DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION - DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES - MODEL YEAR CHANGEOVER AND SEVEN-YEAR REGISTRATION PROGRAM

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Jake

Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles guidance explains the model year changeover effective October 1, 2022, and how it affects which vehicle model years qualify for extended registration under the seven-year registration program. It sets registration limits for new vehicles titled after September 30, 2022, and for used vehicles never titled in Delaware, including VIN verification and dealer responsibilities. The notice also covers fee calculation, inspection exemption requirements, and deadlines for dealer work submitted to the Dover Administrative Office. Attached title/registration charts outline permissible registration options by model year for multiple vehicle categories.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Model year changeover and registration program

New vehicle title/registration limits

Used vehicles never titled in Delaware

Delaware-titled vehicle renewal chart

Dover P.O. Box 698 Dover, DE 19903 (302) 744-2500 Georgetown 23737 DuPont Blvd. Georgetown, DE 19947 (302) 853-1000 STATE OF DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES Delaware City 2101 Mid County Dr. New Castle, DE 19720 (302) 326-5000 Wilmington 2230 Hessler Blvd. New Castle, DE 19720 (302) 434-3200 NICOLE MAJESKI SECRETARY IMPORTANT NOTICE TO: FROM: RE: All Delaware Dealers Division of Motor Vehicles MODEL YEAR CHANGEOVER AND SEVEN-YEAR REGISTRATION PROGRAM The model year changeover on October 1, 2022, changes the new model year vehicles that are allowed the seven-year registration. Effective, October 1, 2022, new current model year vehicles (2023 model year), weighing 10,000 pounds or less, being titled after September 30, 2022, and never titled in or registered in any state, may be initially registered for up to seven (7) years. Previous model-year new vehicles (2022 model year), weighing 10,000 pounds or less being titled after September 30, 2022, and never titled or registered in any state, may be initially registered for up to six (6) years. The fee for registration is calculated by multiplying the yearly registration fee by the number of years the vehicle is to be registered. USED VEHICLE NEVER TITLED IN DELAWARE The law allows used vehicles to be registered for up to six (6) years without a full inspection depending on the model year of the vehicle. The vehicles are required to have a vehicle identification number (VIN) verification prior to being titled. Dealers should obtain this verification at a Division inspection lane prior to selling the vehicle or apply for approval to verify their own VINs. This will ensure a title can be obtained in the event a customer refuses to have the VIN verified. The attached tables provide information regarding the number of years a vehicle can be registered in the Inspection Exemption Program. Ensure your title specialists and sales people are aware of this program and are provided these charts. NOTE: Dealer work sent to the Dover Administrative Office for new 2023 and used 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019 model year vehicles must be received by September 10, 2022, to ensure seven-, six-, five-, four-, and three-year registrations are processed prior to the model year changeover. After September 10, 2022, dealers who do not send blank checks or credit card information may have their paperwork returned for incorrect funds if the work is not completed before October 1, 2022. NEW VEHICLE TITLE/REGISTRATION CHART (New vehicles never titled in any state, weighing 10,000 pounds or less, being titled after September 30, 2022.) | VEHICLE MODEL YEAR | SAFETY/EMISSIONS INSPECTION EXEMPTION | REGISTRATION OPTION | | --- | --- | --- | | 2023 | YES | 1 TO 7 YEARS | | 2022 | YES | 1 TO 6 YEARS | | 2021 | YES | 1 TO 5 YEARS | | 2020 | YES | 1 TO 4 YEARS | | 2019 | YES | 1 TO 3 YEARS | | 2018 | YES | 1 TO 2 YEARS | | 2017 | YES | 1 YEAR ONLY | USED VEHICLES NEVER TITLED IN DELAWARE TITLE/REGISTRATION CHART (Used vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less being titled after September 30, 2022.) NOTE: VIN verification required) | VEHICLE MODEL YEAR | SAFETY/EMISSIONS INSPECTION EXEMPTION | REGISTRATION OPTIONS | | --- | --- | --- | | 2023 | YES | 1 TO 6 YEARS | | 2022 | YES | 1 TO 6 YEARS | | 2021 | YES | 1 TO 5 YEARS | | 2020 | YES | 1 TO 4 YEARS | | 2019 | YES | 1 TO 3 YEARS | | 2018 | YES | 1 TO 2 YEARS | | 2017 | YES | 1 YEAR ONLY | DELAWARE-TITLED USED VEHICLE TITLE/REGISTRATION RENEWALS CHART (Vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less, registration expiring after September 30, 2022, renewal must be accomplished within 90 days prior to the registration expiration date.) ***Registration options are restricted by initial Delaware title date*** | VEHICLE MODEL YEAR | INSPECTION EXEMPTION | REGISTRATION OPTIONS | | --- | --- | --- | | 2023 | YES | 1 TO 6 YEARS | | 2022 | YES | 1 TO 6 YEARS | | 2021 | YES | 1 TO

FAQs

When does the Delaware model year changeover take effect, and what new model years does it impact?

It takes effect October 1, 2022. New current model year vehicles (2023 model year) weighing 10,000 pounds or less, titled after September 30, 2022 and never titled or registered elsewhere, can be initially registered for up to seven years.

How are registration fees calculated under the program?

The fee is calculated by multiplying the yearly registration fee by the number of years the vehicle is to be registered.

What is required for used vehicles never titled in Delaware before a title can be issued?

Used vehicles allowed without a full inspection require a VIN verification prior to being titled. Dealers should obtain verification at a Division inspection lane before selling, or apply for approval to verify their own VINs.

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Jake