How to Sell a Car in Delaware Privately? (State Guide)

The buyer has 30 days from date of purchase to bring the title to a Delaware DMV office and complete the transfer. If they miss that deadline, they’ll owe a $35 late penalty fee on top of the regular title transfer fee.

Delaware recommends that both the seller and buyer complete the transfer together at a DMV location. This protects both parties and lets a DMV associate catch any paperwork errors right away.

No. Delaware doesn't require the title assignment to be notarized for private sales. Signing in blue or black ink exactly as the name appears on the front of the title is enough.

A bill of sale is recommended in Delaware for regular titled vehicle sales. It’s a good idea for both parties as a written record of the terms.

Notarization is not required. You can use our free bill of sale generator to create one quickly.

Yes, but you need to coordinate lien release with your lender first. In Delaware, the lienholder mails the existing Delaware title to the Delaware DMV using Form MV-35 supplied by the borrower, and the DMV issues a new lien-free title to the owner.

If you owe more than the car is worth, you’ll need to pay the difference out of pocket to clear the lien.

Delaware handles inherited vehicles through two paths depending on the estate’s value. If probated: a certified copy of Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration plus the title assigned by the executor to the new owner. If not probated and the estate is under $30,000 with no Delaware real estate: Form MV-11 (Survivor's Transfer Form for a Vehicle) plus a certified death certificate. Both paths require submission to a Delaware DMV office with the assigned title.

Contact the Delaware DMV directly to confirm what they’ll accept for your specific situation before the sale.

It depends on how your names appear on the front of the title. If it says “AND,” every owner listed must sign the Assignment of Certificate of Title section on the back.

If it says “AND/OR,” only one owner needs to sign. Look at the front of your title carefully before the sale so you’re not scrambling to track down a co-owner at the last minute.

Don’t try to fix it yourself with white-out or cross-outs. Any correction makes the title invalid and the DMV won’t accept it.

You’ll need to apply for a duplicate title using Form MV-213, pay the $50 fee, and start over once the new title arrives. Take your time and double-check before you put pen to paper.

Your obligations as the seller stay the same regardless of where the buyer lives. Sign the title correctly, remove your plates, and send your Seller's Report of Sale to the Delaware DMV.

The buyer will register the vehicle in their home state using the Delaware title. Some states require a VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles, but that’s the buyer’s responsibility to sort out on their end.

No. In Delaware, plates stay with the seller. You can transfer your plates to another vehicle you own for a $35 fee, or surrender them to any Delaware DMV office.

Yes. Delaware requires you to submit the Seller's Report of Sale Immediately.

The form is the tear-off section at the bottom of your Delaware title, or you can download the standalone PDF from the Delaware DMV.

Fill in the buyer’s name and address, the date and time of the sale, and your signature. To file, Mail the Seller's Report of Sale to Delaware DMV, or email it to DMV.CorrespondenceServices@delaware.gov..

If you skip this step, no fixed dollar penalty, but the seller stays liable for parking tickets, tolls, abandonment, or accidents until the sale is reported.

Learn more: What is a Car Release of Liability Form? (Each State Forms)

Generally no. 21 Del. C. § 2505 creates one narrow exception: the sale must be to a licensed automotive recycler for wrecking or dismantling, and the recycler accepts a salvage certificate or other acceptable evidence of ownership in place of a title.

For any other sale, you must get a duplicate title first using Form MV-213 for $50. Note that processing time varies depending on the nature of the request.

You can sell a junk car in Delaware without a title only under 21 Del. C. § 2505. The condition: the sale must be to a licensed automotive recycler for wrecking or dismantling, and the recycler accepts a salvage certificate or other acceptable evidence of ownership in place of a title.

Online buyers like Peddle and Wheelzy often pick up vehicles for free and handle most of the paperwork.

You’ll still need to sign the title properly when you have one, manage your plates, and send the Seller's Report of Sale to protect yourself from future liability.

Want to compare offers from multiple services with Sell Car Advisor before deciding who to sell to? Our free tool shows you competing offers in minutes.