Fee schedule from Delaware's official rules above.
Delaware RV Registration: The Fee Breakdown
$40/year flat up to 5,000 lbs gross load weight (covers most towable travel trailers), then +$6.40 for every 1,000 lbs (or part of) over 5,000 — so a 20,000 lb motorhome runs closer to $136/year, not a flat $40. Delaware has no general sales tax, but does charge a one-time 5.25% Document Fee at titling (raised from 4.25% in Oct. 2025), which functions like a purchase tax.
| Gross Weight | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 5,000 lbs | $40 |
| 10,000 lbs | $72 |
| 15,000 lbs | $104 |
| 20,000 lbs | $136 |
Delaware vs. Other Popular RV States — Registration Cost
| State | Annual-Equivalent Fee (~20k lb Class A) | Income Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | ~$136 | Yes |
| Texas | ~$205 | None |
| South Dakota | ~$396 (0-9 yrs) | None |
| Florida | $58.85 flat | None |
| California | $200–600+ | Yes |
Estimates for a representative ~20,000 lb, $80,000 Class A motorhome, expressed as an annual-equivalent where a state bills less often than yearly.
Is Delaware a Full-Timer Domicile State?
Delaware is a workable but not standout full-timer domicile choice. It has a state income tax, and the registration process is manageable, but it lacks the dedicated mail-forwarding and residency infrastructure that the top full-timer states (South Dakota, Texas, Florida, Nevada, Wyoming) have built up around full-time RVers.
Frequently Asked Questions — Delaware RV Registration
How much does it cost to register an RV in Delaware?
In Delaware, RV registration typically ranges from $40 to $40 per year depending on your RV's gross weight — see the fee schedule above for your specific bracket. Always confirm the current fee with your state DMV before registering.
Is Delaware's RV registration fee based on weight, value, or a flat rate?
Delaware uses a weight-based fee: a flat $40 up to 5,000 lbs, then an additional charge for every 1,000 lbs above that. Heavier motorhomes pay noticeably more; it does not depend on the RV's purchase price or current value.
Does Delaware have a state income tax?
Yes, Delaware levies a state income tax. If minimizing overall tax burden as a full-time RVer is your priority, states with no income tax (like South Dakota, Texas, Florida, Nevada, or Wyoming) are usually a better domicile choice, even if their registration fee is higher.
Is Delaware a good state for full-time RVer domicile?
Delaware can work as a full-timer domicile state, but it isn't among the most popular choices. If domicile flexibility matters to you, it's worth comparing Delaware against dedicated full-timer favorites like South Dakota, Texas, Florida, Nevada, and Wyoming, which combine low fees, no (or low) income tax, and mail-forwarding infrastructure built around full-time RVers.
What else should I know about registering an RV in Delaware?
$40/year flat up to 5,000 lbs gross load weight (covers most towable travel trailers), then +$6.40 for every 1,000 lbs (or part of) over 5,000 — so a 20,000 lb motorhome runs closer to $136/year, not a flat $40. Delaware has no general sales tax, but does charge a one-time 5.25% Document Fee at titling (raised from 4.25% in Oct. 2025), which functions like a purchase tax.