Chapter 10: Your Vehicle

A driver’s responsibility extends beyond their actions behind the wheel to the vehicle itself. Ensuring your car is legally titled, registered, insured, and properly maintained is a fundamental aspect of safe and lawful driving. A well-maintained vehicle is more reliable and performs better in emergencies, while proper documentation and insurance protect you and others from financial and legal hardship in the event of a crash.

Title, Registration, and Insurance

Understanding the legal documents associated with your vehicle is crucial. While often discussed together, title, registration, and insurance serve distinct purposes.

• Vehicle Title: A Certificate of Title is a legal document that proves ownership of a vehicle. You cannot legally sell a vehicle without a title, and you cannot register a vehicle without first titling it in your name. When you buy a car, the title is transferred from the previous owner to you. If you have a loan on the vehicle, the lienholder (the bank or financial institution) typically holds the title until the loan is paid off.
• Vehicle Registration: Registration is the process of officially recording your vehicle with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which allows you to operate it on public roads. Upon registering, you receive a registration card and one license plate (tag). The registration card must be kept in the vehicle at all times. The license plate must be securely fastened to the rear of the vehicle and have a current validation sticker affixed to the lower right corner. Registration must be renewed periodically.
• Liability Insurance: Before you can register a vehicle in Delaware, you must prove financial responsibility by purchasing a liability insurance policy. This insurance covers damages you may cause to others in a crash. Driving without insurance is a serious offense with severe penalties.