DMV releases five-digit license plates

Since Nov, 1, at all four Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations, a limited quantity of five-digit license plates have been made available, while supplies last, to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis.

In order to receive a five-digit plate, customers will need to purchase from the DMV location they are visiting a black and white stainless steel or porcelain reproduction plate manufactured by the Delaware Historic Plate Company. DMV has partnered with the Delaware Historic Plate Company in an effort to provide increased customer service to Delaware citizens, while also raising revenues with 20 percent of the purchase price of the specialty plates going to the DMV. Plate numbers cannot be reserved in advance.

“We are pleased to offer this exciting opportunity to our customers just in time for the holiday season,” said DMV Director Jennifer Cohan. “Five-digit tags make the perfect holiday gift and will become a keepsake for your family to cherish for years to come.”

In order to take advantage of the program, customers will be giving up the current license plate number registered to their vehicle.

Customers must pay applicable transfer fees in addition to the purchase cost of the reproduction plate, currently $100 for either a stainless steel or porcelain plate.

Customers having title to their vehicles should bring their driver’s license, vehicle title, vehicle mileage, and insurance in order to complete the plate switch.

Customers needing to obtain their title from their lien holder will need to go to the nearest DMV office and put a five-digit plate on hold. They must obtain a MV35 form from DMV and send it to their lien holder to obtain the title. The title will be mailed to DMV, who will contact the customer when it arrives. At that time, the five-digit plate can be put on the vehicle and a reproduction plate can be ordered.

No telephone or email requests will be taken. All transactions must be completed in person at any of the DMV office locations.

For more information about this rare opportunity to own a piece of Delaware transportation history, contact the DMV at 302-744-2503.