Title 2 Transportation

Vehicle Services

2273 Issuance of Temporary Registration Plates (Formerly Reg. No. 71)

1.0 Authority

Pursuant to Title 21, Section 2132, of the Delaware Code, this policy regulation is adopted, effective immediately.

2.0 Proof of Insurance

1. 2.1 In addition to the requirements under Title 21, Section 2129, 2130, and 2131, a dealer shall witness proof of liability insurance on a vehicle prior to the issuance of a temporary registration plate (tag) and prior to accepting the application for title and tag from the applicant.

2. 2.2 Proof can be:

   1. 2.2.1 Insurance ID card
   2. 2.2.2 Insurance policy, which identifies the vehicle
   3. 2.2.3 Letter from a company or an agent bearing the company's or agent's letterhead.
3. 2.3 A vehicle just purchased has an automatic 30 day coverage if the owner's previous vehicle was properly insured. Thus, if the owner presents a ID card on his vehicle (just traded or sold) and if it is within 30 days of the purchase date of the vehicle, the old ID card is acceptable.

3.0 Fee Required

A dealer shall charge a fee of not more than $10.00 for a temporary registration plate (tag). (Pursuant to Title 21, Section 2130(a))

4.0 Issuance of Temporary Registration Plate

A dealer is permitted to issue only one temporary registration plate (tag) for a vehicle he sells. If unusual circumstances require the issuance of a second temporary registration plate (tag), the dealer is required to call the registration supervisor in the Dover Administration Office for approval.

5.0 Dealers

A temporary registration plate (tag) can only be issued by a dealer for a vehicle sold by such dealer and for which such dealer is submitting the application for certificate of title to the Division of Motor Vehicles. This item does not apply to buyers from another state.

6.0 Documents Required to be Forwarded

A dealer who issues a temporary registration plate (tag) must forward the pink copy of the temporary registration certificate immediately to the. Division of Motor Vehicles. (Pursuant to Title 21, Section 2130)

7.0 Retention of Record

The dealer shall keep a record of the yellow copy of the temporary registration certificate for a period of at least 3 years. (Pursuant to Title 21, Section 2130)

8.0 Commercial Vehicles

If a temporary registration plate is issued by a dealer to a commercial vehicle, recreational vehicle or trailer, the gross weight for which the vehicle is being registered must be completed on the temporary registration certificate.

9.0 Violation

Any dealer who violates the laws regarding the issuance of temporary registration plates or who violates any part of this regulation may, after hearing, have the rights to purchase and issue temporary registration plates suspended for a period of time to be determined by the Department.