License plates play an important role in keeping newly purchased or transferred vehicles properly identified during the period before permanent registration is completed. Delaware temporary license plates give eligible vehicle owners a legal way to operate their vehicles for a limited period, subject to state requirements. These temporary tags can be useful after buying a vehicle, transferring ownership, or waiting for permanent registration documents. Knowing when a temporary plate is required, how long it remains valid, and what paperwork may apply can help prevent registration problems and unnecessary delays.
License plates issued for temporary use are intended for short-term vehicle identification before permanent Delaware registration is available. Their use is tied to specific situations and requirements, so vehicle owners should know the applicable validity period, documentation, fees, and display rules. Temporary plates can provide a practical option during vehicle transactions, yet improper use or expired tags may create legal or administrative issues. This page explains key information about Delaware temporary license plates, including eligibility, application requirements, validity periods, costs, renewal matters, and common questions vehicle owners may have.
How to Get a Delaware Temporary Tag
A Delaware temporary tag lets you legally operate an eligible vehicle for a limited period before permanent registration is completed. You can obtain a temporary tag through a licensed Delaware dealer for a vehicle sold by that dealer, or in person at a Delaware DMV location. The DMV currently lists the temporary tag fee as $20.
- Delaware DMV Temporary Tag FAQ:
- https://dmv.de.gov/VehicleServices/faqs/index.shtml?dc=ve_faqs_temp_tag
Getting a Temporary Tag From a Delaware Dealer
- Purchase the vehicle from an authorized Delaware dealer.
- The dealer must be a licensed Delaware dealer.
- The temporary tag must be for a vehicle sold by that dealer.
- The dealer completes the temporary registration paperwork.
- The paperwork may include the buyer’s information, VIN, insurance information, issue date, and expiration date.
- A dealer-issued temporary tag allows you to operate the vehicle before permanent registration is completed.
- A licensed dealership can issue one 90-day temporary tag after completing the vehicle sale.
- Check the expiration date listed on the temporary registration paperwork.
- Complete permanent registration before the temporary tag expires.
Getting a Temporary Tag From the Delaware DMV
- Apply for the temporary tag in person at a Delaware DMV location.
- The transaction can be completed inside the DMV office or through the drive-through service.
- Required documents depend on the reason for requesting the temporary tag.
- Documents may include a bill of sale or vehicle title, VIN information, valid Delaware driver’s license, and Delaware insurance.
- The current temporary tag fee is $20.
- A Delaware vehicle inspection may be required before the tag is issued.
- Some vehicle situations may qualify for an inspection exception.
- Certain new vehicles purchased from dealers may qualify for an inspection exception.
Can You Get a Temporary Tag Online?
- No, Delaware temporary tags cannot be purchased online.
- The Delaware DMV issues temporary tags in person at DMV locations.
- Authorized licensed dealers can issue temporary tags for eligible vehicles they sell.
- If obtaining the tag through a dealer, the vehicle must have been sold by that dealer.
- If applying through the DMV, the transaction must be completed at an eligible DMV location.
Can You Get a Second Temporary Tag?
A second Delaware temporary tag may be available in certain situations, but it is not automatically issued after the first tag reaches its expiration. Eligibility depends on the vehicle, how it was purchased, and the reason a second tag is requested. The Delaware DMV may require proof that the vehicle remains eligible for temporary registration and that applicable inspection requirements have been met.
Second Tag After Buying From a Delaware Dealer
If you bought a vehicle from a Delaware dealer and your first Delaware temporary tag is close to its expiration, you may need to contact the dealer or DMV to determine whether another tag can be issued. A second temporary tag is not automatically guaranteed simply because the first tag has expired. The vehicle purchase and dealer records may be reviewed to confirm eligibility. Keep your temporary registration paperwork and check the expiration date shown on the tag. If permanent registration has not been completed, ask the dealer about the available options before the current temporary tag expires.
Second Tag After Buying From an Out-of-State Dealer
For a vehicle purchased from an out-of-state dealership, a second temporary tag may require an in-person visit to the Delaware DMV. You may need documents related to the dealership sale, such as the bill of sale, valid insurance, and a Delaware driver’s license. The DMV may require the vehicle to meet applicable inspection requirements before another temporary tag can be issued. Bring the vehicle and required paperwork to the DMV when an inspection is needed.
What If the Vehicle Failed Inspection?
If the vehicle failed inspection, eligibility for another temporary tag can depend on the inspection result and whether the required repairs have been completed. A failed inspection does not automatically mean another tag will be issued. Safety-related failures may prevent issuance until the vehicle meets the applicable requirements. Keep the inspection report and repair records, then confirm your eligibility with the Delaware DMV before requesting another temporary tag.
Who Cannot Get a Temporary Tag?
Temporary tag eligibility in Delaware depends on the type and use of the vehicle. The Delaware DMV lists certain vehicles and registration situations that do not qualify for a standard temporary tag. These restrictions apply to specific vehicle categories, so checking the vehicle’s registration status before applying can help avoid an unnecessary DMV visit.
The DMV identifies the following categories as ineligible for a standard temporary registration:
- Licensed transporter vehicles — Vehicles operating under transporter licensing may not qualify for a standard temporary tag.
- Construction-tag vehicles — Vehicles registered with construction tags are excluded.
- Limousines — Limousines cannot receive a standard temporary tag.
- Taxis — Vehicles used as taxis are excluded from this temporary registration option.
- School buses — School buses are among the vehicle types that cannot receive a standard temporary tag.
- Vehicles branded “junk” — A vehicle with a junk brand may not qualify for a Delaware temporary license plate.
- Certain IRP situations — Some vehicles operating under the International Registration Plan (IRP) are excluded from standard temporary tag eligibility.
Delaware Temporary Tag vs. Temporary Permit
Delaware temporary tag and a temporary permit both provide short-term authorization for a vehicle, but they serve different purposes. A temporary tag is connected to temporary registration and identifies an eligible vehicle during a limited registration period. A temporary permit may apply to a specific situation, such as moving a vehicle for inspection or repair. Knowing the difference can help vehicle owners choose the correct option and avoid confusion about registration requirements, inspection, and expiration dates.
| Feature | Delaware Temporary Tag | Temporary Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Provides temporary registration for an eligible vehicle. | Provides temporary authorization for a specific approved purpose. |
| Main use | Used to identify and operate a vehicle during a temporary registration period. | May be used when a vehicle needs to be moved for a specific reason, such as inspection or repair. |
| Registration | Directly connected to temporary registration. | Does not necessarily provide temporary vehicle registration. |
| Inspection | Inspection may be required before the tag is issued, depending on the situation. | May be used in circumstances involving inspection or repair. |
| Expiration | Has a specific expiration date. | Has a validity period based on the applicable permit or authorization. |
| Eligibility | Available only to vehicles that meet Delaware DMV temporary tag requirements. | Eligibility depends on the specific situation and applicable DMV requirements. |
| Vehicle identification | Serves as a temporary registration plate for the vehicle. | Provides authorization for a particular temporary purpose. |
| Are they the same? | No. A temporary tag is a form of temporary registration. | No. A temporary permit serves a different temporary authorization purpose. |
Delaware Temporary Tag Requirements
The temporary tag requirements in Delaware depend on the reason you need temporary registration and how the vehicle was purchased. The Delaware DMV may require proof of ownership, vehicle details, insurance, identification, and applicable inspection information before issuing a temporary tag. Having the relevant paperwork ready can help make the DMV transaction easier.
Documents You May Need
Depending on your temporary tag situation, the Delaware DMV may request:
- Delaware driver’s license — A valid Delaware driver’s license may be required to verify your identity and Delaware residency.
- Valid Delaware insurance — Proof of current Delaware vehicle insurance may be required.
- Bill of sale — A bill of sale can establish the vehicle purchase and should contain relevant vehicle details.
- Title — The vehicle title may be needed as proof of ownership, depending on the registration situation.
- VIN — The vehicle identification number (VIN) is used to identify the specific vehicle.
- Vehicle information — Details such as the vehicle’s year, make, model, and other identifying information may be required.
- Registration paperwork — Documents related to the temporary registration or previous registration may apply to the specific situation.
The exact documents can vary based on the vehicle purchase, seller, and reason for requesting temporary registration. Check the Delaware DMV requirements for your specific situation before visiting.
Is Vehicle Inspection Required?
Inspection may be required for a Delaware temporary tag. The current Delaware DMV FAQ states that a vehicle must be inspected in Delaware to purchase a temporary tag, with certain exceptions based on the vehicle or situation. This means inspection requirements should not be presented as identical for every temporary-tag case. A vehicle may need to pass the applicable safety inspection before the temporary tag can be issued. Special circumstances involving a temporary permit can have different requirements. If your vehicle has not yet been inspected, check the applicable DMV requirements before applying for temporary registration.
Delaware Temporary Tag for a Private Sale
A Delaware temporary tag private sale situation is different from buying a vehicle from a licensed dealer. When you purchase a used vehicle from a private seller, the buyer must handle the required DMV paperwork and registration steps rather than relying on a dealership to issue the temporary tag.
Documents for a Private Vehicle Purchase
After completing the vehicle purchase, keep the documents needed to establish ownership and insurance. These may include:
- Bill of sale showing the vehicle purchase details
- Vehicle title properly completed by the seller
- VIN to identify the vehicle
- Valid Delaware insurance for the vehicle
- Valid identification or Delaware driver’s license
- Any applicable registration paperwork
The bill of sale and title should contain accurate vehicle and buyer information. Check that the VIN on the documents matches the VIN on the vehicle before completing the DMV transaction.
Getting Temporary Registration
Delaware temporary license plate after a private sale, contact or visit the Delaware DMV to determine which temporary registration option applies to your situation. The DMV may require the vehicle to complete an inspection before issuing a temporary tag. Inspection requirements can vary based on the vehicle and reason for requesting temporary registration. Once the applicable requirements are met, you can proceed with the required DMV registration process. Keep the bill of sale, title, insurance documents, and temporary registration paperwork with you until permanent registration is completed. A private seller does not issue a dealer temporary tag. For this reason, buyers should confirm the applicable DMV requirements before driving the newly purchased vehicle.
How Much Does a Delaware Temporary Tag Cost?
The Delaware temporary tag cost can depend on the type of temporary tag, how it is issued, and the specific vehicle registration situation. The Delaware DMV provides different temporary tag services for qualifying vehicles, including standard tags, duplicate tags, and certain special situations. Before applying, it is useful to know which temporary registration option applies to your vehicle and what requirements the DMV or dealer may have for issuing the tag.
| Temporary Tag Type | Fee | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Temporary Tag | $20 | Eligible vehicle needing temporary registration |
| Duplicate Temporary Tag | $2 | Valid tag is lost, stolen, or falls off |
| 5-Day Temporary Tag | $20 | Eligible out-of-state vehicle |
| Special Temporary Tag | $20 | Certain qualifying DMV situations |
How Long Is a Delaware Temporary Tag Valid?
The validity period of a Delaware temporary tag depends on how the tag is issued and the circumstances surrounding the vehicle purchase or registration. Delaware provides different temporary registration periods, so the expiration date on the temporary registration paperwork should always be checked. A temporary tag does not provide permanent registration, and the vehicle must be permanently registered when the temporary authorization ends or when permanent registration is issued.
90-Day Temporary Tag
A 90-day temporary tag is commonly associated with a vehicle purchased from a licensed Delaware dealer. Under current Delaware law a properly issued temporary registration plate is generally valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, or until permanent registration is issued or the purchase contract ends, whichever happens first. The temporary tag and registration paperwork show the applicable expiration information. The dealer-issued temporary registration gives the buyer time to complete permanent registration requirements. Once permanent registration is issued, the temporary registration no longer controls the vehicle’s registration status. Buyers should check the expiration date and complete the required registration process before the temporary registration period ends.
60-Day, 30-Day and 5-Day Temporary Tags
The Delaware DMV can issue temporary tags with shorter validity periods based on the specific circumstances. A 60-day temporary tag or 30-day temporary tag may apply to certain registration situations where a longer temporary registration period is not available or required. A 5-day temporary tag is used for specific situations, including certain out-of-state vehicle transactions. It can function as a short-term transit tag, allowing an eligible vehicle to be moved for the purpose covered by the DMV authorization. These temporary registration periods should not be confused with every type of temporary permit. The permitted use and expiration date depend on the authorization issued by the DMV. Check the temporary registration paperwork for the exact date your tag expires and follow the applicable DMV requirements before that date.
What Happens When a Delaware Temporary Tag Expires?
A Delaware temporary tag is valid only for the period shown on the temporary registration paperwork. Once the expiration date passes, the temporary registration no longer provides the same authorization. If permanent registration has not been completed, the vehicle owner should address the registration issue before continuing to operate the vehicle.
Can You Drive With an Expired Temporary Tag?
You should not assume that an expired temporary tag allows normal driving. Once the temporary registration period ends, the tag cannot simply be treated as valid until permanent registration is completed. Whether the vehicle can be driven depends on the specific DMV authorization and circumstances. If you need to move the vehicle after expiration, check whether a temporary permit or another DMV authorization applies. Avoid using an expired tag as a substitute for valid registration.
What Should You Do Before It Expires?
Before the temporary tag reaches its expiration date, take steps to complete your permanent registration. This may include completing the title process, resolving any title issues, obtaining the required insurance, and completing the applicable vehicle inspection. If the tag was issued by a Delaware dealer, contact the dealer if registration paperwork or purchase documentation is still pending. If permanent registration cannot be completed before expiration, contact the Delaware DMV to determine whether you qualify for another temporary tag or another authorized option.
Direct Drive Permit for an Expired Tag
The Delaware DMV provides a Direct Drive Permit for certain situations involving an expired temporary tag. When the stated conditions are met, this permit may allow the vehicle to be driven directly to the closest DMV for inspection. The permit has specific conditions, so confirm eligibility with the DMV before driving an expired-tag vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Delaware temporary tags, including eligibility, cost, required documents, validity, online availability, dealer-issued tags, private vehicle purchases, and expired or lost temporary tags. These answers can help you identify the temporary registration option that may apply to your vehicle and situation.
How much is a Delaware temporary tag?
A Delaware temporary tag costs $20 according to the current Delaware DMV FAQ. The fee applies to a standard temporary tag issued through the DMV process. A duplicate temporary tag has a separate fee when a valid tag is lost, stolen, or falls off the vehicle.
How long does a Delaware temporary license plate last?
A licensed Delaware dealer can issue one 90-day temporary tag after completing a vehicle sale. The Delaware DMV can issue 60-day, 30-day, or 5-day temporary tags based on the specific situation. Delaware does not issue a temporary tag for more than 90 days.
Can I buy a Delaware temporary tag online?
No. A Delaware temporary tag cannot be purchased online. The DMV states that temporary tags are sold in person at Delaware DMV locations or issued by an authorized licensed Delaware motor vehicle dealer for a vehicle sold by that dealership. DMV transactions can be completed inside the office or through the drive-through service.
Can I get a Delaware temporary tag from a dealer?
Yes. An authorized licensed Delaware motor vehicle dealer can issue a temporary tag for a vehicle sold by that dealership. A licensed Delaware dealership can issue one 90-day temporary tag after completing the sale. The dealer handles the applicable temporary registration process for the qualifying vehicle purchase.
Can I get a temporary tag after a private vehicle purchase?
A temporary tag may be available after a private vehicle purchase if the vehicle and situation meet Delaware DMV requirements. The DMV may require documents such as the bill of sale, VIN, Delaware driver’s license, valid Delaware insurance, and inspection. The exact option depends on the purchase and registration circumstances.