What Delaware license plates look like and what they tell you

Delaware license plates display a white background with blue lettering, and they carry the state's slogan "The First State" at the top. The standard format shows three letters followed by four numbers, though Delaware also issues vanity plates with custom combinations. Every plate includes a county code in the lower left corner — a two-digit number that identifies which of Delaware's three counties (New Castle, Kent, or Sussex) issued the plate.

The county code matters because it tells you where the vehicle was registered. New Castle County uses codes 1 through 4, Kent County uses 5 and 6, and Sussex County uses 7 and 8. This system has been in place for decades and remains unchanged on current plates.

Key Takeaways

  • Delaware plates show a white background with blue lettering and include "The First State" at the top, plus a two-digit county code in the lower left.
  • Standard plates use three letters and four numbers; vanity plates allow custom letter and number combinations for an additional fee.
  • You obtain a Delaware plate through the Division of Motor Vehicles when you register a vehicle in the state, not as a separate purchase.
  • Specialty plates exist for specific groups — military veterans, conservation supporters, and others — each with its own design and sometimes an extra cost.
  • Plates remain valid until the vehicle registration expires; renewal happens through the DMV at the same time you renew your registration.

How to get a Delaware license plate when you register a vehicle

You receive a Delaware license plate as part of vehicle registration through the Division of Motor Vehicles. When you buy a vehicle and register it in Delaware, the DMV issues the plate along with your registration documents. You do not order plates separately or choose between options at that stage — you get the standard white and blue plate unless you request something different.

To register a vehicle in Delaware, you need the vehicle's title, proof of insurance, and a completed registration form. You can register in person at any DMV office, by mail, or online through the Delaware DMV website. The process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on the method you choose. Once approved, the DMV mails your plate and registration to the address on file.

Vanity plates and specialty plate options

Delaware offers vanity plates that let you choose custom letters and numbers instead of the random combination assigned to standard plates. Vanity plates cost more than standard plates — the exact fee varies by year and is set by the state legislature. You request a vanity plate when you first register a vehicle or during renewal by submitting your desired combination to the DMV and paying the additional fee. The DMV checks whether your requested combination is already in use; if it is, you choose another.

Specialty plates are available for specific groups and causes. Delaware issues plates for military veterans, Purple Heart recipients, conservation supporters, and other designations. Each specialty plate has a distinct design that reflects its purpose. Some specialty plates carry an additional cost beyond standard registration, while others do not. You can request a specialty plate during registration or at renewal if you meet the group's requirements.

Renewing your Delaware license plate

Your Delaware license plate remains valid as long as your vehicle registration is current. When your registration expires, your plate expires with it. Delaware sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before expiration. You can renew your registration — and keep your existing plate — online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

If you renew online or by mail, the DMV typically processes your renewal within a few business days and mails you an updated registration document. You do not receive a new physical plate unless yours is damaged, lost, or you request a vanity or specialty plate during renewal. If your plate is damaged or unreadable, contact the DMV to request a replacement; you may need to pay a replacement fee.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged Delaware plate

If your license plate is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, report it to the DMV as soon as possible. You can report the loss or theft in person at a DMV office or by phone. Provide your vehicle registration number and describe what happened. The DMV will issue a replacement plate and mail it to you within one to two weeks.

Replacement plates cost a fee set by Delaware's legislature. If your plate was stolen, you may want to file a police report as well, though this is not required to get a replacement from the DMV. Once you receive your new plate, install it on your vehicle right away — driving without a readable plate can result in a traffic citation.

Transferring a Delaware plate to a different vehicle

You cannot transfer a standard Delaware license plate from one vehicle to another. When you sell or dispose of a vehicle, that plate stays with the registration and is retired. If you buy a new vehicle and register it in Delaware, you receive a new plate.

Vanity plates work differently. If you own a vanity plate and buy a new vehicle, you can transfer the vanity plate to the new vehicle's registration. Contact the DMV during the registration process for your new vehicle and request to transfer your existing vanity plate. You will pay the vanity plate fee again at renewal, but the custom combination remains yours as long as you keep renewing it.

Understanding Delaware county codes on your plate

The two-digit number in the lower left corner of your Delaware plate identifies the county where you registered your vehicle. New Castle County, which includes Wilmington and the northern part of the state, uses codes 1, 2, 3, and 4. Kent County, in the central part of the state, uses codes 5 and 6. Sussex County, in the southern part of the state, uses codes 7 and 8.

The county code does not change if you move within Delaware. If you move from New Castle County to Kent County, your plate keeps its original county code until you renew your registration. At renewal, you can request a new plate with your new county's code, though you are not required to do so. Some vehicle owners keep their original county code as a matter of preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my Delaware plate if I move out of state?

No. Delaware plates are only valid for vehicles registered in Delaware. If you move out of state, you must register your vehicle in your new state and obtain that state's license plate. You cannot keep a Delaware plate on a vehicle registered elsewhere.

What do I do if my Delaware plate is bent or faded?

Contact the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles to request a replacement plate. You can visit a DMV office in person or call to report the damage. There is typically a replacement fee, and the DMV will mail you a new plate within one to two weeks. Install it as soon as it arrives.

How much does a vanity plate cost in Delaware?

The fee for a vanity plate varies by year and is set by the Delaware legislature. Check the current fee on the Delaware DMV website or call the DMV directly. The fee is in addition to your standard registration cost and is charged each time you renew.

Do I need to do anything special to get a military or specialty plate?

You must meet the group's requirements — for example, military plates require proof of service. When you register or renew your vehicle, tell the DMV which specialty plate you want and provide the required documentation. The DMV will verify your status and issue the plate if you may have access to.

What happens to my plate if I let my registration expire?

Your plate becomes invalid when your registration expires. You cannot legally drive with an expired plate. Renew your registration as soon as possible through the DMV website, by mail, or in person. Once renewed, your plate is valid again.