Where do I sign a Delaware vehicle title?

Delaware vehicle titles are signed on the back of the title in the section designated for the seller. Sellers must sign using blue or black ink exactly as their name appears on the title.

Do all owners need to sign a Delaware car title?

Yes. If multiple owners are listed on a Delaware title with 'AND', '/', or 'AND/OR', all owners must sign. If owners are listed with 'OR', one owner may sign. Always verify the conjunction on the title.

What if there is a lienholder on my Delaware title?

If a lienholder is listed on a Delaware title, the lien must be released before the vehicle can be transferred. The lienholder must either complete the lien section on Form MV213 or provide a lien release letter on official letterhead.

How do I replace a lost or damaged Delaware title?

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Delaware title, submit an Application for Duplicate Title (Form MV213) to the Delaware DMV. All owners must sign the form, and a $50 fee is required. Applications may be submitted in person or by mail.

Do I keep my license plates after selling a car in Delaware?

Yes. Delaware requires sellers to remove their license plates before releasing the vehicle. Plates must be returned, transferred, or handled according to Delaware DMV instructions.

Delaware Vehicle Title Guide | How to Sign, Transfer & Replace a Car Title

Signing Your Delaware Vehicle Title

Delaware keeps title transfers fairly simple, as long as the paperwork is done correctly. Use a blue or black ink pen only and sign your name exactly as it appears on the title. No shortcuts, no edits, no guessing.

What Will Get a Delaware Title Rejected

Signing in the wrong section
Signature that doesn’t match your driver’s license
Cross-outs, erasing, or writing over mistakes
White-out or correction fluid
Rips, tears, or damaged titles
Tracing over signatures
Using pencil or marker instead of ink

If any of the above happens, Delaware DMV will usually require a duplicate title before the vehicle can be transferred.

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Where to Sign a Delaware Title

Turn the title over and sign in the section labeled “Seller’s Signature.” That’s the only place you should sign unless Delaware DMV instructs otherwise.

For vehicles that require an odometer disclosure, the seller must also complete the odometer section accurately. Missing or incorrect odometer information can delay the transfer.

Vehicles with Multiple Owners

If more than one owner is listed on the title, the wording between the names determines who must sign:

AND – all owners must sign
/ – all owners must sign
OR – one owner may sign
AND/OR – all owners must sign

When in doubt, it’s safest to have everyone listed sign the title.

Titles with a Lienholder

If a lienholder appears on the title, the lien must be addressed before ownership can be transferred.

The lienholder must complete the lien section on the title or
Provide a separate lien release on official letterhead

Without proper lien documentation, Delaware DMV will not process the title transfer.

If the Vehicle Owner Has Passed Away

Joint ownership with survivorship requires a certified death certificate
Individual ownership requires proof of legal authority, such as:
- Executor or Administrator documentation
- Surviving spouse paperwork
- Next-of-kin authorization

Replacing a Lost or Damaged Delaware Title

If your Delaware vehicle title is lost, stolen, damaged, or voided, a duplicate title must be issued before the vehicle can be sold or transferred.

How to Apply for a Delaware Duplicate Title

Delaware does not offer online duplicate title applications. A duplicate title may be requested by mail or in person at a Delaware DMV office.

Option 1: Apply by Mail

Complete Application for Duplicate Title (Form MV213)
Include all vehicle details (VIN, year, make, model, color)
Include owner name(s), address, and driver license number(s)
All owners listed on the title must sign the MV213
Include a $50.00 duplicate title fee
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
If mailing, include a copy of the owner’s ID showing signature

Mail to:
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 698
Dover, DE 19903

Option 2: Apply In Person

Visit a Delaware DMV location
Submit completed (Form MV213)
Provide valid photo ID
Pay the $50.00 duplicate title fee

Important Notes

If a lien exists, the lienholder must complete the lien section on the MV213 or provide a lien release letter on official letterhead
Power of Attorney may be used, but the POA must be notarized
A new lien cannot be added at the same time a duplicate title is issued

After Selling Your Vehicle in Delaware

Once the sale is complete, there are two final steps you don’t want to skip.

Remove your license plates before releasing the vehicle
Report the sale to Delaware DMV within 30 days

How to Report the Sale

In Person

Visit a Delaware DMV office or authorized tag agent with your Bill of Sale or Notice of Sale.

By Mail

Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 698
Dover, DE 19903

Online

Delaware also allows certain vehicle transactions to be reported through its official DMV online services.

Do I Keep My License Plates?

Yes. Delaware plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. Remove them before handing the car over and follow DMV instructions for reuse or surrender.

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Delaware Vehicle Title Guide & FAQs