Delaware car tax
Delaware has no yearly car tax and no sales tax. Instead, it charges a one-time document fee when you title a car, raised to 5.25% on October 1, 2025. Registration is a flat $40 a year.
No yearly car tax; only registration fees.
Buying a car in Delaware: one-time tax
Delaware motor vehicle document fee — 5.25%. Your trade-in is subtracted before tax.
5.25% of the greater of the price or NADA value since Oct 1, 2025 (was 4.25%). The minimum is $8.
Registration and due dates
Registration is $40 a year. A title costs $35 or more.
No yearly car tax. Registration renews every year (multi-year options available).
Cut what your car costs in Delaware
Car tax is set by your town, but your loan and insurance aren't. Refinancing a car loan at a lower rate often saves more each year than the tax itself.
Questions
Does Delaware have sales tax on cars?
No sales tax, but a one-time document fee of 5.25% is charged when you title a car (since October 1, 2025).
Is there a yearly car tax in Delaware?
No. Only the $40 yearly registration fee.
Can I deduct Delaware car taxes on my federal return?
Generally no. Delaware has no yearly value-based car tax, and flat registration fees cannot be deducted as personal property tax.
Sources
Last checked October 14, 2026. Rates are for passenger cars owned by individuals; leased, business and specialty vehicles can differ. Confirm with your tax collector or commissioner of the revenue.