What is a Unique Vehicle?
Per 21 Del.C. § 101 (86), a Unique vehicle means a vehicle, frame, or body, which was not manufactured to meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) in effect for the model year in which it was manufactured. It includes a vehicle which at the time of registration does not meet the requirements of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) emissions inspection program under 7 DE Admin. Code 1126 or 1131. A unique vehicle may be registered and branded by the Division of Motor Vehicles and may have special restrictions as determined by the Division. A unique vehicle includes a vehicle which is more than 25 years old, which was not originally manufactured for import into the United States, or which is not otherwise eligible to be titled and registered pursuant to Chapter 21.
What documents are required to title and register my Unique Vehicle for the first time?
The Division of Motor Vehicles will need all proof of ownership documents, a valid Delaware insurance card, a passing inspection at a Delaware DMV inspection lane, and any other documents requested at the time of tilting. Proof of ownership documents may include but are not limited to import and customs paperwork, out-of-state titles, registration card, bill of sale, etc.
What documents are required to renew my unique vehicle?
A unique vehicle does not have to go through inspection per 21 Del.C. § 2198 (c) once it has been registered as long as it remains with the same owner. The renewal can be completed in person, or online through your myDMV account.
NOTE: At this time, this tag type cannot be renewed on the kiosk at any of our locations.
Can my Unique vehicle be driven for everyday use?
Per 21 Del.C. § 2120A (f), a unique vehicle shall be used only for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, and similar uses (a “permitted use.”) A unique vehicle participating in a permitted use must be insured as required by 21 Del.C. § 2118 and 21 Del.C. § 2902. A unique vehicle may not be used for general transportation and may not be operated on the roads of this State at any time other than when traveling to or from a permitted use or actively participating in the permitted use.
What are the fees to title and register a Unique Vehicle?
Per 21 Del.C. § 2120A (i), when titling and registering a unique vehicle, a 1-time fee of $50.00 will be added to the usual DMV titling fees. Those DMV fees include document fees, title fees, and other fees that occur during the transaction. For a complete list of fees, please click here.
Does my Unique Vehicle have to pass inspection to be driven on the roadways?
Yes, per 21 Del.C. § 2198 (c), a Unique Vehicle is subject to initial inspection in which the Division of Motor Vehicles may title and register a unique vehicle for operation on the roads of the State which does not meet the Division’s standards for inspection or emissions performance only when it is modified to meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) safety and equipment requirements and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC’s) emissions inspection requirements under 7 DE Admin. Code 1126 or 1131 which are in effect at the time of the initial application for titling or registering of the vehicle. A unique vehicle may be titled and registered with restrictions as determined by the Division to be in the best interest of highway safety.
What if my Unique Vehicle does not pass inspection?
The Division will issue a title for proof of ownership only as long as it meets 21 Del.C. § 2120A (e), and all documents have met the necessary requirements.
Can a Unique Vehicle be transferred to a new owner without inspection?
No, in accordance with 21 Del.C. § 2120A (i), the Unique vehicle status shall be forfeited in the event of a transfer of ownership and the transferor shall surrender the special plate to the Division of Motor Vehicles. The purchaser of any previously titled or registered unique vehicle must reapply for a unique vehicle status at the time of any transfer. At the time of any post transfer titling or registration application, the unique vehicle must meet the FMVSS, DNREC and all other requirements at the time of the new titling and/or registration application as if the unique vehicle was being titled and or registered for the first time.
Who may I contact with questions?
If you have any additional questions, email DMVCustomerService@Delaware.gov or call (302) 744–2500.
