How to Sell a Car Privately in Delaware
Selling your car yourself in Delaware comes down to a signed title, the right paperwork, and a few steps people often miss. This guide summarizes what the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles and state law say, so you and the buyer can finish the transfer cleanly.
Transferring the title
- The seller completes section 1 (Assignment of Certificate of Title) on the back of the title, including the buyer's name and address, sale date, purchase price and odometer disclosure. dmv.de.gov
- If the front of the title joins owner names with AND, all sellers must sign and print their names; with AND/OR, one owner may sign. dmv.de.gov
- DMV recommends that the seller transfer the title to the buyer at a DMV facility. dmv.de.gov
- The buyer must apply for a new title immediately after purchase and in no case more than 30 days after, or a penalty fee applies. dmv.de.gov
- DMV accepts only original documents; photocopies are not accepted. dmv.de.gov
Odometer disclosure
- The seller signs and prints their name in the odometer disclosure on the title, and the buyer signs and prints their name to acknowledge it. dmv.de.gov
- Odometer reporting is mandatory for model year 2011 and newer vehicles and optional for model year 2010 and older. dmv.de.gov
- If the odometer does not show actual mileage, the seller checks the 'not the actual mileage' box, and DMV rejects a title whose disclosed mileage is lower than the mileage printed on the front unless a mileage box is checked. dmv.de.gov
License plates
- When selling to an out-of-state buyer, the license plate must be removed from the vehicle and returned to any DMV office. dmv.de.gov
- A seller can retain the plate number from any vehicle sold to a dealer or private buyer, but a plate left on a sold vehicle is lost unless retained before the sale. dmv.de.gov
- The agency warns a seller who neither returns nor keeps the plate may receive red light, toll or parking violations if the vehicle is not properly transferred. dmv.de.gov
Telling the state you sold the car
- If buyer and seller cannot go to DMV together, Delaware law requires the registered owner to notify DMV of the sale by mailing the Seller's Report of Sale and the registration card. dmv.de.gov
- The report of sale includes the buyer's name and address, the date and hour of sale and the seller's signature, and is mailed to the DMV Vehicle Services Help Desk in Dover. dmv.de.gov
Loans and liens
- If the buyer is financing, the lien is recorded on the back of the title and DMV mails the title to the lienholder once the vehicle is titled. dmv.de.gov
Easy-to-miss rules in this state
- An out-of-state buyer can get a temporary tag at any DMV office for $20.00 with proof of insurance, a bill of sale or title, the VIN and the vehicle make and year. dmv.de.gov
- If the odometer was replaced, Delaware law requires a written notice on the left door frame stating the pre-repair mileage and the repair date. dmv.de.gov
Frequently asked questions
Is an odometer disclosure required when selling a car in Delaware?
The seller signs and prints their name in the odometer disclosure on the title, and the buyer signs and prints their name to acknowledge it. Odometer reporting is mandatory for model year 2011 and newer vehicles and optional for model year 2010 and older.
What happens to the license plates when I sell my car in Delaware?
When selling to an out-of-state buyer, the license plate must be removed from the vehicle and returned to any DMV office. A seller can retain the plate number from any vehicle sold to a dealer or private buyer, but a plate left on a sold vehicle is lost unless retained before the sale.
Do I have to tell the state I sold my car in Delaware?
If buyer and seller cannot go to DMV together, Delaware law requires the registered owner to notify DMV of the sale by mailing the Seller's Report of Sale and the registration card. The report of sale includes the buyer's name and address, the date and hour of sale and the seller's signature, and is mailed to the DMV Vehicle Services Help Desk in Dover.
Official Delaware resources
- Delaware DMV: Tips for privately selling a Delaware titled vehicle (PDF)
- Delaware DMV: Transfer a Delaware vehicle title
- Delaware DMV: Odometer disclosure requirements
- Delaware DMV: Tips on purchasing a used vehicle
- Delaware DMV: Tag (license plate) retention
- Delaware DMV: Vehicle inspections
- Delaware DMV: Fees
Next steps
Once you know the rules, create a free listing and print a QR code sign for the car window. For the general process, see our step-by-step private sale guide, the paperwork checklist, and how to get paid safely. Need paperwork? Use our free bill of sale generator.