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How to Sell a Car in Delaware?
There are three main ways to sell your car in Delaware:
Jump to: Sell Car Privately
Jump to: Sell Car to Car Buying Website
Jump to: Sell Car to Dealership
TurnaroudEffort NeededBest ForPrivately7-14 daysMostUsed carsCar Buying Website24-72 hoursFill online formJunk and old carsDealership7-10 daysVisit officeMostly new cars
Sell Car Privately in Delaware
If you plan to sell your car in Delaware, know that there are steps you must follow to make the process successful. While selling privately can be long and tedious, the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles makes the process convenient and allows you to get the highest price. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sell your car privately in Delaware.
What You Need to Sell Your Car in Delaware
To get started selling your car privately, make sure you have the following;
Delaware Certificate of Title
Your signature
Signature of the buyer
Signature of the lien holder
Bill of sale
Inspection certificate
Odometer reading if the vehicle is less than ten years
The buyer’s name and address
The current mileage
Step 1: Get Your Car Ready for Sale
To prepare your car for sale, you need to clean it on the inside and out. You also need to vacuum the interior and top up all the vehicle fluids, including the oil. Don’t forget to remove all your belongings since the vehicle is just about to change ownership. To show your prospective buyer that you are trustworthy and straightforward, ensure you give the vehicle history report.
Step 2: List Your Car for Sale
The next step after preparing your car for sale is listing it. With online marketplaces such as Facebook and Craigslist, you can list your vehicle for sale and get a buyer fast. The most important thing to do is to describe your car and take lots of high-quality photos.
Plus, create a dedicated phone line and email address via Google to allow you to field offers and communicate with the buyer. In addition, you can post your vehicle on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
Step 3: Arrange for Pre-Sale Inspection
Many vehicle buyers in Delaware prefer to have third parties inspect the vehicle. While the buyer caters for inspection, you need to work with him throughout the process. If the inspection discovers some issues with the car, keeping the report is a good idea.
The buyer can also use the report to decide whether he still needs to buy the car or not. While inspection is not a must in Delaware, it can help you build confidence with the buyer.
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles also offers free inspection services, including an emissions inspection, safety inspection, and test for fuel inspection.
Step 4: Document the Sale
To document the sale, it’s important to gather all the necessary documents and complete a bill of sale in duplicate. While you are required to keep the original copy, the buyer should have a copy.
You also need to find the owner’s manual, maintenance records, and additional paperwork. This way, you can prove to the buyer that you’ve maintained your car well. While Delaware doesn’t have a standard form of a bill of sale, you can create one that includes;
The name and address of the buyer
Your name and address
The date of the sale
Your name and address
The make, model, year, and VIN of the car
The sale price
Step 5: Sign the Title
Since a car’s title is the legal document that certifies the ownership of the vehicle, transferring it is a very important step in a vehicle sale. You need to fill out the title at the back and include;
The buyer’s name
Address
Date of sale
Sale price
Odometer reading.
You must sign and print your names if there are multiple owners. If the car has a lien, you can either obtain a letter of lien release from your lender or settle the loan. If your title is damaged or lost, you can apply for a replacement by filling out Form MV213. You are only required to pay a fee of $50 and provide a copy of your driving license.
If you are planning to gift a relative, you can transfer the title of the car similarly. While inheriting follows the same process, you are required to file documentation with the county. You require an odometer disclosure for any transfer from January 2020 to December 2030.
In addition, beginning January 2031, any vehicle less than 10 years old must provide an odometer reading. If your odometer reading is incorrect, you may apply to correct the disclosure.
Step 6: Cancel the Insurance and Remove the Plates
Before finally handing over the vehicle to the new owner, you must remove the license plates. If you fail to do this, you’ll be directly responsible for any violations that the buyer commits. You can either use the plates on a new vehicle or return them to the Delaware DMV office.
Once you return the plates, you’ll be issued a temporary tag that you can use for five days. Also, ensure you cancel the insurance so you can stop paying a premium for a car you no longer use.
Step 7: Report the Sale
To complete the sale, fill out the registration card or the Seller’s Report of Sale and forward it to the Division of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of the sale. If you don’t do this within 30 days, you’ll be charged a penalty of $35.
Visit the DMV with your buyer and submit all the important documents to certify the process. The buyer should also fill out the Purchaser’s Application and bring proof of residency along with proof of liability insurance to apply for a new title.
Since you can’t transfer ownership without a title in Delaware, you need to apply for a duplicate title in person at your local Delaware DMV. If your title is damaged or lost, you need to complete an Application for Duplicate Title.
Benefits of Selling a Car Privately
You can get more money for your car compared to a dealership
You are more likely to get money from your older car
The platform allows you to control the price
Easily advertise using online resources such as Facebook and other platforms
If you get a good buyer, you can finish the process fast
Sell Car to Car Buying Website in Delaware
Peddle
Get your free offer instantly via online form or call on (855) 925 4302
$0 fees + you don’t have to pay for towing – Peddle will take care of it
Get paid in check during the pick up for any car (damaged, junk, wrecked)
CarBrain
Get an offer within 2 minutes and sell your damaged car within 24 hours
Free vehicle towing and no fees to getting rid of your damaged car
The tow truck driver will arrive with your check (nationwide service)
Wheelzy
Quick car evaluation without the hassle – sell your car within 30 min
Choose a convenient date and time for free pick-up, as soon as next day
Get cash in hand the same day the Wheelzy agent picks up your car
If you don’t like the idea of selling your car privately, you can consider car buying sites like Peddle, CarBrain and Wheelzy. The main attraction of these websites is that the whole process can be done quickly, with an offer available in minutes, it’s possible to sell your car within a day.
To sell your car, you need to go to one of the website and upload the details of your car, including the;
Make
Model
Mileage
Year
Odometer reading
Websites will then give you an offer that you can accept or decline. If you accept the offer, they will arrange a free pick up and pay you instantly.
Peddle
Peddle Summary
Sell used, damaged or junk car nationwideGet instant quote on (855) 925 4302Free towing within 48 hours after offerReceive payment upon car collection
How Much Peddle Will Pay for Your Car in Delaware?
The table below shows few of the cars Peddle has recently purchased in Delaware
MakeYearOffer ValueKia (Optima)2012$315Chevrolet (Aveo)2004$355GMC (Acadia)2009$355
Wheelzy
Wheelzy Summary
Wheelzy stores are open 7 days a weekGet offer in minutes – (855) 510-1108Free towing of your car from your locationInstant payment via cash or check
How Much Wheelzy Will Pay for Your Car in Delaware?
Here are a few examples of Wheelzy’s recent purchases:
MakeMileageYearOffer valueFord (Explorer)Under 200,0002004$450Kia (Forte)Under 250,0002010$337Mazda (6 Sedan)Under 200,0002008$237
CarBrain
CarBrain Summary
Get an online offer within 2 minutesGet cash for your car in under 48 hoursCarBrain buys cars in over 7 conditionsUp to 7 days to accept CarBrain’s offer
How Much CarBrain Will Pay for Your Car in Delaware?
The table below shows few of the cars CarBrain has recently purchased in Delaware
MakeMileageYearConditionOffer ValueHonda (Element)96,0002011Mechanical Damage: Engine$1,405Jeep (Liberty)103,0002010Mechanical Damage: Engine$1,060Lincoln (Navigator)243,0002007It starts and drive.$850
Sell Car to Dealership
If you have a car you are planning to sell, taking it to the dealer is the fastest way to unload it. Whether you just want to dispose of your car with minimum hassle or get the most money, selling it to the dealership can be the best option. Though selling your car privately can net you good money, the process can take several months to complete.
Compared to private sales, dealerships offer a prompt and smooth process that you can complete within a day. Before taking your car to the dealership, it’s important to know its worth. Next, you need to have all the necessary documents, including the car’s title and valuable accessories such as the car keys.
The best part with dealerships is that you don’t have to wait for long to receive your payments. Once you provide all the information about your car, they will give you an offer that you can either accept or reject.
If you accept the offer, you can close the deal and get paid in cash.
Best dealerships in Delaware
Sell Car in Delaware FAQ
How can I sell a car privately in Delaware?
To sell a car privately in Delaware, you must fill out and sign the certificate of title and a bill of sale. You must also complete the Seller’s Report of Sale.
Do I have to notarize a bill of sale in Delaware?
While notarization is optional, it’s recommended.
Is it a must to return license plates in Delaware?
A: Yes. You must return the license plates to the Delaware DMV before canceling insurance.
How much will I pay to transfer a car title in Delaware?
You are required to pay $35 to get a new certificate of title on a Delaware.
What does a black license plate mean in Delaware?
A black license plate means your number is low enough.