Delaware plates come in standard, personalized, and specialty designs, each with different costs and renewal rules

Delaware issues several types of license plates, and which one you get depends on what you choose and what your vehicle qualifies for. The standard plate is the blue-and-gold design you see most often on Delaware roads. If you want something different, you can order a personalized plate with your own characters, or you can select from Delaware's specialty plates, which support specific causes or organizations. Each type has its own fee structure and renewal timeline.

Your plate stays with you as long as you own the vehicle and keep your registration current. When you renew your registration, you renew your plate at the same time. If you switch to a different plate type—say, from standard to personalized—you'll pay the difference in cost, and your old plate goes back to the state.

Key Takeaways

  • Delaware's standard blue-and-gold plate is included with your vehicle registration and does not cost extra.
  • Personalized plates cost more than standard plates and require a separate order through the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.
  • Specialty plates support specific organizations or causes and have their own fees, which vary by plate design.
  • All Delaware plates renew on the same schedule as your vehicle registration, which is based on your vehicle's registration month.
  • You can transfer a personalized or specialty plate to a different vehicle you own, but you must follow the Division of Motor Vehicles' transfer process.

Standard Delaware plates and what they include

The standard Delaware plate is blue and gold with the state name, your registration number, and the slogan "The First State" at the bottom. This plate comes with your vehicle registration and does not cost anything extra. When you register a vehicle in Delaware for the first time, you receive a standard plate automatically unless you request something different.

Standard plates are replaced when they become damaged, faded, or illegible. If your plate is cracked, rusted, or the numbers are hard to read, you can request a replacement from the Division of Motor Vehicles. There is a small fee for a replacement plate, but the fee is much lower than the cost of a personalized or specialty plate.

How personalized plates work and what they cost

A personalized plate lets you choose your own combination of letters and numbers, up to a certain length. You can use up to seven characters on a Delaware personalized plate. The Division of Motor Vehicles checks your request to make sure the combination is not already taken and does not contain offensive language or symbols.

Personalized plates cost more than standard plates. The exact fee varies depending on how many characters you use and whether you are ordering a new plate or renewing an existing one. You order a personalized plate through the Division of Motor Vehicles website or in person at a DMV office. Once approved, your personalized plate is yours to keep as long as you renew your registration. If you sell the vehicle, you can transfer the personalized plate to another vehicle you own, or you can keep it on file and use it on a future vehicle.

Delaware specialty plates and their purposes

Delaware offers specialty plates that support specific causes, military service, educational institutions, and professional organizations. Examples include plates for veterans, breast cancer awareness, Delaware State University alumni, and other groups. Each specialty plate has its own design and its own fee. Some of the fees go to the organization the plate supports, and some go to the state.

To order a specialty plate, you select the design you want when you register your vehicle or renew your registration. You can also switch from a standard or personalized plate to a specialty plate at renewal time. The specialty plate fee is added to your registration cost. Like personalized plates, specialty plates can be transferred to another vehicle you own if you follow the Division of Motor Vehicles' process.

Plate renewal and registration timing

Your Delaware license plate renews when your vehicle registration renews. The state assigns each vehicle a renewal month based on when it was first registered. Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about a month before your registration expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

When you renew, you pay the registration fee plus any plate fees if you have a personalized or specialty plate. If you want to change your plate type at renewal—for example, switching from standard to personalized—you can do that when you renew. Your old plate is no longer valid once your new registration takes effect, and you should return it to the state or destroy it according to the Division of Motor Vehicles' instructions.

Transferring plates between vehicles you own

If you own more than one vehicle and want to move a personalized or specialty plate from one to another, you can do that through the Division of Motor Vehicles. You cannot transfer a plate to a vehicle registered to someone else, and you cannot transfer a standard plate—standard plates stay with the vehicle they were issued for.

To transfer a personalized or specialty plate, you contact the Division of Motor Vehicles with the details of both vehicles: the one you are taking the plate from and the one you are putting it on. The vehicle you are transferring the plate to must be registered in your name. There is a fee for the transfer, and the process usually takes a few business days. Once the transfer is complete, your new registration and plate arrive in the mail.

Replacing damaged or lost plates

If your plate is damaged, faded, bent, or stolen, you can request a replacement from the Division of Motor Vehicles. Bring your vehicle registration and proof of ownership to a DMV office, or contact the office by phone or mail. There is a replacement fee, which is lower than the cost of a new personalized or specialty plate.

If your plate is stolen, report the theft to local police and get a report number. Bring that report number when you request a replacement, as it documents why you need a new plate. Your replacement plate will have a different number than your original plate, so your registration will be updated to reflect the new number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my personalized plate if I sell my car?

Yes. You can transfer a personalized plate to another vehicle you own, or you can keep it on file with the Division of Motor Vehicles and use it on a future vehicle. Contact the DMV to start the transfer or retention process. If you do not transfer or retain it, the plate becomes available for someone else to order.

What happens if my plate is unreadable or faded?

Contact the Division of Motor Vehicles to request a replacement plate. Bring your registration and proof of ownership. There is a replacement fee, which is much lower than ordering a new personalized or specialty plate. Your replacement plate will have a new number.

Can I order a personalized plate online?

Yes. The Division of Motor Vehicles website has a personalized plate request form. You enter your desired combination, and the system tells you when ready whether it is available. If it is, you can complete the order and pay the fee online. Your new plate arrives in the mail within a few weeks.

Do specialty plates cost more than standard plates?

Yes. Specialty plates have a higher fee than standard plates because part of the fee supports the organization or cause the plate represents. The exact cost depends on which specialty plate you choose. You can see all available specialty plates and their fees on the Division of Motor Vehicles website.

What do I do with my old plate when I get a new one?

You should return your old plate to the Division of Motor Vehicles or destroy it according to their instructions. Do not keep it or give it to someone else. The DMV will tell you the best way to dispose of it when you receive your new plate.