Vehicle Registration & Title

New residents must title and register their vehicles within 60 days after becoming a Delaware resident. State law also requires that any change in address be reported to the Division of Motor Vehicles within one month. The first requirement for registration is proof of automobile insurance coverage in state-specified minimum amounts for liability. The second step is a vehicle inspection at one of the offices of the Division of Motor Vehicles. Should the vehicle be rejected, correction and re-inspection are necessary. Although a valid title to the vehicle is required, this must be relinquished to receive a Delaware title. If there is a lien against the vehicle, a form letter will be provided to send to the lienholder to obtain the certificate of title. Once all documents have been completed and fees paid, a certificate of title, a registration card, and a license plate will be issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles. If there is a lien against the vehicle, the title is mailed to the lienholder. The Division of Motor Vehicles offers one office in each of the three Delaware counties. For more information on drivers licenses or vehicle registration and titling in Delaware, contact the nearest office:

Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles

New Castle, DE

302-326-5000

Dover, DE

302-744-2500

Georgetown, DE

302-853-1000

www.dmv.de.gov

Mandatory Insurance

Delaware requires specified amounts of liability insurance for all drivers, and this coverage must be obtained from licensed by the Insurance Commissioner to operate in Delaware. For more information, consult the Vehicle Services section of the Division of Motor Vehicles:

Delaware Vehicle Services

www.dmv.de.gov/services/vehicle_svcs.shtml

Auto Safety Laws

Delaware enforces the use of seat belts as a primary law. The driver and all passengers must wear a properly fastened seat belt at all times, and law enforcement officers can issue a citation for failure to do so. All children must be properly restrained in an appropriate federally approved child safety seat through age six or until they weigh at least 60 pounds. Additionally, children between the ages of 7 and 15 are required to be properly secured in a seatbelt. All children less than 12 years old or 65 inches in height are required to sit in the back seat if there are active airbags in the front passenger seat. For more information or answers to questions, contact:

Delaware Office of Safety

302-744-2740

www.state.de.us/highway