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May 26, 2016

Delaware Vehicle Identification Numbers

Most vehicles in the state of Delaware must pass a vehicle inspection in order become titled in the state. Vehicles that are new and have never been registered or titled in any state and are sold by dealers who provide the buyer with a “Delaware Application for Title” (MV212A Form) are not required to be inspected. Vehicles which are less than seven (7) years old, weight 10,000 pounds or less, and are being titled for the first time in Delaware may only need to have a VIN verification.

VIN reports from the state of Delaware include the following information:

  • Owner Name and Address;
  • Lienholder(s) Name and Address;
  • Registrant Name and Address;
  • Title Information; and
  • Vehicle Make/Model/Year.

Reports from individual states are often not as complete as the free reports that you can get through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) or through VINCheck, the free service recommended by the National Crime Insurance Bureau. NMVTIS is a reporting agency which focuses on auto recyclers, salvage yards, and junk yards. Their reporting helps to ensure that no vehicles, or materials from salvaged vehicles, are used again on other cars. They also help to protect the VINs of salvaged vehicles so that thieves do not use a fake, or improper VIN, on a stolen vehicle. There are also private companies which do VIN checks for a price and they will often have more information that either the NMVTIS or the NICB.

Delaware DMV General Services Inspection

Delaware MV212A form

NMVTIS

VINCheck

What is the process for registering vehicles purchased outside of the state of Delaware?

Vehicles purchased outside of Delaware are required to go through a longer process for registration than are those purchased from registered dealers in Delaware.

  • All vehicles seven-model years or newer purchased outside of Delaware must have their VIN verified. This can be done at any DMV recheck inspection lane although new car dealers can perform this verification and provide you with the application for title (Form MV212.);
  • Once you have received your application for title you must provide these documents which must have the signature of all owners and, depending on which state you purchased the vehicle, may need to have the titles notarized:
    • The Certificate of Origin of the existing title with an Odometer Disclosure;
    • The bill of sale if you purchased the car from a dealer; and
    • Proof of Delaware liability insurance.
  • For most passenger vehicles that weight 5,000 pounds or less, the fees are:
    • $35 for a title without a lien or $55 for a title with a lien PLUS a 4.25% document fee based on the sale price of the vehicle or the current NADA trade-in value (whichever is higher). You should bring your Bill-of-Sale if the vehicle was purchased from a dealer or from an auction; AND
    • Passenger vehicles registration of $40 yearly.
    • Trailer and commercial vehicle registration fees are based upon weight.
  • Dealerships in Delaware

    Odometer Disclosure

    Delaware MV212A form

    Delaware liability insurance

    Registration Fee Chart

    Vehicle Purchased Outside Of Delaware

    Is it important to have a VIN check run on a car in Delaware?

    Yes. A car is a big investment and you always want to have a VIN check done on the car before you purchase it, particularly if it is a used car and the history of the car is unknown. Some states, including Delaware, require a VIN check to register a car.

    A simple VIN check can tell you things like:

    • Accident History – around six million car accidents are reported annually by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration;
    • Title Brands – flood, hail-damage, and salvage titles are examples of critical title brands to look for before you purchase a used car;
    • Look for used-cars that have had special-purpose designations – including taxi-use, rental-use, or police-use;
    • Faulty Odometer settings;
    • If there are any liens currently against the car. If you purchase a car with liens against it then you may become financially responsible for those liens which need to be paid before the car can be registered in your name;
    • To check and see if the vehicle has been previously declared a lemon;
    • If there have been any airbag deployments;
    • In some cases, the title may be detailed enough to give you history on maintenance on the car; and
    • To check and see if the vehicle has been reported stolen and not recovered.
    Lemon Laws in Delaware

    The Delaware Lemon Law can be found in Title 6 “Commerce and Trade,” Subtitle II “Other Laws Relating to Commerce and Trade,” Chapter 50. Automobile Warranties. The law is enforced by the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection and only applies to new cars. There is a brochure, Delaware’s Lemon Law, which is available for you to look at online. If you have questions you can contact them at 302-577-8600 or 800-220-5424 and speak with a Consumer Protection Unit representative.

    Under the Delaware Lemon Law, passenger vehicles leased or purchased in or registered in Delaware are covered. Motorcycles, the living area of motor homes, and used cars are not covered, and:

    • If any of the covered vehicles have a nonconformity or a defect that arises within the first twelve (12) months of ownership or within the warranty period; and
    • At least four (4) attempts have been to repair the car, OR the car has been unavailable to the consumer (primarily because it was in the shop being repaired) for thirty (30) days or more (which need not be consecutive).

    If your vehicle has met these conditions you should first contact the manufacturer of the vehicle by certified mail where you list the problems with the car, the date of purchase, the dates the car began having problems, and all other documentation which should include the bill of sale, any expenses that you have incurred because of the defect in the car (such as a rental car, towing expenses, or hotel bills if appropriate,) and notes of all telephone conversations you have had with the dealer and repair shop regarding the vehicle, including the names of the people with whom you spoke.

    Under the Delaware law you have the right to either a replacement vehicle of comparable value or a full refund. Manufacturers are often quick to settle these types of cases because it causes them negative publicity; however, if they are not responsive to you contact the Consumer Protection Unit in the state of Delaware at 302-577-8600. You may also wish to retain an attorney to represent you in a lemon law case. It is recommended that you hire an attorney who is familiar with lemon laws and the laws of the state of Delaware.

    If you are not familiar with any lawyers, you can go to the Delaware State Bar Association and search for an attorney who has experience in lemon law cases.

    Delaware State Bar Association Search

    Delaware’s Lemon Law online brochure

    Delaware Lemon Law

    Delaware Official Website

    Consumer Protection in Delaware

    Delaware City Division of Motor Vehicles
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    2101 Mid County Dr
    302-326-5000
    Closed today

    Georgetown Division of Motor Vehicles
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    23737 Dupont Blvd
    302-853-1000
    Closed today

    NJ Motor Vehicle Commission
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    199 E Broadway
    609-292-6500
    Open until 1:00 PM

    The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    303 Transportation Cir
    302-744-2500
    Closed today

    DMV
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    2230 Hessler Blvd
    302-434-3200

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