Delaware Vehicle Record & Affidavit Fees Guide

Need to pull a Delaware vehicle record or get a certified affidavit for legal or insurance purposes? The Delaware vehicle record request and certified affidavit fees process is straightforward once you know the steps, but missing a detail can mean delays or rejected paperwork. As of 2026, the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles these requests with specific forms, fees, and processing times depending on what you need.

The most common stumbling blocks are picking the wrong record type or skipping a required form. Standard vehicle records start at $25, while certified affidavits can run closer to $50, with expedited options available for an extra fee.

You can request records online, by mail, or in person at a Delaware DMV office.

What You Need to Know About Delaware Vehicle Record Requests

Delaware vehicle records come in two main types: standard and certified. Standard records cover basics like ownership, title status, and registration history. Certified records add an official state seal and are often required for legal proceedings, insurance claims, or financial transactions.

The Delaware DMV maintains these records under Title 21 of the Delaware Code, which governs motor vehicle regulations. If you're unsure whether you need a standard or certified version, check with the requesting party, courts and insurance companies usually specify.

Certified vs. Non-Certified Records: Which One Do You Need?

Certified records include an official state seal and notarized signature, making them legally admissible in court. Non-certified records are cheaper and faster but won’t hold up in legal disputes.

Use a certified record if you need:

• Proof of ownership for a legal case
• Documentation for an insurance claim
• Verification for a loan or lien release

Use a non-certified record if you just need:

• Basic vehicle history for personal use
• Registration details for a private sale
• A quick check on a used car’s background

Certified affidavits, which are a subset of certified records, require additional steps like notarization. These are typically used when a standard record isn’t sufficient for legal or financial purposes.

Delaware Vehicle Record Fees: Current Costs and Payment Methods

Here’s the breakdown of fees as of 2026:

Payment methods vary by request type:

• Online/Mail: Check or money order payable to "Delaware DMV"
• In-Person: Credit/debit card, cash, check, or money order

Expedited fees are non-refundable, even if your request is rejected for incomplete information.

How to Request a Delaware Vehicle Record (Step-by-Step)

The Delaware DMV offers three ways to request records: online, by mail, or in person. Each method has its own requirements, but all start with the same form.

Online Request Process

Mail-In Request Process

In-Person Request Process

Certified Affidavit Requirements in Delaware

A certified affidavit is a sworn statement verifying vehicle details, often required for legal or financial transactions. It must be notarized and include the requester’s full name, address, and the vehicle’s VIN.

You’ll need to submit Form MVR-1 along with a notarized affidavit form, which is separate from the standard record request. The DMV does not provide the affidavit form, so you’ll need to draft one or use a template from a legal resource.

Notarization is mandatory. Without it, the DMV will reject the request, and you’ll lose the fee.

Processing Times: Standard vs. Expedited Options

Standard processing for vehicle records takes 5 to 10 business days. Certified affidavits may take slightly longer, up to 10 to 14 days, due to the additional verification steps.

Expedited processing cuts the wait time significantly:

Expedited requests are processed in the order they’re received, so submit early if you’re on a tight deadline.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Reject Your Request

Missing or incomplete information is the top reason for rejection. Double-check that your form includes the VIN, your full name, and a valid contact address.

Using the wrong form is another common issue. Form MVR-1 is for vehicle records, but affidavits require a separate notarized document. Mixing these up will get your request sent back.

Payment errors also cause delays. Ensure your check or money order is made out to "Delaware DMV" and includes the exact fee. Online payments must go through the official portal to avoid processing errors.

Who Needs a Delaware Vehicle Record or Affidavit?

Used car buyers often request records to verify a vehicle’s history before purchasing. A clean record can confirm no outstanding liens or major accidents.

Legal proceedings, like accident disputes or ownership conflicts, typically require certified records or affidavits. Courts won’t accept non-certified documents as evidence.

Insurance companies may ask for vehicle records when processing claims. Certified versions are usually mandatory for high-value or complex cases.

Lenders and financial institutions use these records to verify ownership and lien status before approving loans. A certified affidavit may be required for high-value vehicles.

Delaware DMV Forms You’ll Need (And Where to Get Them)

Form MVR-1 is the primary document for vehicle record requests. You can download it from the Delaware DMV website or pick it up at any DMV office.

For certified affidavits, you’ll need a separate notarized form. The DMV does not provide this, so you’ll need to create one or use a legal template. Many notaries offer standard affidavit templates for a small fee.

If you’re requesting records on behalf of someone else, you’ll need a signed authorization form. This is only accepted for immediate family members or legal representatives.

Legal and Privacy Rules You Should Know

Delaware follows the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), which restricts who can access personal vehicle records. You’ll need a valid reason, like legal proceedings or insurance claims, to request someone else’s records.

The DMV will not release records for marketing or solicitation purposes. Violations can result in fines or legal action.

Certified affidavits require notarization to prevent fraud. The notary must verify your identity and witness your signature.

Delaware DMV Contact Info and Office Locations

The Delaware DMV has four main offices where you can submit requests in person:

For mail-in requests, use the Dover address: P.O. Box 698, Dover, DE 19903.

Frequently Asked Questions