VEHICLE SERVICES GENERAL FAQ’s
Q. How do I title a vehicle that belonged to someone who passed away?
A:The executor/executrix of the decedent will sign the existing title over to you in section 1. The Division is required to witness the original document issued by the County Register of Wills Office. A photocopy of this document will not be accepted. Documentation fee, title fee, and/or registration fees shall apply.
Q. What is the procedure to title/register a vehicle that was given to me as a gift??
A:This only applies to vehicles currently titled in the State of Delaware and gifted to you by an immediate relative (spouse, parent, grandparent, child, or sibling). The Delaware title shall be signed over to you in section 1. If it is not evident that you are immediate family, proof of relationship must be provided to the Division (such as birth certificate or marriage certificate). A title fee of $35.00 shall apply.
Q. How do I transfer my current license plate to another vehicle?
A:Bring the titles and proof of Delaware insurance for all vehicles involved. Notate the odometer disclosure of each vehicle in section 1 in the Odometer Disclosure box as well as sign and print your name as buyer. You will be subject to any title fees, service fees, and/or registration fees based on the nature of the complete transaction.
Q. How do I change the name on my title & registration?
A:To change your name on your registration, you must also change the title. You must first have your driver license changed prior to title and registration. You will bring your title, driver license, and proof of insurance to your nearest DMV location. You will be asked to disclose the current mileage and endorse the title in sections 1 and 4. The charge is $35.00. In the event a lien holder is holding your title, you will be given a MV-35 to mail to your lender requesting the title to be mailed to the Division. The charge for a title with a lien is $55.00.
Q. Do I have to accompany the buyer to the DMV if I am privately selling my vehicle?
A:No. As a seller, your obligation is to complete the Sellers Report of Sale, a detachable portion at the bottom of the current title and to complete section one on the reverse side of the title, including the buyer(s) name, address, date of sale, total cost of the vehicle, odometer reading, signature, and printed name. The buyer will take the Certificate of Title. You will need to mail the Sellers Report to the address provided or hand carry it to a DMV location as soon as possible. This releases you of liability but does not transfer ownership until the buyer presents documentation to the Division. Please note that it is unlawful for a buyer to drive on a vehicle prior to the title/registration being transferred at a Division of Motor Vehicles location.
Q. How do I renew my vehicle registration when I am in the military stationed out of Delaware?
A:You will need to contact our Registration Correspondence Section for an Out-of-State Inspection Packet to be mailed to your address provided you are outside a 250-mile radius of a DMV location in the State of Delaware. The packet consists of a safety inspection checklist and an emission test requirement. The packet and vehicle shall be taken to a vehicle dealership or mechanic for inspection and their endorsement that the vehicle meets these requirements. You may then mail the documents, a photocopy of your Delaware driver license and current Delaware insurance card and necessary fees to the address provided on the form for processing through the mail. We suggest you include a self-addressed envelope back to your address.
Q. How do I renew my vehicle registration when I am away at college?
A:You will need to contact our Registration Correspondence Section for an Out-of-State Inspection Packet to be mailed to your address provided you are outside a 200-mile radius of a DMV location in the State of Delaware. The packet consists of a safety inspection checklist and an emission test requirement. The packet and vehicle shall be taken to a vehicle dealership or mechanic for inspection and their endorsement that the vehicle meets these requirements. You may then mail the documents, a photocopy of your Delaware driver license and current Delaware insurance card and necessary fees to the address provided on the form for processing through the mail. We suggest you include a self-addressed envelope back to your address.
Q. How do I make an appointment for a child safety seat check?
A:Child seat safety checks are performed by the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS). Click on the link http://ohs.delaware.gov/carseat for more information on how to make an appointment or you can call OHS directly. For New Castle County (302) 434-3234, Kent County (302) 744-2749 or Sussex County (302) 853-1014.
