How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Delaware

If you need to get a car registration renewal in Delaware, it is important to know how to best prepare for this process. In general, vehicle registrations indicate how much auto insurance coverage you have and how much in taxes you have paid for the car.

Consequently, vehicle owners must be mindful that they need to request DE DMV car registration renewal through the state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) whenever these credentials are due to expire. To do so, you may complete a DMV registration renewal online, by mail or in person. To learn more about the requirements and procedures regarding renewals in the state, read the sections below.

Requirements for Car Registration Renewal in Delaware

It is important to be mindful of your Delaware DMV registration renewal status and make sure that you renew this credential whenever it reaches its expiration date. In order to maintain your registration in DE, you will need to submit certain required documents, as well as proof of insurance, tax payment information and vehicle inspection results. Without being able to prove this information upon your request, you may not be able to renew a car registration.

What do you need to renew your car registration in Delaware?

Besides paying for the applicable Delaware DMV registration renewal fees, you will be required to provide a number of documents that are relevant to your registration. Some of these documents include:

• Your existing DE vehicle registration, certificate of title and state-issued drivers license.
• Proof of your minimum liability insurance, as well as information on all property taxes paid on the vehicle.
• Proof that your vehicle passed a mandated emissions inspection.

Delaware Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice

A Delaware vehicle registration renewal notice aims to inform car owners that their credentials are reaching their expiration dates, and that this procedure needs to be requested soon. However, having an expired vehicle registration does not necessarily mean that you will be notified ahead of time. In order to receive this notice, DE motorists must sign up for the DMV’s online reminder service.

This requires putting basic information into the state’s official online portal, including your contact information, license plate number, drivers license number and certificate of title date. Then, you will be able to receive a notification of your impending renewal by email and/or phone up to 90 days before your credential’s date of expiration.

Delaware Car Registration Renewal Notice Lost or Not Received

If you have a lost registration renewal notice in Delaware, it can be confusing to know when your renewal will need to take place. Therefore, if you do not have your requested notice and wish to know more about your renewal, you can contact the Delaware DMV directly to get your information.

However, not having a DE auto renewal notice is not an excuse for failing to renew. Thus, late penalties may still apply regardless of whether or not you were notified.

Delaware Car Registration Renewal Options

Motorists wondering how to renew car registration in Delaware can consider three different methods: online, in person or by mail. Choosing the method that is right for you will mostly come down to your personal preference, as well as how much time you have before your registration expires. Overall, you will be required to renew a vehicle registration every one to two years based on the model year of your car.

How to Renew Your Car Registration Online

To renew a car registration online, you will need to follow the instructions laid out in the DE DMV online portal. First, you must create an account with the DMV or log into your existing account. Once logged in, you may request a renewal. This online method will allow you to use previously uploaded documents and information, and to save your progress if you need to resume this procedure at a later time.

Finishing your vehicle registration renewal online in Delaware will require you to input all of the relevant information listed in previous sections, as well as your credit card information to pay for the applicable fees. Completing this process is not only faster than most other renewal methods, but it is also one of the most convenient procedure for vehicle owners in the state.

How to Renew Your Car Registration by Mail

Certain motorists may apply for a motor vehicle registration renewal by mail. This method can allow you to renew in the same way as the online procedure previously described, but it may take some additional processing and delivery time.

In any case, to renew your credential via mail, you must simply send a copy of all the required documents and a check for the applicable renewal fee to one of the many DMV offices in the state.

How to Renew Your Car Registration in Person

Finally, you may also submit your information for an owned or leased car registration renewal in person, at any of the aforementioned Delaware DMV offices. This procedure allows you ask questions and ensures that your renewal application is received straight away.

Military & Out of State Vehicle Registration Renewal in Delaware

If you are an active duty member of the U.S. military and are stationed in Delaware, you have the option of applying for a new registration in Delaware or simply renew a car registration that was issued by your home state. In addition, if you are unsure of where to renew car registration as a DE resident who is currently out of state, there are two main criteria to consider.

If you are outside of the state temporarily, you may go through the renewal process from out of state, with the option to have your renewed registration sent to your current location. However, if you are away from Delaware indefinitely and/or plan to move to a different state, you will need to get a new registration from the DMV where you currently reside.

Delaware Vehicle Registration Renewal Fees

Your Delaware car registration renewal cost is the final step towards completing your renewal process, and it is also one of the most important ones. The following fees are included in the total cost of a renewal procedure:

• Base fees. These are the basic costs of renewing different types of vehicles in the state. For a car, a yearly renewal is $40. However, this cost ranges from $15 for motorcycles to $58 for heavy trailers.
• Late fees. If you miss your expiration date and still wish to renew, you may do so for an additional $20.