What Should You Know About License Plates in For Sale By Owner Car Sales in Delaware?

by Armando Martinez

License Plate Transfer Process in Delaware

In Delaware, license plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. If you're selling your car, you'll need to remove the license plates and return them to the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The buyer will then need to obtain new plates and register the vehicle in their name.

To transfer ownership of your vehicle, you'll need to provide the buyer with the vehicle's title, Bill of Sale, and proof of insurance. Before you do, be sure to complete the Seller’s Report of Sale and forward it to the DMV to terminate your responsibility as owner of the vehicle. The title should be completed with the selling price, date of sale, and odometer reading. The Bill of Sale should include the vehicle's make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

License Plate Fees in Delaware

The license plate fees in Delaware can vary depending on the type of vehicle and other factors. Here are some of the fees you may need to pay:

- Vehicle title fee: $35 plus 4.25% of the vehicle selling price or NADA fair market value, whichever is higher

- Vehicle registration fee: $40-$50

- License plate fee: $10

- Temporary tag fee: $10

There may also be additional fees for things like emissions testing or specialized plates.

Conclusion

Selling your car in a private party sale in Delaware, it’s important to know the license plate transfer process and associated fees. Remember to remove the license plates when selling the car and provide the necessary documentation to transfer ownership to the buyer. Be prepared to pay vehicle title fees, registration fees, license plate fees, and other potential fees, such as temporary tag fees or emissions testing fees. For more information click https://www.dmv.de.gov/VehicleServices/titles/index.shtml?dc=ve_title_transfer. By following these steps, you can have a successful private party car sale in Delaware.

This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.

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