Delaware Boat, RV & Powersports Guide

Private-party title transfer, registration, lien search, sales tax, and USCG documentation rules for Delaware.

Title Required

❌ No

Registration only

Bill of Sale

✅ Required

For all transfers

Sales Tax

None

On boat purchases

State Agency

Official Site ↗

Title & Registration in Delaware

Delaware does not issue titles for recreational boats. Instead, vessels are registered with the state. The registration certificate and bill of sale serve as proof of ownership.

Delaware does not charge sales tax on boats and does not issue state titles. Register through DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife.

Lien Search in Delaware

Before completing any private-party purchase, run a lien search to confirm the vessel has no outstanding loans or encumbrances.

Delaware Official Lien Search ↗

For USCG-documented vessels, also search the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC).

Bill of Sale Requirements

Delaware requires a bill of sale to transfer title. Your bill of sale should include:

Hull Identification Number (HIN) or VIN
Make, model, and year of the vessel
Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller
Purchase price and date of sale
Odometer reading (motorhomes/RVs)
Signatures of both parties
Notarization if required by Delaware

Sales Tax on Boats & Powersports in Delaware

Delaware has no state sales tax on boat or powersports purchases. This makes it a popular state for large vessel transactions.

USCG Documentation in Delaware

Vessels on Delaware Bay and coastal waters are frequently USCG documented. Delaware does not title boats.

USCG-documented vessels carry a Certificate of Documentation (COD) issued by the National Vessel Documentation Center. This is recognized internationally and is preferred by lenders for boats over 26 ft. Even with USCG documentation, Delaware may still require state registration for operation on in-state waters.

Apply for USCG Documentation →