Vehicle owners must apply for a car title transfer in Delaware when the possession of a vehicle is passed from the original owner to a new owner. If you would like to know, “How do you transfer a title on a car?” note that you will be required to submit the necessary items to a local office of the state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Failure to meet the DE title transfer requirements within 30 days of the transfer of ownership will result in a late penalty fee. When completing title transfers for cars, applicants will also be required to obtain a new car registration with the same transaction. Get more information on how to complete the transfer by reading the following sections.

What is a car title transfer in Delaware?

Prior to initiating Delaware title transfers for cars, vehicle owners must review the specifics of the title transfer process and the function of a certificate of title. The auto title transfer is a mandatory procedure that must be completed through the state DMV for purposes of legally reassigning the ownership of a specific motor vehicle from one legal entity to another.

In general, the title certificate is the official document used to complete the transfer of ownership in DE, since it contains important information about the vehicle and can be signed by both the seller and the buyer. Without a properly assigned title, buyers will be unable to obtain a car registration and prove they are the new owners of the vehicle in question.

Note: If you want to complete a title transfer online, please be aware that this is not an option in Delaware.

When is a vehicle title transfer required in Delaware?

Car owners wondering when to initiate the Delaware vehicle title transfer procedure must note that transferring a certificate of title is a step that must be completed after the possession of the vehicle is passed to another owner. The most common instance when a transfer of vehicle title is necessary is after selling or purchasing a motor vehicle in a private sale.

In such cases, the division recommends that both the seller and the buyer visit a nearby DMV facility to finalize the transfer in person.

However, if the seller is unable to make an office visit to complete the DE title transfer for cars, he or she can still help the buyer transfer the vehicle by forwarding the Seller’s Report of Sale and/or the current registration card to the division. In addition to completing title transfers for cars after the conclusion of a private sale, vehicle owners will be required to transfer a title certificate under different circumstances as well.

As an example, motorists who have inherited a vehicle or received it as a gift, will have to properly complete the title transfer prior to registering the vehicle. For further information on when to meet the DE car title transfer requirements in other situations, contact the division.

Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in Delaware

When applying for a title transfer for cars in Delaware, motorists will be required to meet several title transfer requirements, such as submitting the necessary paperwork and providing certain information.

However, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the nature of the transfer of ownership, the requirements may vary. For instance, the DE vehicle title transfer requirements regarding the necessary documents for a transfer of ownership between a buyer and a seller are listed in the following list:

  • A properly signed-over vehicle title
  • A filled out Seller’s Report of Sale or the seller’s registration card
  • The buyer’s proof of a vehicle liability insurance and driving license
  • Two proofs of state residency, if unable to submit a license to drive

Note: You may also need to bring a vehicle bill of sale with you.

If you are wondering how to fill out the a transfer of title form, it is important to note that the title of the original owner can be used as an application form for a title transfer, and both the seller and the buyer can provide the necessary information with it.

A properly assigned title must contain the buyer’s name and address, the seller’s name and signature, the date of sale, sale price and the odometer disclosure data.

Purchasers completing the DE auto title transfer will be required to fill out the Purchaser’s Application section on the back of the title as well. Also, both the buyer and the seller will be required to provide their birth dates and driving license numbers when completing the title transfer procedure.

Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in Delaware

To complete the Delaware title transfer for vehicles, car owners will be required to submit the necessary items through a local DMV facility. While the division recommends that all parties appear in person to complete the vehicle title transfer, the presence of the seller is not necessary.

If you are meeting the DE title transfer requirements unaccompanied by the seller, ensure that the former vehicle owner forwards the Seller’s Report of Sale and/or his or her registration card to the state DMV before making your office visit.

As soon as the state DMV authenticates the submitted paperwork and fee payments, your title transfer request will be processed. Note that, when completing transfer of title, you will also be required to register the vehicle at the same time.

Note: The option to complete electronic title transfers is not currently offered by the state DMV.

Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in Delaware

According to state laws, vehicle owners must obtain a new title for a car in Delaware regardless of the type of vehicle in question. However, prior to getting a new car title in DE, motorists are encouraged to discover the difference between applying for a new car title and transfering an existing certificate of title from one entity to another.

The state’s Division of Motor Vehicles requires vehicle owners to order a new car title immediately after purchasing a brand-new vehicle or within 60 days after moving from another state to Delaware.

Apart from applying for a DE DMV new title, motorists may be eligible to perform a title transfer procedure. The process of transferring a car title occurs in a situation when the ownership rights are being transferred from one person to another. For instance, consider the following situations when a title transfer is required:

  • After purchasing or selling a motor vehicle
  • Upon inheriting, donating or receiving a vehicle as gift
  • After transferring the ownership from another family member

In any case, a title transfer may be conducted between two residents of Delaware, regardless of whether they are connected by family or have not met before.

Car Title Transfer Fees in Delaware

To successfully finalize the transfer of car title in Delaware, vehicle owners will be required to pay the applicable titling and registration fees. Note that the costs to complete the car title transfer will vary depending on several factors, such as the weight of a vehicle. In general, most passenger cars weighing 5,000 or less may have their titles transferred for $35.

For example, you will be required to pay an additional fee on top of the standard titling fee if you are filing a title with a lien. Car owners completing the DE title transfer for vehicles will also be required to pay the registration fee and an additional document cost that is a percent of the vehicle sale price or its current value.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.