Purchasing a new vehicle but do not want to give up your current Delaware license plate number? The solution is simple. Place your license plate into retention at any Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) location.
What does it mean to place a license plate into retention?
Putting a license plate into retention simply means you are putting the tag number on hold until it expires for future use. For example, if the sticker on your tag currently expires two years from today, you could put that tag into retention until the expiration date on the sticker.
Do I need to attach the license plate number to a vehicle, or can it just be listed under my name?
You can choose either option. If you do not attach it to a vehicle, you must do so before the license plate expires, or you will lose the tag.
If you leave the license plate attached to the vehicle and decide to sell the vehicle, you will lose the license plate if you do not retain it first. If you keep the vehicle, the license plate will remain assigned to the vehicle for up to one year after the tag expires. After one year, you will lose the license plate.
Can I only retain a license plate when I purchase a new car?
No, you can retain a license plate from any vehicle you sell. You can then move that license plate to another vehicle registered in your name, hold it for a future vehicle purchase, or even give it to someone else using this form.
Can I only retain a license plate when I purchase from a dealership?
No, you can retain a license plate from any vehicle you sell, trade or gift whether to a dealership or privately.
- If you purchased a new vehicle from a dealership, the tag must already be retained. Some dealerships may assist you with this process, ask them for guidance.
- The dealership must notate the tag number on the new vehicle’s documentation to DMV to ensure the tag is transferred to your new vehicle.
How do I retain my current license plate number?
You will need to bring the below documentation with you in person to any DMV location:
Delaware Title
- If there is more than one owner and the names are joined by "AND" both owners must be present.
- If there is more than one owner and the names are joined by "AND/OR" only one owner must be present.
- If the vehicle is still financed, you must first complete a MV35 and have the lien holder mail the title to the DMV.
NOTE: Once DMV receives the title from your lienholder, you will receive an email with instructions to come to the DMV to process.
Proof of Delaware insurance is required if you are moving the license plate to another vehicle or putting another tag on the same vehicle.
Fees
- The fees vary and will depend on whether you are retagging a vehicle, with or without a lien, and the amount of registration time left on the retained tag
If you have any further questions, please call (302)744-2500 or DMVCustomerService@delaware.gov.
Some eligibility restriction may apply depending on vehicle type, tag type, registered weight heavier weight, commercial, model years, and inspection requirements.
