Delaware License PlatesDelaware license plates (often called number plates) are metallic plates that display a combination of numbers and letters, which serve as unique identifiers for vehicles registered in the state. License plates are crucial in vehicle registration, taxation enforcement, road safety, and state motor vehicle laws compliance. The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for issuing these license plates, and every motor vehicle that operates on public roads in Delaware must have a valid DMV-issued license plate attached to it. This includes, but is not limited to, automobiles, motorcycles, trailers, trucks, and RVs. License plates are typically affixed to the rear of the vehicle; however, truck tractors attached to trailers or semi-trailers are required to display their license plates on the front of the vehicle.
The DMV offers several types of license plates to vehicle owners. These include:
The Delaware DMV usually issues a registration card and a sticker that indicates the vehicle's registration expiration date. The sticker has to be affixed to the bottom right corner of the license plate. Be aware that you can be fined up to $200 for failing to attach a valid license plate to your vehicle or intentionally obscuring any information on the license plate.
Delaware License Plate Design and FormatsDelaware license plates exhibit a simple yet distinctive design, consisting of a screened gold-colored license plate number on a reflective dark blue background with a gold border. The words "THE FIRST STATE" and "DELAWARE" are also screened in gold letters at the top and bottom of most Delaware license plates, respectively. However, background specialty plates deviate from this simple design and are manufactured with an organization-specific background instead. Similarly, even though organizational specialty plates have the standard gold over blue design, they feature an organization-specific logo or emblem, usually placed on the left-hand side of the license plate number.
The state currently utilizes a six-character numbers-only serial format (123456) for standard license plates issued for automobiles. On the other hand, plate numbers for non-passenger vehicles, like motorcycles, RVs, and trailers, typically begin with one or two letters denoting the vehicle's classification, followed by 3 – 5 numbers. Some specialty plates may have a combination of up to three letters and only one number as their license plate number.
Here are examples of Delaware license plate designs:
Standard License Plate:
Specialty License Plates (Background and Organizational):
* Source: Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Delaware Vanity License PlateThe Delaware DMV offers vehicle owners the option of customizing their license plates to display a specific combination of letters and numbers that add a touch of individuality to their vehicle. These kinds of license plates are known as vanity license plates, and the chosen license plate number typically reflects a personal message, opinion, or hobby.
Requests for Delaware vanity license plates must be submitted to the state's DMV online; you can do this through the division's Vanity Plate Search and Reservation portal, which also allows you to check the availability of your desired plate. Be aware that your vehicle's registration must still be valid for at least 90 days before placing an order for vanity plates. Your vanity license plate number must also comply with the following guidelines:
You will have to pay an annual $40 fee for your vanity plate in addition to your normal vehicle registration fees. Be aware that the DMV has final approval over vanity plates issued, even if they are available via the search and reservation portal; they also reserve the right to recall any vanity plates considered vulgar or offensive that may have been issued in error.
Most Popular Delaware Special Plate NumbersThe Delaware DMV has more than 135 approved specialty plate themes and designs representing different causes and organizations. The most popular themes for these specialty license plates include:
Delaware License Plate LookupA license plate lookup is a process used to gather information on registered vehicles and their owners using the vehicle's license plate number. License plate lookups in Delaware typically provide information like the vehicle's make, model, and year, its current registration status, and repair and rebuild information, like its accident history, odometer reading, and inspection and maintenance history. License plate lookups can also provide personal information on the vehicle's registration owner; however, this information can only be accessed by law enforcement authorities carrying out their official functions and certain authorized parties for specific purposes.
License plate lookups in Delaware are commonly used to verify a vehicle's ownership, history, and registration status before buying it and to identify other vehicles involved in an accident. Law enforcement agencies and concerned citizens also utilize this process to identify stolen vehicles and investigate suspicious-looking vehicles.
You can access vehicle records in Delaware by contacting any of the DMV's branch offices in person or completing and mailing a notarized Personal Information Release Form to the division. Be aware that you will be charged a $25 fee; the DMV will also not release personal information on another vehicle registrant unless you have the person's written consent.
Alternatively, you can perform reverse license plate searches on Delaware-registered vehicles at RecordsFinder and other third-party websites. These websites allow you to access basic vehicle-related information online for a nominal fee. Be aware websites like these are typically bound by applicable federal and state privacy laws; as such, they cannot provide you with a vehicle owner's name, address, telephone number, and other personal information.
What Do I Need to Get a License Plate in Delaware?The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees the license plate issuance process in the state, and only individuals who have registered their vehicles with this division will be issued one. Note that you must register your vehicle with the DMV no later than 60 days after becoming a resident of Delaware or 30 days after purchasing it from a private party. Dealerships typically handle registration for dealer-purchased vehicles; however, always confirm this before finalizing the transaction.
You will need the following to register your vehicle with the DMV:
You can initiate the registration process by taking these documents to any DMV location nearby. Note that the DMV may request additional documents depending on your specific circumstances. The division offers vehicle registrants the option of registering their vehicles for one or two years (depending on the vehicle's model). The total cost of registering your vehicle with the DMV will include a $35 titling fee ($55 if you have a lien holder), registration fees of $40 per year, and a document fee based on the vehicle's value.
License plates are typically delivered around 7 – 10 business days after your registration application has been successfully submitted. You can direct inquiries to the DMV via email or by calling any of the following numbers from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and 11:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays:
Differences Between a Passenger License Plate and a Commercial License Plate in DelawareThe main difference between a passenger and a commercial license plate is the kinds of vehicles they are issued for. Passenger license plates are usually issued for vehicles used for personal purposes but may also be issued to for-hire vehicles. Examples of these vehicles include cars, vans, and SUVs. On the other hand, commercial license plates are typically assigned to vehicles that exceed a specific weight class and are used for business or commercial purposes, like transporting goods or people. This usually includes trucks, trailers, and tractors.
Under Delaware law, vehicles weighing more than 10,000 lbs, excluding RVs, are issued commercial or farm license plates. Commercial vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 lbs must also be equipped with at least one of the following:
The table below summarizes the key differences between passenger license plates and commercial license plates (and the vehicles they are assigned to) in Delaware:
| Features | Passenger License Plate | Commercial License Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Use |
|
|
| Plate number arrangement |
Six-character numeric serial format for standard plates: (123456) *specialty and vanity plates may have an alpha-numeric combination of up to seven characters |
The letters "C" or "CT" (denoting the commercial class) followed by a 4 – 6 character numeric serial format: (C123456), (CT1234) |
| Design & Color |
Green lettering with a white background with an image of an orange blossom over the state map in the middle Gold lettering on a dark blue background with a gold border. * background specialty plates utilize organization-specific designs. * organizational specialty plates may include a logo or emblem. |
Same as standard passenger license plates |
| Vehicle Types | Cars, SUVs, vans, personal trucks, and vehicles that weigh less than 10,000 lbs | Any vehicle weighing more than 10,000 lbs |
| Requirements for obtaining |
* Additional documentation may be required depending on your specific circumstances |
Same as passenger license plates |
How to Renew a License Plate in DelawareThe Delaware DMV is responsible for enforcing vehicle registration laws in the state; renewing your vehicle's registration with this division automatically renews your license plate. The DMV typically sends registrants an initial renewal notice 90 days before their vehicle's registration expiration date – subsequent notices are sent 60 and 30 days before this date. Note that you must have an email or phone number on file with the division to receive these notices - you can sign up for this renewal notification program online.
You can initiate the renewal process as soon as you receive your initial renewal notice without losing any time of your registration's validity period. If your vehicle is among the six newest model years and weighs less than 10,000 pounds, you don't need an inspection, and the DMV will mail you a package that you can use to renew your registration by mail. You can also renew your registration in person at any nearby DMV location - the division offers a drive-thru window service at all its locations for customers looking to pay for their renewal with cash, checks, and credit or debit cards.
Be aware that you need to provide the following documents before your renewal can be processed:
Vehicles that are six years old (or less) typically get a one-year renewal without inspection. All other vehicles must first pass an inspection, after which they may be issued a two-year renewal. Your vehicle's weight class determines the renewal fees: vehicles weighing 5,000 pounds or less are charged $40 per year, while commercial vehicles weighing more than 5,000 pounds are charged $40 for the first 5,000 pounds and $18 for each additional 1,000 pounds. Likewise, renewal processing times are determined by your chosen renewal method, the correctness of your application at the time of the renewal request, and the DMV's workload. Nevertheless, you can expect to receive your new registration card and stickers within 7 – 10 business days; cards may sometimes be issued instantaneously for in-person renewals.
How to Transfer a License Plate in DelawareThe Delaware DMV allows the transfer of license plates from one vehicle to another. While this is typically done by vehicle owners looking to maintain their current plate number when they change vehicles, the division also makes provisions for instances where a vehicle seller and buyer wish to transfer a license plate between themselves.
To transfer your license plates, you must visit a nearby DMV office with the titles and proof of insurance for all vehicles involved. The odometer disclosure for each vehicle should be notated in their respective titles; you should also sign and print your name as the buyer on the title of the vehicle to which you will be transferring the license plate. Be aware that you will be charged title, service, or registration fees; the nature of the complete transaction will determine actual costs.
Delaware License Plate Lookup Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles adheres to federal and state statutes that allow only authorized individuals to access personal information contained in motor vehicle records. As such, you cannot find a vehicle owner in Delaware using a license plate lookup; only specific organizations like government agencies (including law enforcement and courts), insurance companies, towing companies, and licensed private investigative agencies can legally do this.
Nevertheless, you can still get non-personal information on vehicles and their registered owners in Delaware through websites like RecordsFinder. This includes the vehicle's make and model, registration status, and accident history. Websites like these allow users to conveniently retrieve information on over 269 million registered vehicles across the US by providing either the vehicle's plate number or VIN.
You can replace a lost license plate in Delaware by ordering a duplicate plate from the DMV. Orders have to be placed in person and can be done at any DMV location across the state. There, you will be required to provide the vehicle's title and proof of insurance; if there is a lien on the vehicle, you will need to request the title from the lien holder using a division-issued Form MV35. Duplicate plates cost $10, and you will be issued a temporary plate until the new plates are ready.
Note that if your license plate was stolen, it is in your best interest to report the theft to the police before ordering a replacement. While the DMV allows you to request the same plate number as the one lost, getting a new number is advisable.
When police and other law enforcement agencies run a license plate in Delaware, they typically access information such as:
Free license plate lookups are an easy and convenient way to get basic information on a vehicle. Many people use these services to make sure that a used car they're thinking about buying isn't being sold with a cloned VIN and to confirm any information the vehicle's seller may have provided.
Websites like RecordsFinder offer reverse license plate searches for cars, motorcycles, trucks, vans, SUVs, and other vehicles registered in Delaware. Search results typically return information like the vehicle's make and model, year, tank, body style, engine type, VIN, and price.
Delaware license plates have to be renewed annually or biennially (depending on the vehicle's year of manufacture). This renewal must be done before your vehicle registration expires – the DMV typically sends renewal notices 90, 60, and 30 days before this date.
You can be fined up to $200 and face jail time of up to 90 days if caught driving with an expired license plate in Delaware. Repeat offenders face penalties of up to six months in jail and fines of up to $300. The DMV also charges vehicle owners a separate $20 late fee (in addition to the normal renewal fees) for any renewals performed after their vehicle's registration expiration date.
Under Delaware law, you must return your license plates to the DMV if you register your vehicle in another state. You can do this by mailing the plates, along with a statement indicating your previously Delaware-registered vehicle is now registered in your new state of residence, to:
Division of Motor VehiclesYou must also return your license plates to the Delaware DMV before canceling your insurance on any vehicle with active registration. You can do this in person or by mailing the plates to the address listed above, along with a note stating why the plates are being returned. The division usually returns these plates to vehicle owners at no cost when they reinstate their insurance, provided their registration has not expired.
Failing to return your plates to the DMV before canceling your insurance can result in a fine of $100 per vehicle for the first 30 days of being uninsured with an active vehicle registration and an additional $5 per vehicle for each day after the first 30 days. This will continue until you return the plates, your insurance is renewed, or your registration expires.
Per Delaware Code Title 21, Section 2507, any individual to whom the state's DMV has issued a license plate must return this plate to the division if they move to another state and register the vehicle that was issued the license plate in that state.
You can mail the license plate to the DMV at:
Division of Motor VehiclesYou will also have to include a statement that your vehicle is now registered in a new state and include the name of this state.
Delaware license plates typically follow the standardized dimensions of 12 inches x 6 inches (7 inches x 4 inches for motorcycles) implemented by most states across the country. However, porcelain black license plates issued through the DMV's black tag program measure 9 ½ inches x 5 ½ inches. Stainless steel versions of these plates with five digits or less also have this same dimension, while the ones with six digits are 11 inches x 5 ½ inches.
The Delaware DMV may issue a temporary permit for specific situations. These permits are valid for a maximum of 15 days and are typically issued under the following circumstances:
The actual validity and cost of these permits are determined by the specific circumstances surrounding their issuance. Be aware that it is against the law to drive with an expired temporary license plate. The penalties for doing this include fines of up to $200, jail time of up to 90 days, or a combination of both.
You can follow these steps to renew your Delaware license plates:
If your license plate is lost or stolen in Delaware, the first thing to do is report the situation to the police. Once you do this, you can proceed to a DMV office near you with the following documents:
Replacement plates cost $10 and can be issued with the same plate number as the stolen plate. However, the DMV recommends getting a new plate number instead. It is advisable to do this, considering the person who stole your old plates may be using them on their vehicle. That vehicle is probably being used for doing something unlawful. Having your plate numbers on that vehicle might get you involved with law enforcement despite your innocence.