Selling your car in Delaware doesn’t mean losing your prized low-number plate. The Delaware retain tag fee of $20 for keeping low numbers during vehicle sale lets you hold onto it, but only if you follow the rules. Many owners don’t realize this fee exists until it’s too late.
As of 2026, the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles charges this flat fee to retain your plate when transferring ownership. Get the details wrong, and you could forfeit the tag permanently.
Quick Answer
The Delaware retain tag fee of $20 for keeping low numbers during vehicle sale is a one-time charge. It applies when you sell a vehicle but want to keep the low-number plate. You must request retention at the time of sale.
The fee is non-refundable.
Why Getting This Right Matters
Losing a low-number plate can be frustrating, especially if it’s been in your family for years. Delaware’s $20 retain tag fee is the only way to keep it during a private sale. Without paying this fee, the plate goes back into the DMV’s pool for reassignment.
The process is simple, but the timing is critical. Miss the window, and you’ll have to apply for a new plate or hope your old one becomes available again.
What the $20 Retain Tag Fee Actually Covers
This fee lets you keep your existing low-number plate instead of surrendering it with the vehicle. It’s not a transfer fee, it’s a retention fee. The plate stays in your name, not the buyer’s.
The $20 covers administrative processing only. It doesn’t include new registration, title fees, or any other charges. You’ll still need to register a new vehicle separately if you’re replacing the sold one.
Core Facts: Who Qualifies and When the Fee Applies
You qualify if you’re the registered owner of the vehicle and the plate. The fee applies only during a sale or transfer of ownership. It doesn’t apply if you’re just moving the plate to another vehicle you own.
The plate must be a standard or low-number Delaware issue. Specialty plates, like vanity or historic tags, have different rules. Check with the Delaware DMV for those cases.
Step-by-Step: How to Pay the Retain Fee During a Vehicle Sale
Start by notifying the DMV of the sale. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. The retain tag request must be submitted at the same time.
Pay the $20 fee using an accepted method, credit card, check, or money order. Keep the receipt as proof. The DMV will process your request and confirm retention.
If you’re buying a new vehicle, you can assign the retained plate to it once the transfer is complete. There’s no additional fee for this step, but you’ll need to update your registration.
Common Pitfalls That Cause You to Lose a Low‐Number Plate
Waiting too long to submit the retain request is the top mistake. The DMV won’t process it after the sale is finalized. You’ll lose the plate automatically.
Another error is assuming the fee covers a new registration. It doesn’t. You’ll still need to pay for registration if you’re putting the plate on a new vehicle.
Forgetting to keep the receipt can cause problems later. If there’s a dispute, you’ll need proof of payment.
What Happens If You Skip or Misunderstand the Fee
You’ll lose the plate permanently. The DMV will reassign it to another vehicle. There’s no appeal process for this.
If you later want a low-number plate, you’ll have to apply for a new one. Availability isn’t guaranteed. The $20 fee is your only chance to keep the original.
Retaining vs. Transferring vs. Surrendering: What’s the Difference?
Retaining means keeping the plate in your name after selling the vehicle. The $20 fee applies here.
Transferring means moving the plate to another vehicle you own. This is free if done at the same time as the sale.
Surrendering means giving up the plate to the DMV. This happens automatically if you don’t pay the retain fee.
Delaware DMV Rules You Should Know Before Selling
The plate must be registered to you at the time of sale. If it’s not, you can’t retain it.
You can’t retain a plate that’s already been reported lost or stolen. The DMV will flag it in their system.
The retain fee is non-refundable. Even if you change your mind, you won’t get the $20 back.
Expert Advice for Keeping Your Low‐Number Tag
Submit the retain request as soon as you decide to sell. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Double-check that the plate is eligible. Some specialty plates have different rules. The Delaware DMV can confirm.
Keep all paperwork until the process is complete. This includes the receipt and any confirmation from the DMV.
When You Need to Contact the Delaware DMV Directly
Call if you’re unsure about plate eligibility. The DMV can verify if your low-number tag qualifies for retention. Their phone lines are open during business hours.
Visit in person if you prefer face-to-face help. Bring your vehicle title, registration, and ID. The staff can process your retain request on the spot.
Use the DMV website for online requests. It’s the fastest way to submit paperwork. Just make sure you upload all required documents.
Verified Summary: Your Quick‐Reference Checklist
Confirm your plate is eligible for retention. Not all low-number tags qualify.
Submit the retain request at the time of sale. Waiting too long means losing the plate.
Pay the $20 fee using an accepted method. Keep the receipt as proof.
Assign the plate to a new vehicle if needed. This step is free but requires updated registration.
Confirm your plate is eligible for retention. Not all low-number tags qualify.
Submit the retain request at the time of sale. Waiting too long means losing the plate.
Pay the $20 fee using an accepted method. Keep the receipt as proof.
Assign the plate to a new vehicle if needed. This step is free but requires updated registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I retain a plate if I’m not the registered owner?
No. Only the registered owner can request retention. The DMV won’t process it otherwise.
What if I lose my receipt for the $20 fee?
Contact the DMV immediately. They can look up your payment in their system. Always keep a copy for your records.
Does the retain fee apply to specialty plates?
No. Specialty plates have different rules. Check with the DMV for specifics.
How long does it take to process the retain request?
Processing times vary. Online requests are usually faster. In-person requests are processed immediately.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
No. The $20 fee is non-refundable. Once paid, it’s final.
