Delaware license plate transfers allow you to move your existing plate to a newly acquired vehicle. Delaware plates stay with the owner when a vehicle is sold. Transfers are processed at any Delaware DMV office. Delaware’s document fee (5.25% effective October 1, 2025) applies to the new vehicle’s title transfer. Delaware also offers multi-year registration — up to 5 years upfront — which affects how the transfer credit is calculated.
Does Delaware Allow You to Transfer a License Plate to a New Vehicle?
Yes. Delaware allows license plate transfers between vehicles owned by the same person. When you sell your vehicle, remove your plates and transfer them to your new vehicle at a Delaware DMV office. Delaware may also provide a credit for unused registration when transferring plates.
How Do You Transfer a License Plate in Delaware?
Delaware plate transfers are processed at any Delaware DMV office in person.
- Remove your plates from the vehicle you are selling. Delaware plates stay with the owner.
- Ensure the title for the sold vehicle is properly signed over to the buyer.
- Obtain the title for your newly acquired vehicle — for private-party purchases, have the seller sign it over completely with all liens released.
- Visit any Delaware DMV office (Wilmington, Dover, Delaware City, or Georgetown) in person.
- Present your plates, the title for the new vehicle, and all required documents.
- Pay the applicable transfer fee and any new registration costs including the document fee on the new vehicle’s title transfer.
- Receive updated registration documentation for the new vehicle.
What Documents Do You Need to Transfer a Plate in Delaware?
Have these ready before visiting a Delaware DMV office.
- Valid Delaware driver’s license or state ID
- Title for the new vehicle — properly signed with all liens released
- Completed and signed title for the sold vehicle (for the buyer)
- Current registration card for the plates you are transferring
- The physical license plates
- Proof of current Delaware liability insurance for the new vehicle
- Payment for transfer fee, document fee on new vehicle (5.25% of purchase price or NADA value), and applicable registration fees
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a License Plate in Delaware?
The document fee is the largest cost component when acquiring a new vehicle in Delaware.
| ITEM | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Plate transfer fee | Contact Delaware DMV at (302) 744-2500 for current fee |
| Document fee on new vehicle title transfer (effective Oct 1, 2025) | 5.25% of purchase price or NADA value — whichever is higher |
| Annual registration fee (new vehicle) | $40.00 per year for passenger vehicles |
| Electric vehicle surcharge (if applicable) | $110.00 per year |
| Late penalty (if applicable) | $20.00 |
Can You Transfer a Personalized or Specialty Plate in Delaware?
Delaware specialty and personalized plates can be transferred to a new vehicle. The $40 personalized plate annual fee continues to apply. Contact the Delaware DMV at DMVCustomerService@delaware.gov or (302) 744-2500 for specific specialty plate transfer procedures.
What Happens to the Old Registration When You Transfer a Plate in Delaware?
When you sell your vehicle in Delaware, properly sign over the title to the buyer. Remove your plates before the buyer takes possession. The buyer must register the vehicle at a Delaware DMV office and pay the document fee on the title transfer. If you had a multi-year registration on your old vehicle, contact the DMV about any applicable credit or transfer.
Can You Transfer a License Plate to Someone Else in Delaware?
No. Delaware plates are not transferable between different owners. Only the same person can transfer plates between their vehicles. When selling your vehicle to another person, remove your plates — the buyer obtains new registration at the DMV.
What Happens If You Sell Your Car — Do the Plates Stay With the Vehicle?
Delaware plates stay with the owner. Remove your plates when selling your vehicle. The buyer must complete title transfer and registration at a Delaware DMV office, paying the 5.25% document fee. You may transfer your plates to your new vehicle at the DMV.
Is There a Deadline to Complete a Plate Transfer in Delaware?
Delaware requires new residents to title and register their vehicles within 60 days of establishing Delaware residency. For existing Delaware residents purchasing a new vehicle, complete registration promptly to avoid a $20 late penalty.
What Should You Do If You Don’t Want to Transfer the Plate?
If you sell your vehicle and do not purchase a replacement, you may keep your plates or surrender them to a Delaware DMV office. Delaware allows up to 5-year registrations — if you had prepaid multiple years, contact the DMV about any refund eligibility for unused periods.