Without a title, there is no proof that you own a car – the title is held by the owner. If you’re buying a car, you’ll need to transfer the title from the seller’s name to your own. If you’re selling a car, you’ll need to transfer the title from your name to the buyer’s. This also applies in the case of gifting a car, and even when inheriting a vehicle from a relative. Of course, there are several things you’ll need to know about how to transfer a car title in Delaware.
For buyers
If you’ll be buying a car, there are several important steps that need to be taken, and it actually begins before you visit the DMV. You’ll need to do the following:
- Complete the Purchaser’s Application on the back of the title, making sure to include your driver’s license number, as well as your birthdate.
- Make sure to sign the Assignment of Certificate of Title, which is also located on the back of the car’s title. The seller also needs to complete this section.
Once you’ve completed the sections on the back of the title, you’ll need to go to the DMV office. Make sure to take the following things with you:
- The title with all fields completed
- Insurance information to prove the car is covered
- Your state-issued driver’s licenses (note that you can also use two legal documents that prove residency in the state rather than your license if you wish)
- Cash to pay the various fees, which are as follows:
- $40 vehicle registration fee
- $35 title transfer fee ($55 if there’s a lien on the car)
- 4.25% of the sale price or trade-in value to cover the document fee
Common mistakes
- Not notifying the state within 30 days of your purchase (which will incur an additional $25 fee)
- Not completing the sections on the back of the title
For sellers
If you’re selling a car, there are several things that you’ll need to do to ensure that the buyer can transfer the title into their name.
- Make sure to complete the Assignment of Certificate of Title on the back of the car’s title. Note that if more than one person is listed on the title, both will need to complete this section.
- Remove the Seller’s Report of Sale from the title.
- Give the title to the buyer.
- Complete the Seller’s Report of Sale and deliver it to the DMV. Make sure to fill out the fields completely, including the date of the sale, the amount paid for the car, the name of the buyer, the buyer’s address, and your signature.
Gifting and inheriting
The process for gifting a car in Delaware is the same as buying one. However, if you’re inheriting a car, you’ll need to make sure to bring the title, the original County Register of Wills Office document and the associated fees to the DMV office.
For more information about how to transfer a car title in Delaware, visit the state’s official DMV website.
