DelawareHB 164153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 21 AND 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES.

Sponsored By: Eric Morrison (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 8 costs, 1 mixed.

Electric and alternative-fuel owners pay extra

Beginning October 1, 2025, electric, plug-in, hybrid, and other-fuel vehicle owners pay extra each year, on top of regular registration. At 6,000 pounds or less, fees are $110 for electric or other-fuel vehicles, $85 for plug-ins, and $60 for non-plug-in hybrids. Over 6,000 through 10,000 pounds, those fees are $150, $115, and $80, respectively. Over 10,000 through 26,000 pounds, they are $260, $200, and $140; above 26,000 pounds, they are $900, $600, and $480. The weight bands use gross load weight; other fuels include propane, natural gas, ethanol, and hydrogen.

Vehicle buyers face higher title fees

Beginning October 1, 2025, the vehicle document fee rises from $4.25 to $5.25 per $100 of purchase price, including partial $100 amounts. The fee is rounded to the nearest dollar; mobile homes keep the $3.75 rate per $100. During October, title work received before October 1 keeps the fiscal year 2025 rate, including mailed work postmarked before that date. Vehicles sold before October 1 also keep that rate during October when a bill of sale proves the sale date. Beginning November 1, 2025, all processed titles use the new rates, regardless of purchase date.

Drivers pay higher license replacement fees

Beginning October 1, 2025, a Delaware driver's license costs $50 to issue or renew, up from $40; the eight-year cycle stays. A duplicate or substitute license costs $20; a name-change replacement costs $10 and requires the Division's requested documents. A replacement identification card rises from $5 to $10, with no charge when a valid, unexpired Delaware personal credential card is presented. An identification-card name change also requires the Division's requested documents, and existing fee waivers for children in specified custody arrangements remain. A replacement license bearing a required sex-offender code for a felony conviction rises from $5 to $10; replacement after removal from the registration requirement remains free.

Late registration renewals face extra fees

Beginning October 1, 2025, Delaware can add $20 when a vehicle or semitrailer owner renews an expired registration. The fee is optional for the Division of Motor Vehicles, not automatic. The Division cannot charge it if the registration expired more than 12 months earlier or a permit was purchased under Section 2103. It also cannot charge the fee after an ownership transfer or if the vehicle or trailer was inspected before expiration.

Commercial drivers pay higher license fees

Beginning October 1, 2025, a commercial driver's license costs $55 to issue or renew, up from $48. A non-commercial Class A or B license costs $40 initially; renewal rises from $40 to $50. Adding an endorsement after issuance rises from $5 to $10; removing a restriction costs $10. A hazardous-materials endorsement costs $30 to issue or renew, and late commercial-license renewal costs $10. Changing class costs $10 when a written exam or skills test is required; moving to a lower-weight class at renewal has no class-change fee.

Commercial learners face exam deadline penalties

Beginning October 1, 2025, a commercial learner's permit can cover up to one year, with only one renewal during that period. Learners must pass the required exams within that year or the permit becomes void and they lose the $10 fee. While driving, learners must have a commercial-license holder in the adjacent seat. Learners cannot drive vehicles transporting hazardous materials.

Taxicab operators pay higher authorization fees

Beginning October 1, 2025, a Delaware taxicab authorization costs $10 to issue or renew, up from $3.45. Applicants and current authorization holders pay $6.55 more each time.

Vehicle dealers face fees and licenses

Beginning October 1, 2025, Delaware vehicle dealers pay $100 to apply for a dealer license and $50 to renew it. Every dealership must also obtain a yearly dealer business license from the Department of Finance's Division of Revenue. Wholesale dealers must obtain an additional wholesale license.

Nonprofits pay to launch specialty plates

Beginning October 1, 2025, a nonprofit pays the Division of Motor Vehicles $200 to establish a special registration plate. This is a one-time setup fee charged to the organization, not directly to vehicle owners.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Eric Morrison
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Frank Burns
Democratic • House
Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha
Democratic • House
Kamela T Smith
Democratic • House
Josue O Ortega
Democratic • House
Edward S. Osienski
Democratic • House
Marie Pinkney
Democratic • Senate
David P. Sokola
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 43 • No: 17

Senate vote • 6/18/2025

Passed (3/5 required)

Yes: 16 • No: 4

House vote • 6/12/2025