Applying for Special Plates in Delaware

SUMMARY: Apply for Specialty Delaware License Plates

Applying for special plates in Delaware is most commonly done in person; some select plates can be ordered by mail or online. Vanity plates must be applied for in person; however, you can check for plate availability online. You'll renew your plates with your car registration. You can replace a lost or stolen plate with the identical number, though new numbers are recommended. You can retain your special plate if you sell your car. Fees for specialty plates vary by type.

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers several types of special plates for order. Continue reading to learn about applying for specialty plates in Delaware.

NOTES:

Applying for Special Plates in Delaware

Depending on the type of special plates you want, you may be able to apply:

  • Online.
  • In person.
  • By mail.

Online

The following plates are available for online ordering by visiting the DE DMV website:

  • Farmland Preservation.
  • Animal Welfare.
  • Environmental.
  • Marine Education, Research, and Rehabilitation Institute, Inc.

You'll be asked to:

  • Select your chosen plate and design.
  • Enter the plate number you wish.
  • Provide your:
    • Driver's license number
    • Vehicle title date.
  • Pay the applicable license plate fee (see below).

In Person

You can visit your local DMV office to order any specialty plate offered in Delaware. The DMV office will provide you with the appropriate application form.

To order, make sure to check the Delaware DMV website and click on your desired plate to learn about any requirements you must meet before applying for that specific plate.

NOTE: Many plates do not have information. If there is no information for your desired plate, contact the DMV to learn more.

By Mail

The following special license plates can be ordered by mail:

To apply for the above plates by mail:

  • Complete the corresponding application (click the plate type above to find your form).
  • Provide payment for your fees.
  • Gather any required supporting documentation/proof of eligibility.
    • See your form for details.
  • Send the above to the address listed on the application.

Vanity/Personalized Plates

Vanity plates (personalized license plates) can be ordered at any DE DMV office.

Before applying, make sure to check the availability or your desired number/letter combination online at the DE Division of Motor Vehicles website.

Renewing Special Plates in Delaware

Your specialty plate will be renewed as part of your vehicle registration renewal.

You should receive renewal notification from the DMV before your registration is expired. A special plate fee may apply in addition to your registration renewal fees.

To learn more about renewing your registration, visit our Registration Renewal in Delaware page.

Replacing & Transferring DE Special Plates

Replace a Special License Plate

You can order a replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged plates in person at any Delaware DMV office.

NOTE: If your plates are stolen, file a report with the police immediately.

Keeping Your License Plate Number

The DMV can replace your plates with the same number as your previous plates. However, the DMV strongly recommends that you obtain a new license plate number to avoid any conflict that may arise with your stolen plates being used by someone else.

If you wish to get a new license plate number, you must bring the following with you to the DMV:

Transfer DE Special Plates

If you sell your vehicle and wish to keep your plates, you'll need to transfer them to another vehicle you own. To do so, you must visit a DE DMV office with the following

  • Your valid driver's license.
  • Your vehicle's title.
  • Proof of current auto insurance.
  • Payment for the $35 retention fee.
    • You can also purchase a $20 temporary tag (to use while transporting the car to the buyer).

Once you are ready to transfer the plate to a new car, there will be a $20 fee to remove the plate from retention.

Fees for DE Specialty Plates

The fees for special issue plates vary by plate type.

To find specific fees for a special plate, visit the DE DMV website and click on your desired plate.

If a link is not available for your desire plate, contact the Division of Motor Vehicles for more information.

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