A certificate of title issued by the state of Delaware is a document that proves legal ownership of a vehicle. A title must be obtained when an individual purchases a new vehicle. A title transfer must also be completed when a used vehicle is sold or gifted, or when a vehicle changes hands as a result of the death of the vehicle's owner. In Delaware, a title should be transferred within 30 days of the sale.

[edit] OBTAINING A TITLE FOR A NEW VEHICLE:

For new vehicles, the licensed dealer that sold the vehicle typically will accept and submit the required titling information and fees on behalf of the buyer. However, buyers wishing to handle the titling independently can do so. Those interested in applying for a new title without the dealer's assistance should refer to the Vehicle Titling Requirements and the Vehicle Title Frequently Asked Questions pages on the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.

[edit] TRANSFERRING A TITLE ON A USED VEHICLE:

Sale/Purchase or Gift of a Used Vehicle

When you purchase a used vehicle, or obtain one as a gift, the title must be legally transferred into your name. This is done by obtaining the following documents, and submitting them along with the appropriate fees to the Division of Motor Vehicles:

1. The current title, with the assignment completed by the seller or donor (signing the title over to you). The Purchaser's Application section on the back of the title must be completed and the title must also include the federal odometer disclosure, if the vehicle is less than ten years old.
2. Proof of liability insurance.
3. Driver's license or state ID card. The seller must complete the Seller's Report of Sale section of the title and forward it to the DMV.

Fees

Along with the appropriate transfer of title documents above, you will need to submit the following fees:

1. $25 title fee if there is no lien or $35 with a lien (for vehicles weighing less than 5000 lbs)
2. A 3.25% document fee based on the purchase price or NADA value, whichever is higher.
3. $40 annual registration fee for passenger vehicles.

Transfer of Title Following Death of Vehicle Owner

In the event of the death of the vehicle owner, the title is often transferred to the heirs or someone else identified in the owner's will. The procedures and fees for this type of transfer are similar to those outlined above. In addition, it is important to determine how the estate of the deceased has been settled by the heir(s). In some cases, the heirs may need to provide copies of both the death certificate and the will (or a notarized statement of its contents), if there is one. For more information on title transfers following the death of a vehicle owner, contact the local DMV office.

Submission

Appropriate title transfer documents and fees should be submitted to the local DMV office.

Additional Information

• Contact the local Delaware DMV office if you wish to add, remove or change a name on a vehicle title for reason other than those discussed above.
• If there is an existing lien on the vehicle, there will be additional requirements for transferring the title.
• A valid title provides proof of ownership of the vehicle. However, remember that a title transfer does not entitle the new owner(s) to legally operate the vehicle. For this, refer to the appropriate license and registration information.