How to Get a Delaware Assigned Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Vehicle Identification Plates

When you buy a car, it’s easy to get the Delaware Assigned Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

But if you happen to live in another state like New York or Florida and purchase a vehicle from us, then it might not be so simple.

In both these cases we have someone who can help identify your new car for its VIN number. If this sounds like something that would interest you – or anyone else interested in buying cars online- then check out how we can help you.

Delaware has the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Other states might call it something different, like the Motor Vehicles Division (MVD), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV), Driver Services Department (DSD), Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), Department of Licensing (DOL), Department of Public Safety (DPS), or Department of Transportation (DOT).

What is a Delaware License Plate?

There are four types of license plates in Delaware: passenger, motorcycle, trailer and truck.

How to get a license plate:

To get a license plate, you must first register your vehicle with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle’s title and registration fee.

How to renew a license plate:

To renew your license plate, you must visit the DMV and pay the renewal fee.

How Do I Get a License Plate in Delaware?

You must have a vehicle that is registered in your name with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The vehicle must have a current Delaware Certificate of Title.

If the vehicle was purchased from a dealership, they will usually handle the registration for you.

If you are registering the vehicle yourself, you will need to complete a Vehicle Registration Application (MV-1) and submit it to the DMV along with the required fees.

Application Process:

To apply for a license plate, you will need to complete a Vehicle Registration Application (MV-1) and submit it to the DMV along with the required fees. The application can be obtained at any DMV office or online at www.dmv.de.gov. The completed application and fees can be submitted by mail or in person at any DMV office.

Fees:

The fee for a standard license plate is $35, which includes one set of plates and registration decals. Additional sets of plates can be purchased for $25 each.

When in the Process Can You Get a Delaware Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

You will want to get a car’s VIN (vehicle identification number) from the seller. The VIN is a 17-digit code that uniquely identifies each vehicle.

When you buy a car from a dealership: The dealership will usually provide you with the car’s VIN when you purchase the vehicle. If they do not, you can ask for it.

When you buy a car from a private seller: The private seller may not have the car’s VIN readily available, but they should be able to provide it to you if you request it.

Registering a Vehicle in Delaware

Registering Vehicles Purchased from a Dealer in Delaware – You Need the Car Title

To register a vehicle in Delaware that was purchased from a dealer, you will need to bring the following documents to the DMV:

-The title or application for title signed by the buyer and seller

-A completed Odometer Disclosure Statement

-A completed Application for Certificate of Title

-Proof of insurance

-Payment for registration fees

Documents Needed:

In order to register your vehicle in Delaware, you will need to bring the following documents to the DMV:

-The title or application for title signed by the buyer and seller

-A completed Odometer Disclosure Statement

-A completed Application for Certificate of Title

-Proof of insurance

Fees:

The registration fee for a passenger car is $40. The registration fee for a motorcycle is $25. The registration fee for a truck with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 5,000 pounds or less is $55.

Registering Vehicles Purchased from a Private Party in Delaware

-The title of the vehicle, signed over to you from the previous owner

-A completed Application for Certificate of Title (Form MV21)

-A completed Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form MV24) if the vehicle is less than 10 years old

-Proof of liability insurance. The insurance card must have your name, the policy number, and the effective dates

Fees:

$40 fee for a new title

$55 for registration if the vehicle will be operated on Delaware roads (this includes a $5 one-time emergency medical services fee)

How to register: You will need to visit your local DMV office with all of the required documents and fees. Once everything has been processed, you will be given your new registration and license plates. If you have any questions, you can contact the DMV at 1-800-262-9899.

Registering Vehicles Purchased Out-of-State in Delaware

The following is required when registering a vehicle purchased out-of-state in Delaware:

• The vehicle’s current registration certificate and license plate from the previous state.

• A completed Application for Certificate of Title (MV2119).

• The odometer reading on the vehicle being registered.

• Proof of ownership, such as the out-of-state title or registration certificate properly assigned to the applicant, or a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) if the vehicle is new. If the proof of ownership document is not in English, you must also provide a notarized translation.

Documents needed:

In addition to the above requirements, you will need to provide:

• Proof of identity, such as a valid driver’s license, passport or state ID card. If you are a new resident of Delaware and do not have a Delaware driver’s license, you must obtain one within 60 days after establishing residency. For more information about obtaining a Delaware driver’s license, please see our guide on Applying for a New Driver’s License in Delaware .

Fees: The following fees will be due when registering your vehicle:

• $35 title fee

• $40 registration fee

Process:

To register your vehicle, you will need to visit your local Division of Motor Vehicles office with the required documents and fees. The office will then issue you a Delaware Certificate of Title and registration card for your vehicle.

Non-Domicile Vehicle Registration – Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles

1. The vehicle must be brought to Delaware for the purpose of registration

2. An out-of-state title or registration

3. A bill of sale

4. If the vehicle is leased, a notarized letter from the leasing company on their letterhead authorizing the transfer and registration of the vehicle in Delaware

5. If the vehicle is financed, a notarized letter from the lien holder on their letterhead authorizing the transfer and registration of their collateral (the vehicle) in Delaware 6. The completed Application for Certificate of Title

7. The completed Application for Registration

8. Payment for all taxes, fees, and surcharges due

Delaware Vehicle Registration Fees for Your Assigned Identification Number

The fee for registering a passenger vehicle in Delaware is $40.00. This fee is for a one-year registration and includes a $5.00 technology surcharge.

Fees for motorcycles:

The fee for registering a motorcycle in Delaware is $25.00. This fee is for a one-year registration and includes a $5.00 technology surcharge.

Fees for trailers:

The fee for registering a trailer in Delaware is $15.00 per year, plus a $5.00 technology surcharge

Registering a Motorcycle in Delaware

To register your motorcycle in Delaware, you’ll need:

A completed Application for Certificate of Title & Registration (Form MV21)

The previous owner’s title or registration

Your out-of-state registration (if applicable)

Proof of insurance

An odometer reading (if the vehicle is less than 10 years old)

Payment for all required fees and taxes

Documents Needed: When you go to register your motorcycle, you’ll need to bring:

A completed Application for Certificate of Title & Registration (Form MV21). You can get this form from your local DMV office or online at the Delaware DMV website.

The previous owner’s title or registration. If the vehicle is new and has never been registered before, you’ll need to provide a manufacturer’s certificate of origin instead.

Your out-of-state registration (if applicable). If you’re registering a motorcycle that you’ve brought with you from another state, you’ll need to surrender your out-of-state registration certificate. You may also be required to provide a letter from your previous state’s DMV stating that there are no outstanding liabilities on the vehicle.

Fees and Taxes: The fees and taxes associated with registering a motorcycle in Delaware vary depending on the age and weight of the vehicle. The base registration fee for a motorcycle is $35, plus an additional $10 fee for titling. If the vehicle is less than 3 years old, you’ll also be required to pay a $15 new vehicle surcharge. In addition to these fees, you’ll also be responsible for paying any taxes due on the purchase of the vehicle.

Process: The process for registering a motorcycle in Delaware is similar to that of registering a car. You’ll need to complete an Application for Certificate of Title & Registration (Form MV21), and submit it along with the required documents and fees to your local DMV office. Once your application has been processed, you’ll be issued a certificate of title and registration for your motorcycle.

Registering a Boat in Delaware

To register your boat in Delaware, you will need the following:

1. The completed Application for Certificate of Title & Registration (Form MV-82).

2. The previous owner’s Certificate of Title or other proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale. If the boat is new and has never been registered, you will need to provide a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO).

3. Payment for all applicable fees. Fees may be paid by check or money order made payable to “Division of Motor Vehicles” or by credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express).

4. A lien release if the boat is being financed.

Documents needed:

1. The completed Application for Certificate of Title & Registration (Form MV-82).

2. The previous owner’s Certificate of Title or other proof of ownership, such as a bill 3. Payment for all applicable fees. Fees may be paid by check or money order made payable to “Division of Sale.”

Delaware Boat Registration Fees

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) charges a one-time registration fee for all new and used boats. The fee is based on the length of your boat and is as follows:

Length of Boat Registration Fee

Less than 16 feet $15.00

16 feet or longer $25.00

Boat Titling Fees:

The DMV also charges a one-time titling fee for all new and used boats. The fee is based on the length of your boat and is as follows:

Length of Boat Titling Fee

Less than 16 feet $5.00 + registration fee*

16 feet or longer $10.00 + registration fee*

*If you are also registering your boat, the titling fee will be included in the total registration fee. Otherwise, it will be charged separately.

Conclusion

The process of getting a Delaware assigned vehicle identification number (VIN) is simple and straightforward. All you need to do is submit an application to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. Once your application is approved, you’ll be assigned a VIN. You can then use this VIN to purchase a car in Delaware.