Free Delaware Bill of Sale Forms (Motor Vehicle) | Word, PDF

In the state of Delaware, when selling or purchasing a motor vehicle, you will need to fill out a Bill of Sale. It is not only legal proof that a transaction has taken place, it is also required when registering a vehicle in the state of Delaware.

While having this document notarized is not mandatory, it is advised to do so to protect the seller or buyer should there be a legal discrepancy relating to the sale. 

For vehicles that are under 10 years old, are under 16,000 pounds in weight, and are not self-propelled (such as a boat), the seller will need to provide an odometer disclosure statement.

You can download this form from the DMV or create your own document.

Free Forms

Delaware Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Form 01

Delaware Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Form 02

Delaware Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Form 03

This bill of sale must include the following details:

• Name and contact details of both the seller and the buyer
• The make and model of the vehicle
• Vehicle’s year
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Tag Number
• The color of the vehicle 
• The vehicle’s current mileage
• The amount that the vehicle was sold for 
• Signatures of both the seller and the buyer

While it isn’t required when conducting a private sale, it is advised to have one for legal purposes to be used as evidence. It works to protect the buyer should a situation arise where the seller has lied or concealed something about the vehicle being sold.

Before registering a vehicle, the following must be done:

• The Assignment of Certificate of Title section must be filled out by the seller. This can be located in section 1 on the back of the title for the vehicle. Both the buyer and seller must sign this.
• The seller must complete the back of the vehicle’s registration card or a seller’s report of sale. This must then be mailed to the department of motor vehicles (DMV).
• Section 4 of the title, the Purchaser’s Application, must be filled out by the buyer. 

Titling or Registering a Vehicle in Delaware

If you have bought a vehicle from a private seller, you will have 30 days from the date of the sale to have the vehicle registered. If you have purchased a vehicle from a dealership, the registration process is done automatically. However, you should check with the dealership to make sure this has been completed. If you are a new resident who is relocating to Delaware, you will have 60 days in which to register the vehicle. 

Registrations are valid for either 1 to 2 years. You can renew your vehicle’s registration online at the Delaware MyDMV online portal.

If you are registering a vehicle for the first time, you will need to do so at Delaware’s division of motor vehicles. 

Documents Required For Registering a Motor Vehicle

You will need to have the following documentation with you when registering a motor vehicle:

• Bill of sale for Delaware
• An odometer disclosure statement (if required)
• A valid certificate of title
• A Valid Delaware driver’s license or 2 documents that prove residency
• An emissions test (if required)
• If you are registering the vehicle on behalf of another, you will need to complete a motor vehicle power of attorney
• The correct amount for registration fees
• Proof of insurance that has the required minimums:
  • $25,000 to cover bodily injury or death for one person/$50,000 to cover all parties involved
  • $10,000 to cover property damage
  • $15,000 to cover personal injury for one person/$30,000 to cover all parties involved

When an Odometer Disclosure Statement is Required

In Delaware, State and Federal laws require the DMV to obtain and validate readings for odometer mileage for the majority of motor vehicles when they are being registered or the title is being transferred. The purpose of odometer disclosure is to prevent and detect any tampering of the odometer.

You will need an odometer reading when:

• Ownership has been transferred
• The vehicle is being registered for the first time by an owner
• You require a new title
• Renewing your vehicle’s registration

There are some exceptions when a vehicle will not need an odometer disclosure statement: 

• A vehicle is 10 or more years old
• A vehicle is classed as commercial and has an overall weight above 16,000 pounds
• A vehicle is classed as a non-motorized vehicle

Emissions Testing in Delaware

The state of Delaware is one out of the 35 states that has a higher level of air pollution that is over what federal health classes as standard. Emission testing is done to help identify any vehicles that exceed the standards for evaporative emissions and exhaust. It prevents a vehicle from being able to be registered until it meets the standards for emissions. 

Delaware has 4 DMV facilities that offer full-service emissions testing. You can find more information regarding emissions testing on DMV’s website.

Conclusion

A bill of sale for Delaware is a vital document that requires to be completed and processed/filed in a proper manner, which has been explained to the readers in this article. In case there is still confusion or ambiguity in the procedural steps to be taken during completing it, one should visit the DMV’s office and clarify their queries.

About This Article

Authored by:

Melissa Horton

Legal Writing | M.A Marketing, B.A. Finance

Melissa Horton is a highly skilled legal writer and co-owner of a leading financial planning firm in Washington, D.C. With over a decade of experience in the financial services and planning industry, Melissa's expertise lies in teaching clients how to maintain sustainable financial health. She holds a JD degree and possesses a deep understanding of legal principles and regulations, enabling her to deliver exceptional legal writing that is both informative and accessible. Melissa's passion for helping individuals navigate complex legal matters shines through in her work, making her a trusted authority in the field of legal writing.