Delaware Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
Delaware stands apart as one of just five states in the nation with no sales tax whatsoever. That means when you buy a vehicle here, you won't see a percentage-based sales tax line item. Instead, the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles collects a 4.25% document fee on the purchase price at the time of title transfer. While not labeled a tax, this fee serves a similar purpose — and at 4.25%, it still undercuts the total vehicle tax burden in most surrounding states.
An important distinction in Delaware is that the bill of sale itself does not need notarization, but the title assignment does. This means the seller must sign the title over to the buyer in the presence of a notary public. Planning for this step at the time of sale avoids a second meeting later and speeds up the DMV process considerably.
Delaware requires emissions testing in New Castle and Kent counties, with Sussex County exempt. The state gives buyers 30 days to complete the title transfer after purchase, making it important to gather all documentation promptly. A thorough bill of sale protects both parties and ensures the DMV can process the transfer without delays.
0%
Sales tax (none)
30 Days
Transfer deadline
Title Only
Notarization for title
2 Counties
Emissions required
Delaware DMV Requirements
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles oversees all title and registration transactions. Here is everything both parties should prepare before visiting a DMV location:
Important: Title Must Be Notarized
While the bill of sale does not need notarization, Delaware requires the seller's signature on the title assignment to be notarized. Arrange for a notary at the time of sale to keep things simple. Without a notarized title, the DMV will not process the transfer.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Notarized Title Assignment: Sign the assignment section on the back of the title in front of a notary public, including the buyer's name, date, sale price, and odometer reading
- Bill of Sale: A signed document with complete buyer/seller information, vehicle description, VIN, sale price, and date of sale
- Odometer Disclosure: A federal requirement for vehicles under 20 years old — must appear on the title or a separate disclosure form
- Lien Release: If there was a loan on the vehicle, provide written proof the lien has been satisfied
What the Buyer Needs at the DMV
- Notarized Title: Properly assigned by the seller with notarized signature
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both parties
- Valid Photo ID: Delaware driver's license or state-issued identification
- Proof of Insurance: Delaware requires minimum liability of $25,000/$50,000/$10,000
- Payment: Title fee ($55), registration (varies), and 4.25% document fee on the purchase price
How to Fill Out a Delaware Vehicle Bill of Sale
A well-prepared bill of sale makes your Delaware DMV visit efficient. Here is how to complete each section of the document so nothing gets flagged or rejected at the counter.
Provide Seller Information
Start with the seller's full legal name as it reads on the Delaware vehicle title. Add their current mailing address, phone number, and Delaware driver's license number. If the title lists co-owners connected by "and," both must participate in the sale; an "or" between names means either can sell independently.
Provide Buyer Information
Enter the buyer's full legal name exactly as it should appear on the new Delaware title. Include their complete address, phone number, and identification details. The county where the buyer resides determines whether an emissions test is needed (New Castle and Kent counties require it; Sussex County does not).
Describe the Vehicle in Full
Record the year, make, model, body type, and color. Copy the 17-character VIN from the dashboard plate or driver-side door jamb — double-check every character against the title. A mismatched VIN will prevent the title transfer at the DMV. Include the license plate number if the vehicle is currently registered.
State the Odometer Mileage
Note the precise odometer reading at the time of sale and indicate whether the reading is accurate, has rolled past the mechanical limit, or does not represent the true mileage. This is a federal requirement enforced by NHTSA. Vehicles 20 model years old or older and those with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs are exempt.
Set the Purchase Price
Write the agreed sale price in both numbers and words. Delaware's 4.25% document fee is calculated on this amount or the NADA book value, whichever is higher. If the vehicle is a gift, write "$0 — Gift" and bring supporting documentation for the exemption. Family-to-family gift transfers may qualify for reduced or waived document fees.
Sign, Notarize the Title, and Keep Copies
Both parties sign and date the bill of sale — no notarization required for this document. However, the seller must sign the title assignment in front of a notary. Print at least two copies of the bill of sale for each party. The buyer should visit the Delaware DMV within 30 days to avoid late fees.
Delaware Title Transfer Process
With the bill of sale signed and the title properly notarized, the buyer must visit a Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles office to complete the transfer within 30 days of the sale date.
Complete the Transaction
Sign the bill of sale, have the title notarized, exchange payment and vehicle
Obtain Insurance
Secure Delaware minimum liability coverage before your DMV visit
Complete Emissions Testing (If Applicable)
Required in New Castle and Kent counties — Sussex County is exempt
Visit a Delaware DMV Office
Bring the notarized title, bill of sale, photo ID, proof of insurance, and emissions report
Pay All Applicable Fees
Title fee ($55), registration (varies by type), and 4.25% document fee
Delaware Vehicle Fees & Document Fee
Delaware's lack of sales tax is a major advantage for vehicle buyers, but the 4.25% document fee and other charges still add up. Here is what you should budget for:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sales Tax | None — $0 |
| Document Fee | 4.25% of purchase price |
| Title Fee | $55 |
| Registration Fee | Varies by vehicle type |
| License Plate | $10 for standard plate |
| Late Transfer Penalty | Fees increase after 30 days |
| Duplicate Title | $55 |
Sample Delaware Vehicle Bill of Sale
Below you'll find a preview of our Delaware-specific vehicle bill of sale. The document you create will include every field expected by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.
STATE OF DELAWARE
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Delaware Address]
County: [County]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Delaware Address]
County: [County]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Delaware Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to frequent questions about Delaware's no-sales-tax vehicle purchases, title notarization, document fees, and emissions requirements.
Official Delaware Resources
Use these official links to look up current fees, find DMV offices, and access state and federal forms for your Delaware vehicle transaction.
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Title transfers, registration, and vehicle services
Delaware Emissions Inspection Program
Station locations, exemptions, and county requirements
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
IRS — Vehicle Sale Tax Reporting
Federal tax implications of selling a vehicle
Other Delaware Bill of Sale Templates
Selling something besides a vehicle in Delaware? Explore our full library of state-specific bill of sale templates.
Delaware Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Delaware Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Delaware Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Delaware Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Delaware General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Delaware ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Delaware Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Delaware Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Delaware Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Delaware-compliant document in minutes. No sales tax — just a 4.25% document fee.
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