fee | Percentage of purchase price or NADA value |
| Duplicate or corrected title | Varies |
Do You Get a Tax Credit for a Trade-In or Out-of-State Purchase?
Delaware law allows two credits that can lower what you owe at registration. If you trade in a Delaware-titled vehicle when buying another one, you can deduct the trade-in value from the purchase price used to calculate fees, within certain limits. If you already paid a sales or transfer tax in another state within 90 days of registering in Delaware, you can apply that amount as a credit here. The 90-day window is strictly enforced, and Delaware residents who buy from an out-of-state dealer do not receive this credit.
Can Military Members Register Under Special Terms?
Active duty, reserve, and National Guard members, along with their dependents, stationed in Delaware on temporary or permanent orders can register a vehicle that is already registered in their home state or previous duty station under the state's military registration provisions. Proof of orders showing a change of duty station within 90 days of relocating, or 90 days of the vehicle purchase, is required.
Should You Choose a New Plate or Transfer an Existing One?
If you already own another vehicle registered in Delaware and are selling or replacing it, transferring your existing plate to the new vehicle is usually cheaper than registering for a brand new plate, since the Switch Tag Fee is lower than a full new-plate issuance in most cases. If this is your first Delaware-registered vehicle, a new plate is issued automatically as part of registration.
Delaware License Plate Purchase FAQ
Can a dealer handle my registration for me?
Yes. Dealers routinely handle title and registration paperwork, including the plate transfer or new issuance, as part of a vehicle purchase, so ask at the point of sale whether this is included.
How long do new residents have to register a vehicle in Delaware?
Delaware requires new residents to title and register within a set window after establishing residency. Contact the DMV directly for the current deadline, since penalties can apply after that period.
Do electric and hybrid vehicles pay different registration fees?
Yes. Delaware charges separate alternative fuel vehicle fees based on vehicle weight class for hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric, and fuel cell vehicles, in addition to standard registration.