Delaware Bill of Sale & Vehicle Title Transfer

Delaware requirements

• Delaware transfers ownership through the assigned certificate of title; a separate bill of sale is recommended documentation of the deal rather than a stand-alone state requirement for titled vehicles.
• The seller completes the title assignment with the buyer's name and address, date of sale, purchase price, and odometer disclosure; if the title lists owners joined by AND, all sellers must sign.
• Delaware law requires the buyer to apply for a new certificate of title immediately after purchase, and in no case more than 30 days after; a penalty fee applies to late applications.
• The DMV recommends the seller accompany the buyer to a DMV facility to complete the transfer; the seller also completes the seller's report of sale (attached to newer titles) and returns or retains the plates.
• A bill of sale is accepted as proof of purchase in DMV processes, for example when an out-of-state buyer obtains a temporary tag.
• Delaware DMV instructions do not require notarization of a bill of sale, but all documents presented to the DMV must be originals; confirm current document requirements with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a buyer have to title a vehicle in Delaware?

Delaware law requires the buyer to apply for a new certificate of title immediately after the purchase, and no more than 30 days after. Applications received later than 30 days incur a penalty fee.

Does Delaware require a notarized bill of sale?

The Delaware DMV's private sale instructions do not call for a notarized bill of sale. Ownership passes through the assigned title, and the DMV recommends completing the transfer in person at a DMV facility.

Official sources

• https://www.dmv.de.gov/VehicleServices/titles/index.shtml
• https://www.dmv.de.gov/VehicleServices/titles/pdfs/TipsforPrivatelySellingaDelawareTitledVehicle.pdf