What is a License Plate Replacement in Delaware?
The Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles issues one rear license plate for each registered vehicle and replaces this plate outside the regular renewal cycle when a specific triggering condition applies. The replacement transaction has its own fee ($5.00 or $10.00), separate from the annual registration renewal cost of $40.00. Ordering a duplicate license plate at Delaware DMV covers the process independently of renewal.
- Triggering conditions: lost, stolen, destroyed, damaged beyond legibility, faded or illegible plate, surrendering an out-of-state plate after establishing residency in Delaware, or a change in vehicle class requiring a different type of plate. 21 Del. C. § 2127 establishes the legislative framework.
- The owner may keep the same plate number on the duplicate. For stolen plates, Delaware DMV’s FAQ on stolen plates recommends choosing a new number. Requesting a new number requires the vehicle’s title and proof of insurance.
- Single plate state: only one plate is replaced per vehicle, so the replacement fee is charged for each plate. Special plates displayed at the front follow a separate replacement path through the DMV.
When Do You Need to Replace Your Delaware License Plate?
Plates that are lost, destroyed, or “so damaged that they no longer meet legal requirements” must be replaced according to 21 Del. C. § 2127. The law does not set a calendar window for the replacement itself, but driving without a legible rear plate violates 21 Del. C. § 2126(b).
- A missing plate (lost or stolen) should be replaced immediately. For stolen plates, the DMV directs owners to file a police report before ordering a duplicate. Lost or damaged plates do not require a police report.
- Damaged or faded plates that do not meet the legibility standard in § 2126(b) are subject to replacement. Delaware does not set a specific day for replacement; the display violation itself carries a fine of $25 to $50 according to § 2126(d).
- New residents must register their vehicle within 60 days of establishing residency in Delaware, which includes surrendering an out-of-state plate. The guide to moving to Delaware confirms the 60-day window.
- Changes in vehicle class that require a different type of plate (e.g., from passenger to commercial) also trigger plate replacement at the DMV.
How to Get a Replacement License Plate in Delaware
Ordering a duplicate plate requires a visit to any of the four Delaware DMV offices. The DMV does not process plate replacements online or by mail, so an in-person visit is the only channel.
- Before visiting: bring your current Delaware insurance card and registration card or plate number. If you want a new plate number (recommended for stolen plates), also bring your vehicle’s title. For vehicles with a lien, the DMV has a form to request the title from the lender.
- Damaged plates should be surrendered at the counter when ordering. The DMV requests the damaged plate be surrendered at the time of ordering, although no law requires this.
- The DMV issues a temporary plate on-site to keep the vehicle legal on the road while the duplicate is manufactured. Plate orders take 6 to 8 weeks from the order date.
- Four offices handle the transaction: Delaware City and Greater Wilmington in New Castle County, Dover in Kent County, and Georgetown in Sussex County. The Delaware DMV contact and location page contains hours and directions for each. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
No mail-in package covers this transaction.
Can You Replace a Delaware License Plate Online?
No. Delaware does not accept online orders for plate replacements. The Delaware DMV online services portal covers registration renewals, duplicate registration cards, and address changes, but duplicate plates are excluded from all online processes.
The only channel is an in-person visit. All four DMV locations (Delaware City, Greater Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown) handle duplicate plate orders during regular business hours. Counter payment accepts cash, check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
For questions before visiting, contact DMV customer service at 302-744-2500 or email DMVCustomerService@delaware.gov. A duplicate registration card (not plate) can be ordered online through myDMV Account Services.
Since the online portal cannot process this transaction, plan a visit to the office for any plate replacement.
How Much is License Plate Replacement in Delaware?
The base replacement fee is low, but most owners will pay for both the plate and the validation sticker together. The Delaware DMV fee schedule breaks it down as follows.
- Plate with sticker: $10.00 ($5.00 for the plate, $5.00 for the validation sticker). Most owners replacing a lost or stolen plate pay this combined amount.
- A plate without a sticker costs $5.00. Owners whose validation sticker is still intact and current pay only for the plate.
- Duplicate registration card, if needed along with the plate, adds $10.00 to the check.
- Specialty plates (environmental, animal welfare, farmland preservation) have a one-time purchase fee of $50.00, according to the same fee schedule. The plate replacement fee still applies to a lost or damaged specialty plate.
- Delaware does not charge any additional county or local fees for replacement transactions. The fee is the same statewide at all four DMV offices, with no automation surcharges or technology fees.