Overview
Selling or buying a used vehicle in Delaware? A bill of sale is your proof of the deal — it records who sold what, for how much, and on what date. Delaware transfers ownership through the signed title — the seller completes the assignment and the buyer completes the Purchaser's Application on the back, applying for a new title with Form MV-212 — but a bill of sale protects both sides: it locks in the price, the exact handover date, and the fact that the seller is no longer responsible for tolls, tickets, or accidents once the keys change hands.
Delaware requirements
Is a bill of sale required in Delaware?
Not strictly for a private title transfer — ownership transfers through the signed title at the DMV. But a bill of sale is strongly recommended: without one (or a purchase price on the title), Delaware bases the document fee on the vehicle's NADA value, which can cost you more.
Does it need to be notarized?
No. Delaware does not require a motor vehicle bill of sale or title to be notarized. Notarization is only needed in special cases, such as a power of attorney signing on someone's behalf.
Title transfer deadline
The buyer must title the vehicle at the DMV within 30 days of the sale. Filing late adds a $35 late fee, so apply for the new title (Form MV-212) promptly.
Motor vehicle document fee
Delaware has no sales tax — instead it charges a 4.25% document fee, paid by the buyer at the DMV. It's based on the greater of the purchase price or the vehicle's NADA average trade-in value.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires the odometer reading at the time of sale for vehicles under 20 model years old. Record it on both the bill of sale and the title.
How to fill it out
- 1
Enter the sale date and the Delaware county where the sale takes place.
- 2
Add the seller's and buyer's full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Describe the vehicle — make, model, year, color, and 17-character VIN.
- 4
Record the odometer reading and the federal odometer disclosure.
- 5
Enter the purchase price and choose 'as-is' or add warranty terms.
- 6
Both parties sign — then the buyer files the signed title and Form MV-212 at the DMV within 30 days.
Ready to create your Delaware bill of sale?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Seller & buyer names and addresses
- Make, model, year, color & VIN
- Odometer reading + federal disclosure
- Purchase price & sales-tax note
- “As-is” statement or warranty terms
- Date of sale and signatures
Delaware bill of sale by vehicle type
The same Delawarebuilder works for more than cars — pick your vehicle and the form adapts: the right ID number (a VIN, a boat's HIN, or a serial number) and an odometer reading only where one applies.
- Car bill of sale
- Truck bill of sale
- SUV bill of sale
- Van bill of sale
- Motorcycle bill of sale
- ATV bill of sale
- RV bill of sale
- Camper bill of sale
- Trailer bill of sale
- Boat bill of sale
- Jet Ski bill of sale
- Snowmobile bill of sale
- Golf Cart bill of sale
- Tractor bill of sale
A few differ: boats and jet skis use a Hull ID Number (HIN) instead of a VIN and have no odometer; trailers, campers, snowmobiles, golf carts, and tractors have no odometer either; and boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles often register with a different agency (such as a wildlife, boating, or parks department) rather than the Delaware DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles). Confirm the details with the Delaware DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles).
Delaware bill of sale FAQ
Does a Delaware motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Delaware does not require a vehicle bill of sale or title to be notarized. The legal transfer happens through the signed title and the Purchaser's Application (Form MV-212) at the DMV — notarizing is optional and only adds extra proof.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Delaware?
It isn't strictly required to transfer the title (the signed title handles that), but it's strongly recommended. Without a stated price, Delaware sets the document fee from the vehicle's NADA value — and a bill of sale proves the price, the sale date, and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle.
Where do I transfer the title in Delaware?
At the Delaware DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles). The buyer brings the signed title with the Purchaser's Application completed, Form MV-212, proof of insurance, and payment for the title fee and document fee.
How long do I have to transfer the title in Delaware?
The buyer has 30 days from the date of sale to title the vehicle at the DMV. After 30 days Delaware adds a $35 late fee, so don't wait.
How much is sales tax on a used car in Delaware?
Delaware has no sales tax. Instead it charges a 4.25% document fee on the greater of the purchase price or the NADA average trade-in value, paid by the buyer at the DMV. This is why an accurate sale price on your bill of sale matters.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale, and each keeps a copy. If there are two buyers or two sellers, every party signs.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in Delaware?
Yes — Delaware doesn't mandate a specific form, so a handwritten bill of sale is valid as long as it has the key details. A complete, typed document like this one is simply cleaner and far less likely to be questioned at the DMV.
Is this Delaware bill of sale really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.