Selling or buying a vehicle in Delaware? Delaware has no state sales tax — but it does charge a 5.25% document fee on the purchase price or NADA trade-in value, whichever is higher.
This free template is formatted for Delaware’s title transfer requirements, including the Seller’s Report of Sale and the DMV inspection requirement for buyers.
Click Get This Template below to open it in Google Docs, then click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive.
For templates for all 50 states, visit the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Templates →
On this page:
- What Is a Delaware Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
- Is a Bill of Sale Required in Delaware?
- Delaware-Specific Requirements
- Free Delaware Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
- How to Fill Out the Template
- How to Transfer a Car Title in Delaware
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Delaware Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A Delaware motor vehicle bill of sale is a written record of a private vehicle sale.
It works alongside the Certificate of Title — it does not replace it. The Delaware DMV recommends that all parties appear together at a DMV office to complete the title transfer.
Is a Bill of Sale Required in Delaware?
Delaware strongly recommends a bill of sale for all private vehicle sales. It is required when the title does not have an assignment section completed or when the purchase price is not otherwise documented.
The Delaware DMV uses the purchase price to calculate the 5.25% document fee. If no bill of sale is provided, the document fee defaults to the current NADA average trade-in value — which may be higher than the actual sale price.
Delaware-Specific Requirements
1. 30-Day Deadline
The buyer has 30 days from the date of purchase to apply for a new Certificate of Title. A late fee applies after 30 days. The vehicle may not be operated until a new title is issued in the buyer’s name.
2. No Sales Tax — 5.25% Document Fee Instead
Delaware has no state sales tax. Instead, a 5.25% document fee is charged on the sale price or the current NADA average trade-in value — whichever is higher. This is paid at the DMV at the time of title transfer.
If no bill of sale or purchase price is provided, the document fee defaults to the NADA value. Always document the actual agreed price on the bill of sale.
3. Seller’s Report of Sale
After the sale, the seller must complete the Seller’s Report of Sale — located at the bottom of the new Delaware title — and forward it to the Delaware DMV. This removes the seller from liability for the vehicle after the sale date.
4. DMV Inspection Required
The vehicle must pass inspection at a Delaware DMV Inspection Lane before a new title can be issued in the buyer’s name. This is a safety inspection — arrange it before or at the time of the title transfer application.
5. Title Assignment — Section 1
The seller must complete Section 1 (Assignment of Certificate of Title) on the reverse of the Delaware title: buyer’s name and address, date and hour of the sale, purchase price, and odometer disclosure. If ownership is “AND” both sellers must sign; if “AND/OR” either seller may sign.
6. Out-of-State Buyers
If the buyer is from out of state, the seller must remove the license plate and return it to any Delaware DMV office.
7. Notarization
Delaware does not require notarization for a standard private party vehicle bill of sale. Notarization is required for a Power of Attorney. Notarization is optional but recommended for all private vehicle sales.
Free Delaware Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
This template opens in Google Docs. Click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive, fill it out digitally, or print and complete by hand.
How to Fill Out the Template
Enter the seller’s name exactly as it appears on the Certificate of Title. Enter the buyer’s name exactly as they want it on the new title.
In Section 3, copy the VIN character by character from the dashboard plate and the title. Enter the full agreed purchase price in Section 4 — Delaware calculates the 5.25% document fee on this figure.
Both parties sign Section 11. The seller must also complete Section 1 on the reverse of the Delaware title and file the Seller’s Report of Sale with the DMV.
For a complete field-by-field walkthrough of every section, see: How to Fill Out a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale →
How to Transfer a Car Title in Delaware
For the Seller
Complete Section 1 on the reverse of the Delaware title. Complete and forward the Seller’s Report of Sale to the Delaware DMV. Remove the license plate if the buyer is out of state and return it to a Delaware DMV office.
For the Buyer
Within 30 days of purchase, visit a Delaware DMV office with the completed title (Section 1 on reverse), this bill of sale, proof of Delaware liability insurance, valid Delaware driver’s license or two proofs of residency, and payment for the 5.25% document fee and title/registration fees. The vehicle must pass inspection at a Delaware DMV Inspection Lane before a title can be issued.
Lost Title
Apply for a duplicate title at any Delaware DMV office before proceeding with the sale. Contact the Delaware DMV at dmv.de.gov or (302) 744-2500.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Delaware has no state sales tax. Instead, a 5.25% document fee is charged on the purchase price or the current NADA average trade-in value — whichever is higher. This is paid at the DMV at the time of title transfer.
30 days from the date of purchase. A late fee applies after 30 days. Important: the vehicle may not be operated until a new title is issued in the buyer’s name — unlike most states that allow driving on a bill of sale during the grace period.
Yes. The vehicle must pass a safety inspection at a Delaware DMV Inspection Lane before a new title can be issued in the buyer’s name. Arrange this before or at the time of your title transfer appointment.
No. Delaware does not require notarization for a standard private party vehicle bill of sale. Notarization is required for a Power of Attorney. It is optional but recommended for all private vehicle sales.
It is a section at the bottom of the new Delaware Certificate of Title that the seller completes and forwards to the Delaware DMV after the sale. Filing it removes the seller from liability for the vehicle after the sale date.
Yes. Delaware does not require a specific state-issued bill of sale form for private party vehicle sales. Any bill of sale documenting the purchase price, vehicle description, VIN, date of sale, and signatures of both parties is acceptable.
This template and all information on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Contact the Delaware DMV at dmv.de.gov or (302) 744-2500 to confirm current requirements before completing your transaction.