Motorcycle Registration in Delaware

Delaware law requires all motorcycles to be registered prior to riding. Use this guide to learn what you'll need to do to register your bike with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Need to renew your motorcycle registration? Head over to our DE registration renewals guide for more!

New Delaware Residents

Upon establishing Delaware residency, you'll have 60 days to title and register your motorcycle.

BEFORE going in to apply for registration, you'll need to:

  • Buy Delaware motorcycle insurance.
  • Prepare your motorcycle for a safety inspection, to be performed (for free) when you apply for registration.
    • Check out the motorcycle section in the Delaware DMV's Vehicle Inspection Manual for an idea of which features will be inspected.

Then, when you're ready to submit your registration application, head to your local DE DMV office with:

  • A completed Application for Title (Form MV-212).
  • Your out-of-state title.
  • Proof of DE motorcycle insurance.
  • The $15 registration fee AND any other associated fees and taxes.

You may also be required to present proof of identity and Delaware residency, if you have not yet acquired your DE driver's license.

Still settling in after your move? Check out our Delaware moving guide for more useful tips on making your transition to The First State as smooth as possible.

How to Register a Motorcycle in Delaware

If you recently bought a motorcycle from a dealership OR from a private seller, you'll need to register it within 30 days of the purchase date with the DE Division of Motor Vehicles. Below are the steps you'll need to take based on whether you got your motorcycle from a:

  • Dealership.
    OR
  • Private seller.

Motorcycles Sold by Dealers

In most instances , the dealership will handle the title and registration process following the purchase of a new motorcycle. For a breakdown of what you may owe, see DE Motorcycle Registration Fees below.

The dealership may issue you a temporary registration for you to use while you wait for the DMV to mail the official registration documents. Ask your dealership agent if any additional steps will be required on your end before you leave.

Motorcycles Purchased from a Private Seller

If you bought a motorcycle from a private seller, you'll FIRST need to:

  • Purchase DE motorcycle insurance.
  • Prep your bike for a safety inspection, which will be done at the DMV when you submit your registration application.

The DMV highly recommends completing the title transfer together with the seller at your local DMV agency. When you visit, you'll need to provide:

  • The motorcycle's title signed by the buyer AND seller.
    • If the seller can't meet you at the DMV to complete the transaction, they must submit the following to the DMV:
      • A completed Seller's Report of Sale (on the back of the title).
      • Registration card.
  • A completed Application for Title (Form MV-212).
  • Proof of Delaware motorcycle insurance.
  • EITHER your:
  • Payment for the $15 registration fee PLUS any other applicable fees and taxes.

DE Motorcycle Registration Fees

The costs of registering your motorcycle with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles are as follows:

  • Motorcycle registration: $15.
  • Title:
    • With a lien: $55.
    • Without a lien: $35.
  • Duplicate registration card: $10.
  • Duplicate title: $50.
  • Late transfer of ownership fee: $35.
  • Document fee: 4.25% of the motorcycle's sale price OR NADA book value, whichever is more (minimum $8).
    • If you are a new Delaware resident and you paid similar tax to your previous state, provide proof upon registration to have this fee waived.

The DE DMV provides a handy online fee calculator, which is helpful in estimating just how much you'll spend to register your motorcycle.

Forms

MV-212
Certificate of Title Application
Title your vehicle with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.
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