AutoTaxCalculatorSales tax in Delaware on cars
Delaware charges no sales tax on vehicles, but it charges a 5.25% document fee when you title one, on the purchase price or NADA book value (whichever is greater), less a trade-in. The minimum is $8.
Delaware auto sales tax doesn't exist as such. For most buyers, the document fee works like a sales tax by another name, and it's what people mean by auto sales tax in Delaware. The rate was 4.25% until the DMV's fee update took effect on October 1, 2025. On a $35,000 car, the increase added $350. You still save compared with neighboring states: the same car would cost $2,275 in Maryland excise tax (6.5%) and $2,100 in Pennsylvania sales tax (6%), against $1,837.50 in Delaware.
How the Delaware document fee is calculated
- Take the purchase price or the NADA book value, whichever is greater.
- Subtract your trade-in (one vehicle or trailer per application).
- Multiply by 5.25%, with an $8 minimum.
Example: a $35,000 car with a $10,000 trade-in
- Value: $35,000 − $10,000 = $25,000
- Document fee: $25,000 × 5.25% = $1,312.50
- Plus $35 title and $40 registration = $1,387.50
Example: a private sale at $6,000 when NADA value is $8,000
- The DMV uses the higher value: $8,000
- Document fee: $8,000 × 5.25% = $420.00
Trade-in, private-sale and out-of-state credits
- Trade-in: Delaware deducts the trade-in value from the purchase price, lowering the document fee. Only one vehicle or trailer per application.
- Sold your old car yourself: if you sell a vehicle within 60 days before or 60 days after titling the new one in Delaware, apply for a credit or refund with the Document Fee Credit/Refund Application (MV347). If you sell after titling, the DMV must receive MV347 within 30 days of the sale.
- Moving to Delaware: you get credit for sales tax, transfer tax or a similar levy paid to another state on a purchase made within 90 days before registering in Delaware. The 90-day rule is strictly enforced.
- Delaware residents buying out of state: Delaware residents who buy from an out-of-state dealer don't receive credit for taxes paid to that state, so avoid paying the other state's tax if you can.
Delaware title and registration fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title without lien | $35 |
| Title with lien | $55 |
| Passenger car registration (per year) | $40 |
| Late renewal | $20 |
| Temporary tag | $20 |
| Motorcycle registration | $15 |
| Hybrid, non-plug-in (under 6,000 lbs, yearly) | $60 |
| Plug-in hybrid (under 6,000 lbs, yearly) | $85 |
| Electric or fuel cell (under 6,000 lbs, yearly) | $110 |
You must apply for the title no more than 30 days after the purchase. A penalty applies to applications received later.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Delaware car sales tax?
There's no sales tax, but the DMV's document fee is 5.25% of the price or NADA value (whichever is greater), less a trade-in.
When did the Delaware document fee go up?
The DMV's updated fees took effect October 1, 2025, raising the document fee to 5.25%.
Can I avoid my state's sales tax by buying a car in Delaware?
No. If you live in another state, you'll pay your home state's tax when you register the car there. Delaware's lack of sales tax only helps Delaware residents.
Do I pay the document fee on a gifted car?
Transfers between certain family members can be exempt. Ask the DMV which relationships qualify and what documents you need before transferring the title.
Sources
- Delaware DMV: Fees (document fee, title, registration, alternative fuel fees, out-of-state credit)
- Delaware DMV: Trade-in and document fee credits (MV347)
- Delaware DMV: Titles (30-day application rule)
This calculator gives an estimate. The Delaware DMV calculates the final amount. How we calculate