Selling a car privately in Delaware
Delaware's DMV recommends doing the whole private sale at a DMV facility with the buyer: the transfer happens on the spot, the buyer leaves with a new title in progress, and your name comes off the record immediately. If you transfer outside a DMV office, complete the assignment on the back of the title (buyer name and address, date, price, odometer) and send in the Seller's Report of Sale, the detachable portion at the bottom of the Delaware title.
Delaware has no sales tax; instead the buyer pays a document fee (a percentage of the price or NADA value) when they title. No notary is required for the title assignment. Plates do not follow the vehicle in a normal private sale; remove yours and transfer or surrender them per DMV instructions.
The checklist
- 1
Complete the title assignment (Delaware)
Fill in buyer name and address, date of sale, price, and odometer reading on the back of the Delaware title, and print and sign your name as seller.
- 2
Send in the Seller's Report of Sale
Detach the report at the bottom of the title, complete it with buyer details and the date and hour of sale, and forward it to Delaware DMV.
- 3
Meet the buyer at a DMV facility if possible
Delaware DMV recommends completing the transfer at a DMV office so the buyer's new title is processed and your name is removed immediately.
- 4
Remove your license plates
Take your plates off at handoff and transfer or surrender them per DMV instructions; do not leave them on the sold vehicle.
- 5
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 6
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 7
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 8
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 9
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 10
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 11
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 12
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 13
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
Generate your Delaware sale packet
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Start your free beta packetDelaware private sale FAQ
Does a Delaware car title need to be notarized?
No. Delaware does not require notarization for the seller's assignment on the title. Complete the assignment fully, including price and odometer reading.
What is Delaware's Seller's Report of Sale?
A detachable section at the bottom of the Delaware title. Fill in the buyer's name and address, the date and hour of sale, sign it, and send it to the DMV; it records when the vehicle left your hands.
Does the buyer pay sales tax in Delaware?
Delaware has no sales tax. The buyer pays a document fee when titling, calculated as a percentage of the purchase price or book value.
Should we do the transfer at a Delaware DMV office?
Yes, if you can. The DMV recommends it: the buyer's title work happens immediately and your name comes off the vehicle record the same day, which is the cleanest outcome for a seller.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 13, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.