A Delaware vehicle bill of sale is a legally binding document that officially transfers the ownership of your old vehicle from you to the new buyer. Without it, the buyer may not be able to register the vehicle with the DMV.
A vehicle bill of sale in Delaware may not be the same as a bill of sale in other states. To avoid difficulties, it’s important to understand what you need to include in a Delaware bill of sale for a vehicle in your state.
Delaware Vehicle Registration
To legally own and drive a vehicle in Delaware, the vehicle must be registered. Most dealerships will handle the title and registration for you.
Where to Register Your Vehicle
You can register your vehicle at your local Delaware DMV. To do so, you will need to bring all the necessary documents listed below. You’ll receive your registration in the mail about 2 weeks after submitting your application.
Documents Required by the DMV Office
When registering your vehicle at the local Delaware DMV, make sure you bring the following:
- Bill of sale
- Record of a vehicle inspection
- Proof of a Delaware auto insurance policy that meets the state minimum
- A completed application for title
- A Delaware driver’s license
- All vehicle registration fees, including:
- $40 registration fee
- Duplicate license plates with sticker/without sticker: $10/5
- Duplicate Delaware car registration card: $10
If someone else is registering your vehicle on your behalf, be sure to have given them power of attorney to do so.
How to Write a Bill of Sale for a Car in Delaware
A Delaware vehicle bill of sale is broken down into four sections.
The first details the seller and buyer information, as well as the Delaware county where the transaction takes place. You’ll fill out the county, date, and contact information of the buyer and seller.
In the second section, your vehicle bill of sale should list any details about the car itself. This includes:
The third section details whether you’re transferring ownership for payment, trade, or a gift. If you’re making a payment, you’ll state the amount paid and whether it was via cash, check, or a credit or debit card. If it’s a trade, you’ll detail the value of each item traded. If it’s a gift, your vehicle bill of sale should detail the current value of the vehicle.
Finally, Delaware’s vehicle bill of sale asks you to state who will pay the local and state taxes on the vehicle, including sales tax. This can be either the buyer or the seller.
Free Delaware Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
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FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions we receive about Delaware vehicle bills of sale.
Does Delaware require a bill of sale for a car?
Delaware does not always require a bill of sale for vehicles. Private auto sales between individuals are the exception. A bill of sale may be required to register the vehicle and enforce the new ownership.
Does Delaware require a notarized bill of sale?
You are not legally required to notarize a bill of sale or even to sign it. This is best practice, however. If your bill of sale is not signed, it can be difficult to enforce. If it is notarized and a witness signs, it is much more likely to hold up in case disagreements occur.