Selling your car in Delaware doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re in Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown, or anywhere else in the First State, this guide walks you through the process to ensure a legal, safe, and straightforward vehicle sale.
Sell a Car in Delaware – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before you sell your vehicle in Delaware, make sure you have the following items ready:
- Delaware Certificate of Title: The title must be properly assigned to the buyer. Both buyer and seller must complete their sections. If there’s a lien, you’ll need a lien release letter.
- Valid ID: A valid Delaware driver’s license or government-issued ID is required.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles under 10 years old (different from some states). This is typically included on the title.
- Bill of Sale (Recommended): While not legally required, a bill of sale helps document the transaction details and protects both parties.
- Seller’s Report of Sale: Delaware requires you to complete this form (located on your registration card) and mail it to the DMV.
- Lien Release Letter (if applicable): Must be on official letterhead stating the loan is paid in full.
Delaware DMV Forms You May Need
Important forms for completing your sale:
- Application for Title (Form MV-212): Used for title transfers and new registrations.
- Seller’s Report of Sale: Located at the bottom of your Delaware title – must be mailed to DMV.
- Replacement Title Application: Required if your original title is lost or damaged.
Find official forms on the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles website.
Sell Your Car in Delaware — Fast & Easy
Get a real offer in minutes
instead of waiting days for responses
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trustworthy, no guessing, no back-and-forth
We’ll handle the handoff
no need to arrange inconvenient meetups or VIN inspections
Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
While a clean and well-maintained car may increase your offer, it’s not required.
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we buy cars as-is — no detailing, no fixing, and no stress. Just a fast, no-obligation offer.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
Before accepting any offer, check your car’s current market value:
- Use Our Instant Appraisal Tool: Get a quote in under 2 minutes.
- KBB, Edmunds, or NADA: Compare your vehicle’s value by mileage, features, and condition.
- Look at Local Listings: Check what similar cars are going for in cities like Smyrna, Bear, Pike Creek, Brookside, and Hockessin.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
Here are your main options when selling in Delaware:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Fastest Option): Skip the paperwork hassles, VIN inspections, and buyer meetings. We handle everything and offer same-day payment.
- Trade-In at a Dealership: Convenient if you’re buying another vehicle, but expect lower trade-in values.
- Private Sale: Might get you a higher price but requires VIN inspections, title transfers at DMV, and managing the 30-day deadline for transfer completion.
For a fast, no-hassle experience, Ken Ganley Buying Center is the way to go.
Step 5: Get Paid
When you sell privately, there’s always a risk of bounced checks or fake payments. With us, you’ll receive secure, verified same-day payment — no guesswork, no stress.
We take care of the entire process so you can walk away with confidence and cash in hand.
What Affects Car Values in Delaware? Local Market Insights to Know
Delaware’s vehicle market reflects the state’s unique position as a small, diverse state with urban and coastal influences:
- SUVs dominate Delaware’s roads, with Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford F-Series being among the most popular vehicles
- Fuel efficiency is a priority due to Delaware’s commuter culture, making Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and hybrid models highly sought after
- Luxury vehicles perform well in affluent areas like northern New Castle County, with Lexus RX and Tesla Model Y gaining popularity
- Compact cars and hatchbacks hold strong resale value with Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Subaru models being favorites
- Delaware’s mild climate helps preserve vehicle condition, contributing to better resale values compared to harsher climate states
- Current market conditions show price stabilization with the national average used car price at $25,512 in July 2025, down from pandemic highs
- Delaware’s 4.25% vehicle document fee based on purchase price or NADA value affects total transaction costs
Timing and local demand can significantly influence how much you get for your car in Delaware’s competitive market.
Ready to Sell Your Car in Delaware?
No games. No waiting. Just a real offer and a simple process with Ken Ganley Buying Center.
Start with a free appraisal online or call us today at 330-427-3656.
We help drivers across Delaware sell their cars with ease.
Need help selling your car in Delaware? Here are some quick answers
Do I need to complete a VIN inspection when selling my car in Delaware?
For most Delaware-titled vehicles being sold to Delaware residents, a VIN inspection is not required. However, VIN verification may be needed for out-of-state vehicles or vehicles being titled for the first time in Delaware. Delaware DMV performs free VIN inspections at all four DMV facilities if required.
What's the vehicle document fee in Delaware and who pays it?
Delaware charges a 4.25% document fee based on the purchase price or current NADA trade-in value, whichever is higher. This fee is typically paid by the buyer during the title transfer process, along with the $35 title transfer fee ($55 if there’s a lien).
How long do I have to complete the title transfer in Delaware?
The title transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale. If the buyer fails to complete the transfer within this timeframe, they’ll face a $35 late fee. Delaware recommends that both buyer and seller appear together at the DMV to ensure accuracy and immediate processing.
Do I need to notify the DMV when I sell my car in Delaware?
Yes, you must complete the Seller’s Report of Sale (located on your registration card or at the bottom of the title) and mail it to the Delaware DMV. This is required for all private sales, except when selling to a dealer. The report must include sale date and time, buyer’s information, purchase price, and your signature.
What if my title has a lien when I want to sell in Delaware?
If your title shows a lien, you’ll need a lien release letter on official letterhead from your lender stating the loan is paid in full and they have no interest in the vehicle. The lien must be properly released before you can legally transfer ownership to the buyer.
Can both buyer and seller appear together at the Delaware DMV?
Yes, Delaware DMV specifically recommends that both parties appear together at the DMV office to complete the title transfer. This ensures accuracy, prevents potential issues, and allows for immediate processing of the paperwork. The buyer cannot legally operate the vehicle until a new title is issued in their name.
What happens to my license plates after selling my car in Delaware?
Delaware license plates stay with the seller and must be removed from the vehicle before the sale. You can transfer the plates to another vehicle you own, return them to any DMV office, or mail them to the DMV. The buyer will need to obtain new plates and registration for the vehicle.
What documents do I need to provide the buyer in Delaware?
You must provide the buyer with the properly assigned Delaware Certificate of Title, a lien release letter (if applicable), and proof of odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old. While not legally required, a bill of sale is highly recommended to document the transaction details and protect both parties.