Delaware — quick answer
In Delaware, a bill of sale is recommended for a private vehicle sale and notarization is not required. No witnesses are required. Ownership is transferred through the Delaware DMV via the assigned title.
Is a bill of sale required in Delaware?
Recommended. A bill of sale is recommended; without a stated price, the document fee is based on NADA value.
Seller signs over the title; the buyer titles and registers at the DMV.
Does a Delaware bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not required. Delaware titles do not require a notary.
Witness requirements
No. Delaware does not require witnesses for a standard private bill of sale.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires a written odometer disclosure when title is transferred for vehicles less than 20 years old. As of 2026 that means model year 2011 and newer; model year 2010 and older are generally exempt. Record the exact mileage — never round it. See the NHTSA rule.
How to transfer a vehicle title in Delaware
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Fill in the buyer, seller, price, odometer, and date. Both parties sign and date the document.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller signs over the title; the buyer titles and registers at the DMV.
- 3Register with the Delaware DMV.
The buyer titles and registers the vehicle. Confirm the current fees and documents on the official Delaware DMV page.
Official Delaware sources
- Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) — buying & selling a vehicle
- NHTSA — federal odometer disclosure rule
We link to primary government sources and review this page regularly, but requirements change. This is general information, not legal advice.
Delaware bill of sale by type
Get requirements and a free template tailored to Delaware for each item type — the generator applies the Delaware notary and witness rules automatically:
Delaware bill of sale — FAQ
Is a bill of sale required in Delaware?
In Delaware, a separate bill of sale is recommended. A bill of sale is recommended; without a stated price, the document fee is based on NADA value.
Does a Delaware bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Delaware titles do not require a notary.
Do I need a witness for a bill of sale in Delaware?
No. Delaware does not require witnesses for a standard private bill of sale.
How do I transfer a vehicle title in Delaware?
Seller signs over the title; the buyer titles and registers at the DMV. Titling and registration in Delaware are handled by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.