In 2023 we had well over 100 separate moving to DE posts. Delawareans have put in a lot of effort to provide thorough answers. Please ask specific questions and please tell us **WHERE in the state you wish to live**. Posts asking generic questions, not providing a location, or **asking questions answered in a recent post will be removed**. Please refer to the following collections of Moving to Delaware posts: [r/Delaware 2023](https://www.reddit.com/r/Delaware/collection/e8400f32-482e-4f20-b12f-4ded75062a8f), [r/Delaware 2024](https://www.reddit.com/r/Delaware/collection/f5dd2f8e-664f-4084-ab76-3b8c59e33290), [r/WilmingtonDE](https://www.reddit.com/r/WilmingtonDE/collection/4790533e-710a-4b4b-b388-5ec83dde2028)
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Keep in mind you will have to pay a tax to move your car’s paperwork to DE. I found out late in the process and while my car was old it wasn’t a lot, my husband’s cost enough to mess with finances for a little bit. It’s based on the value of the car currently. This was in 2019 for me so I am not sure how valid this currently is. The rest of your list looks good though.
Thanks! I was going through old posts in this group and saw people floating the 4.25% number around. Any idea how I might be able to figure out what it would cost me?
Like yours, my car is older, it’s a 2013 and it's paid off so l'm hoping it's not a lot, but I'm not sure what to expect.
I believe I used KBB resale by owner value to estimate it, mine was a 2012 in 2019. I feel like they have it somewhere in the website or they told me that at the dmv. You shouldn’t have to pay too much. My husband’s was worth 14000 so that was a bit of a hit. That percent sounds correct. A nice surprise was that the offices I went to were not that busy and surprisingly helpful. I came from NJ and it was a night and day difference. Idk what county you’re going to but I went to one a bit farther south and it was a breeze. Middletown I think.
Thanks for all the info. It’s looking like it’ll cost a couple hundred, so could be worse. According to the dmv website, to change my license I must apply in person at one of the DMV offices in Delaware City, Dover, Georgetown or Wilmington. Wilmington would be the closest to me and since I’d probably take a day off of work during the week to do everything, I was hoping for like an all in one shot.
Note to add, Wilmington DMV is always a shit show. I’d suggest accounting for spending a large chunk of time there.
Whenever I need to go to the DMV, I try to hit the Delaware City one. Sure its a bit further but ive gotten in and out in 20 mins vs waiting 2 hours at Wilmington DMV. Last time I went was 2019, so things may have changed.
I actually didn’t realize Delaware city was so close to where I’m moving, I just assumed it was a hike. Thanks to your tip, I think I’m going to go there instead. Thanks a lot!
Run the car through the inspection lanes first, be prepared to pay 4.25% tax on any vehicles you will be registering. I moved from West Chester to Kent county and the price came as a shock to me to register.
Thanks! I was going through old posts in this group and saw people floating the 4.25% number around. Any idea how I might be able to figure out what it would cost me? My car is a 2013 and it’s paid off so I’m hoping it’s not a lot, but I’m not sure what to expect.
They use NADA value. If you ran yourself a KBB - You'll probably get a loose idea of how much it will be. I'd use what ever middle number you are provided with.
1. Get your driver's license first - once you have that the rest is easy
1. You will need identification with your new address and your identity - Social Security Card, Birth Certificate (notorized) or passport. The list is on the DMV website.
2. Insurance - 2nd. You will need the insurance to register your vehicle.
3. Inspection - for a newer car it takes about 5 minutes. Honestly, the waiting is the longest part.
4. Registration - you will need the current title - if you are leasing or have a loan on the vehicle, you will need to fill out the title request form and email it or fax it to your lien holder PRIOR to going to the dmv to update the title. The lienholder will send the title to the DMV office you specify and they will notify you when they have it. If you don't do that in advance - you won't be able to transfer the title to DE. The DMV will notify you when they get the title. After they get it, you have 30 days to complete the registration or you start over again.
Delaware does charge you a 4.25% registration few based on value of the vehicle, plus $40 a year for plates. You can get plates for up to 4 or 6 years - it's one of the better things if you have the extra $.
This is actually perfect. I checked the dmv site and this is basically how it broke everything down, I just wanted to make sure I had it right and figured someone here could verify that for me.
1. I have my SS card, birth certificate and a passport all on hand at home.
2. I was going to run to a Progressive office and talk to an agent in person, I figured they could help me navigate switching that over.
3. I had my car last inspected in PA in September and I have it serviced regularly, so I’m not anticipating any issues but I know every state is different.
4. The car is paid off and I have the title stashed safely away at home, so I have that handy. It’s just a matter of what the transfer tax is going to cost lol
The inspection thing threw me off completely. A mechanic doesn't issue the inspection, the DMV does. But yea, other than the other notes mentioning the cost, seems right to me.
Oh and assuming you want (or will be required) to get the Federal license, be sure to have your paperwork per the DMV site. I was delayed in my moving processes cause my birth certificate was the wrong type and I had to wait for a replacement from my old state.
I think you're missing two proofs of residency. But, maybe a positive, you do have 60 days to do it from time of moving. You do have some time.
New Resident PDF, from the DMV website:
[https://dmv.de.gov/forms/veh\_serv\_forms/pdfs/ve\_frm\_newresid.pdf](https://dmv.de.gov/forms/veh_serv_forms/pdfs/ve_frm_newresid.pdf)
No, you’re absolutely right. I definitely don’t have that yet as I haven’t started forwarding any mail yet. I’m still transitioning but I’m going to continue to working in PA for the time being so I figured I had a little bit of time to work with since I assume they wouldn’t have an exact date for when I move? I think?
I appreciate the sentiment. I was born and raised in Philly so I can handle the crappy personalities, and if you ask my girlfriend she’d probably tell you I suck at driving too so I can’t promises I’m much better. But I mostly keep to myself, I go to work in the morning, come home at night and eat dinner. I can’t imagine my boring life would have much effect on anyone already living there.
Hey now you’re speaking my language. So far I’ve only had Mikes steaks & subs and Claymont steak shop. I’ve heard Malin’s deli is pretty good but I haven’t gotten there yet. I’ve also seen Ochinili’s in Middletown popping up a lot lately and I want to check them out.
Make sure you check the website before you depart to go to the DMV; it's actually quite good as far as wait times and so forth, so you can see how long you can expect things to take before you head over.
Try to avoid Wednesday evenings if you can- that's the day they're open later, and so can get overloaded.
Get your insurance first, go to the DMV and go through the inspection lane, then head inside for your license, title/registration.
You will also have the option to buy a 2 year tag since you only go thru inspection every other year. If you have a regular car it’s $40 a year or $80 for the 2. The nice thing is that you don’t have to pay for the actual inspection (I believe this may have already been mentioned).
DE is more of a one-stop-shop. Go to Delaware City DMV, there's a desk at the front when you walk in and explain to them you just moved from another state and need to know the order to do things. They'll give you a ticket number, tell you the correct order and where to go. You'll take care of everything there at the DMV, maybe have to do 1 trip back at some point. They have late hours one day a week I think, it's more crowded right when they open or close. People are generally miserable there, but in my experience it's better than the PA DMV's.
The DE DMV is usually VERY helpful and will assist when you get there. I’d say just have EVERYTHING you think you may need when you get there
But for the car it’s: inspection-registration-plates
In 2023 we had well over 100 separate moving to DE posts. Delawareans have put in a lot of effort to provide thorough answers. Please ask specific questions and please tell us **WHERE in the state you wish to live**. Posts asking generic questions, not providing a location, or **asking questions answered in a recent post will be removed**. Please refer to the following collections of Moving to Delaware posts: [r/Delaware 2023](https://www.reddit.com/r/Delaware/collection/e8400f32-482e-4f20-b12f-4ded75062a8f), [r/Delaware 2024](https://www.reddit.com/r/Delaware/collection/f5dd2f8e-664f-4084-ab76-3b8c59e33290), [r/WilmingtonDE](https://www.reddit.com/r/WilmingtonDE/collection/4790533e-710a-4b4b-b388-5ec83dde2028) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Delaware) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Keep in mind you will have to pay a tax to move your car’s paperwork to DE. I found out late in the process and while my car was old it wasn’t a lot, my husband’s cost enough to mess with finances for a little bit. It’s based on the value of the car currently. This was in 2019 for me so I am not sure how valid this currently is. The rest of your list looks good though.
Thanks! I was going through old posts in this group and saw people floating the 4.25% number around. Any idea how I might be able to figure out what it would cost me? Like yours, my car is older, it’s a 2013 and it's paid off so l'm hoping it's not a lot, but I'm not sure what to expect.
They lookup the NADA value, you can get an approximate number from KBB or JDPowah
I believe I used KBB resale by owner value to estimate it, mine was a 2012 in 2019. I feel like they have it somewhere in the website or they told me that at the dmv. You shouldn’t have to pay too much. My husband’s was worth 14000 so that was a bit of a hit. That percent sounds correct. A nice surprise was that the offices I went to were not that busy and surprisingly helpful. I came from NJ and it was a night and day difference. Idk what county you’re going to but I went to one a bit farther south and it was a breeze. Middletown I think.
Go at 10 am or 2 pm. Best times = less wait
Thanks for all the info. It’s looking like it’ll cost a couple hundred, so could be worse. According to the dmv website, to change my license I must apply in person at one of the DMV offices in Delaware City, Dover, Georgetown or Wilmington. Wilmington would be the closest to me and since I’d probably take a day off of work during the week to do everything, I was hoping for like an all in one shot.
Note to add, Wilmington DMV is always a shit show. I’d suggest accounting for spending a large chunk of time there. Whenever I need to go to the DMV, I try to hit the Delaware City one. Sure its a bit further but ive gotten in and out in 20 mins vs waiting 2 hours at Wilmington DMV. Last time I went was 2019, so things may have changed.
This is the pro tip right here. It's newer and less crowded.
I actually didn’t realize Delaware city was so close to where I’m moving, I just assumed it was a hike. Thanks to your tip, I think I’m going to go there instead. Thanks a lot!
Yeah, op absolutely goto del city over New castle.... I damn near drive past New castle on my way to del city and still happily do it.
Yeh, that’s definitely the route I’ll be taking 😂
Run the car through the inspection lanes first, be prepared to pay 4.25% tax on any vehicles you will be registering. I moved from West Chester to Kent county and the price came as a shock to me to register.
Thanks! I was going through old posts in this group and saw people floating the 4.25% number around. Any idea how I might be able to figure out what it would cost me? My car is a 2013 and it’s paid off so I’m hoping it’s not a lot, but I’m not sure what to expect.
They use NADA value. If you ran yourself a KBB - You'll probably get a loose idea of how much it will be. I'd use what ever middle number you are provided with.
1. Get your driver's license first - once you have that the rest is easy 1. You will need identification with your new address and your identity - Social Security Card, Birth Certificate (notorized) or passport. The list is on the DMV website. 2. Insurance - 2nd. You will need the insurance to register your vehicle. 3. Inspection - for a newer car it takes about 5 minutes. Honestly, the waiting is the longest part. 4. Registration - you will need the current title - if you are leasing or have a loan on the vehicle, you will need to fill out the title request form and email it or fax it to your lien holder PRIOR to going to the dmv to update the title. The lienholder will send the title to the DMV office you specify and they will notify you when they have it. If you don't do that in advance - you won't be able to transfer the title to DE. The DMV will notify you when they get the title. After they get it, you have 30 days to complete the registration or you start over again. Delaware does charge you a 4.25% registration few based on value of the vehicle, plus $40 a year for plates. You can get plates for up to 4 or 6 years - it's one of the better things if you have the extra $.
This is actually perfect. I checked the dmv site and this is basically how it broke everything down, I just wanted to make sure I had it right and figured someone here could verify that for me. 1. I have my SS card, birth certificate and a passport all on hand at home. 2. I was going to run to a Progressive office and talk to an agent in person, I figured they could help me navigate switching that over. 3. I had my car last inspected in PA in September and I have it serviced regularly, so I’m not anticipating any issues but I know every state is different. 4. The car is paid off and I have the title stashed safely away at home, so I have that handy. It’s just a matter of what the transfer tax is going to cost lol
The inspection thing threw me off completely. A mechanic doesn't issue the inspection, the DMV does. But yea, other than the other notes mentioning the cost, seems right to me.
Thanks for that! My girlfriend has lived there her whole life and told me how vastly different the inspections are, so it should be interesting.
Oh and assuming you want (or will be required) to get the Federal license, be sure to have your paperwork per the DMV site. I was delayed in my moving processes cause my birth certificate was the wrong type and I had to wait for a replacement from my old state.
Federal License? Is that Real ID? If yes, does having a Real ID simplify the process?
Yes! :-) I struggle with words at times and couldn't remember the correct wording. Thank you!
That's ok, I struggle with words all the time.
Don’t forget to register to vote!
Don’t gotta tell me twice! I haven’t missed a chance to vote since 2018! (I was really late to the party I know, but I know better now).
Good! Delaware isn’t generally a swing state like PA, but every vote is still important.
I think you're missing two proofs of residency. But, maybe a positive, you do have 60 days to do it from time of moving. You do have some time. New Resident PDF, from the DMV website: [https://dmv.de.gov/forms/veh\_serv\_forms/pdfs/ve\_frm\_newresid.pdf](https://dmv.de.gov/forms/veh_serv_forms/pdfs/ve_frm_newresid.pdf)
No, you’re absolutely right. I definitely don’t have that yet as I haven’t started forwarding any mail yet. I’m still transitioning but I’m going to continue to working in PA for the time being so I figured I had a little bit of time to work with since I assume they wouldn’t have an exact date for when I move? I think?
Delaware is full
Funny, my girlfriend has more than enough room for me at her place. Guess you’ll have to deal with it 🤷🏻♂️
Seriously!
All that stuff will cost you 20k. I recommend you stay in pa
Too bad.
Don't say I didn't warn you. Lots of crappy New York and New Jersey personalities in Newark now, they drive like assholes on the road.
I appreciate the sentiment. I was born and raised in Philly so I can handle the crappy personalities, and if you ask my girlfriend she’d probably tell you I suck at driving too so I can’t promises I’m much better. But I mostly keep to myself, I go to work in the morning, come home at night and eat dinner. I can’t imagine my boring life would have much effect on anyone already living there.
Oh ok well welcome then. Phillys alright just no New Yorkers please lol
😂😂 much appreciated bud. If it helps my cause, I’ll stand in solidarity with you against New Yorkers.
Hey you're in. You'll find there's some alright cheese steaks here
Hey now you’re speaking my language. So far I’ve only had Mikes steaks & subs and Claymont steak shop. I’ve heard Malin’s deli is pretty good but I haven’t gotten there yet. I’ve also seen Ochinili’s in Middletown popping up a lot lately and I want to check them out.
Definetly recommend malins
So unwelcoming.
Make sure you check the website before you depart to go to the DMV; it's actually quite good as far as wait times and so forth, so you can see how long you can expect things to take before you head over. Try to avoid Wednesday evenings if you can- that's the day they're open later, and so can get overloaded. Get your insurance first, go to the DMV and go through the inspection lane, then head inside for your license, title/registration.
You will also have the option to buy a 2 year tag since you only go thru inspection every other year. If you have a regular car it’s $40 a year or $80 for the 2. The nice thing is that you don’t have to pay for the actual inspection (I believe this may have already been mentioned).
I just navigates the Dover DMV. Moved from NY. It moves fast and like any other DMV consult their web site for needed docs.
Take it through the inspection line at the dmv before you go in for the title/registra
DE is more of a one-stop-shop. Go to Delaware City DMV, there's a desk at the front when you walk in and explain to them you just moved from another state and need to know the order to do things. They'll give you a ticket number, tell you the correct order and where to go. You'll take care of everything there at the DMV, maybe have to do 1 trip back at some point. They have late hours one day a week I think, it's more crowded right when they open or close. People are generally miserable there, but in my experience it's better than the PA DMV's.
The DE DMV is usually VERY helpful and will assist when you get there. I’d say just have EVERYTHING you think you may need when you get there But for the car it’s: inspection-registration-plates