Vermont vehicle registration is a state regulation that every resident should know. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) manages vehicle registration, issues license plates, and process renewals.
New and renewal registrations are subject to applicable fees and taxes. Owners must complete and submit specific and prescribed forms when registering their vehicles. Temporary plates are acceptable for a short period. However, once permanent plates are received, they must always be placed on the vehicle's front and/or rear side at all times.
All types of vehicles should be registered, especially if owners, drivers, or residents use them within the state.
How To Register a Car in Vermont?
Vehicle registration in Vermont can be hassle-free as long as all documents and information are ready and complete. Relevant information, such as type of ownership, is also valuable when registering vehicles.
The process is almost the same regardless of the vehicle type being registered. Residents can register a car by mail or in person at any local DMV office. However, the documents required to submit may vary.
New Residents
New residents must register their vehicles within 60 days of moving to Vermont. Owners of vehicles registered out-of-state must register before the registration expires or within 60 days, whichever comes first. New registrants are required to complete and submit relevant documents, which include:
- Vermont Registration Tax & Title Application form (VD-119)
- Proof of residency such as utility bills, lease agreement
- Updated odometer readings
- Vehicle title
- Vehicle identification number (VIN) verification (if the origin state does not issue a title)
- Proof of financial responsibility insurance
- Proof of Purchase and Use or Sales tax paid with vehicle and owner's information
- Proof of payment of all required fees
- Print out of the NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) vehicle value report if registering by mail.
After submitting all necessary documents and paying associated fees and taxes, have the newly registered vehicle tested in a licensed inspection station. Testing should be done within 15 days. If owners don't have a Vermont driver's license yet, it's time to get one.
Vehicle owners will receive a sticker and certification stating that their vehicle has been tested at an inspection station. After that, the car must be tested yearly to comply with the existing Vermont laws.
Non-Residents
Generally, the DMV office can only process and complete a vehicle registration with a valid or established connection at any Vermont address. However, it is possible to register a vehicle without a Vermont address. The process is the same, except for a few additional documents.
- Apply with a completed form VD-119.
- Submit proof of odometer readings, insurance coverage, fees, and tax paid.
- Provide Out-of-State Registration Certification form (VN-102), completed by home or origin state, if required.
- Submit a Vehicle Power of Attorney (VN-101) for filling out a registration form on behalf of the registrant, if required.
- Obtain vehicle verification using the Verification of VIN or HIN form (VT-010).
Purchased Vehicles from Out-of-State
If an owner is bringing a vehicle from another state, they must complete a few steps to register it in Vermont. First, they must complete the Vermont Registration, Tax, and Title Application (form VD-119). Then, they must provide proof of ownership, such as the out-of-state title.
If the vehicle has a lien, the lienholder must send the title directly to the Vermont DMV. If the vehicle is less than ten years old, the Odometer Disclosure Statement (VT-005) must also be submitted.
Military Members
Military members in active service stationed and veterans residing in Vermont are not exempt from vehicle registration. However, veterans are exempt from paying specific fees and taxes. They can also request a military veteran plate of their own.
Purchased Vehicles from a Vermont Dealership
The dealer typically handles the registration process when buying a vehicle from a Vermont dealership. They will provide the necessary forms and submit them to the DMV. The dealership will also issue temporary plates, which are valid until the official registration and plates are processed.
Purchased Vehicles from a Private Individual
For private sales, the buyer must handle the registration themselves. This type of registration involves completing form VD-119 and obtaining the signed title from the seller, which indicates the new owner's name.
If the car is less than ten years old, an odometer disclosure statement is needed for submission. A bill of sale and proof of insurance are also required. The new owner must apply for registration within 15 days of purchase. If the vehicle title has a salvage brand on it, the buyer must obtain a VIN verification.
Purchased Vehicles Outside of the U.S.
If a newly purchased vehicle has never been registered outside the U.S., pertinent documents must be obtained from the dealer and submitted to the DMV.
- Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO)
- Bill of Sale
- Form VT-005
- Form VD-119
For a registered new vehicle bought outside the U.S., obtain an ownership document in addition to the four documents mentioned above. This document is available in the country where the new car was registered. Import and emission test documents should also be submitted.
The process is similar for used vehicles, whether registered or unregistered. However, an additional document is needed for submission: the VIN verification.
Also, remember that taxes paid on vehicles bought outside of the U.S. are not creditable except in Canadian jurisdictions. Thus, buyers may need to pay taxes again, similar to those already paid outside the U.S.
Vermont License Plates
Once the registration process is complete, vehicle owners receive standard license plates and a registration card. Temporary plates may also be issued while waiting for the standard plates.
The Vermont DMV often issues two plates for all registered vehicles except motorcycles, trailers, and tractor trucks. In this case, owners will only receive one plate. Plates must be affixed to both the front and rear of the vehicle, except motorcycles and trailers, which only require a rear plate.
Vermont offers various plate designs, including conservation, organizations, and causes.
How To Obtain Vanity License Plates in Vermont?
Owners can request or convert their current plates into vanity/personalized plates. Delivery would take 30 days. In addition to the regular registration fees, owners who request a vanity plate must pay an additional fee.
Vanity plates can contain a combination of numbers, spaces, and letters. All characters are available. However, single letter plates cannot use I, J, and O. The letter O will be automatically converted to zero. Special characters are not allowed. Lastly, only two numbers are accepted as part of the combination.
The maximum number of characters for a vanity plate is seven, except for some vehicles.
- Motorcycles, small trailers, and other motorcycle-driven vehicles can have up to 6 characters.
- Plates for physically challenged persons can only have a maximum of 5 characters.
- Exhibit and antique plates have a four-character limit.
For the availability of a vanity plate, owners must check with the Vermont DMV website.
How Much Does Vehicle Registration Cost in Vermont?
Vehicle registration costs in Vermont vary depending on the type of vehicle and other factors. Some registrations may require additional fees, which might be exempt for military veterans. All fees include a clean air fund fee, which costs $2.
Here is a breakdown of the fees for registering a vehicle in Vermont:
Passenger Vehicles
Passenger vehicles may refer to auto cars, jitneys with a capacity of up to 7 people, school buses, motorhomes, and off-highway tractors.
The registration fee for these vehicles is $91 for one year or $167 for two years. This fee applies to gas or diesel-fueled vehicles. Electric cars are slightly lower, at $89 for one year and $163 for two years. The registration cost for cars using fuel other than specified in the Vermont registration fee schedule is $157.25 a year and $287.25 for two years.
Trucks
The computation of truck registration costs differs slightly from those for passenger vehicles. However, the fees are the same for trucks with a load of up to 6,099 lbs. When the load exceeds 6,100 lbs, the cost is calculated based on weight. The type of fuel used can affect the total fees vehicle owners need to pay.
The starting fee is $130 for gas and diesel, while other fuel types cost $227.50. When the loaded weight for trucks is 90,000 lbs, the registration fee is $3,171.30 for gas and diesel. The registration fee for trucks using other fuel is $5,549.78.
The truck registration fee includes a $6.50 fuel user fee, which is non-transferable.
Motorcycles and Other Vehicles
Registration costs for motorcycles fueled by gas or diesel are $58 for one year or $116 for two years. Electric-powered motorcycles can be registered at $56 annually and $112 biennially.
Fees for farm and special-purpose vehicles are also calculated based on weight. The minimum registration fee for a car with a capacity of up to 17,999 lbs is $42 for diesel and gas and $72 for other fuels.
Additional Fees
Aside from the Clean Air Fund fee, additional fees may apply in specific circumstances.
- Vanity plate fee - $58 for initial issuance and renewal
- Conservation plate - $32
- Certificate of Title - $42
- Lien (each) - $14
- Title Search - $27
Financial Responsibility Insurance
All vehicles to be registered must have financial responsibility insurance coverage of at least $25,000 for one person and at least $50,000 for two or more persons. Alternatively, DMV may accept self-insurance with a coverage of not less than $115,000.
This certificate of insurance coverage shall remain on file in the Commissioner's office for at least three years. Failure to comply with this requirement or any lapsed insurance leads to suspension of license and driving privileges. In the event of conviction for reckless driving, drivers must submit an SR-22 certificate.
Taxes
Taxes are due upon registration of a vehicle. They are computed at 6% based on the purchase price or the trade-in value indicated by the NADA.
However, owners can request a tax exemption certificate, especially if they have paid the corresponding taxes in another state. Meanwhile, commercial or heavy trucks are required to pay Heavy Vehicle Use Tax.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration in Vermont?
Renewing vehicle registration in Vermont is straightforward. Several methods are available to accommodate different preferences. Vehicle owners must renew their registrations in Vermont annually or biennially.
The renewal notice is sent approximately six weeks before the expiration date. Thus, owners may renew 60 days in advance. To avoid late fees and penalties, vehicle owners must renew before the current registration expires.
To renew vehicle registration, the documents needed are the following:
- Renewal notice or current registration certificate
- VIN
- Payment for the renewal fee
- Proof of insurance (if requested)
Renewal Through Online
Renewing online is the most convenient method. Visit the Vermont DMV website and follow the instructions on the online renewal page.
The things needed include a registration renewal notice, VIN, and a credit card for payment. Once completed, the VT DMW will issue a temporary registration certificate while waiting for the new registration and stickers to arrive.
By Mail
To renew by mail, send the completed renewal notice and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the notice (P.O. Box 1308, Williston, Vermont 05495-1308).
Vehicle owners should postmark their payment before the expiration date to avoid late fees. It will take days to process the renewal and deliver the new registration and stickers to the owner's designated address.
Moreover, never use the address in the notice to send other transactions. Otherwise, it might result in delayed processing.
In-Person
Renewal in person at any Vermont DMV office is also available, especially if notice is missing or has yet to be received. Bring the renewal notice and payment to the office. Accepted payment methods include cash, check, or credit card. The DMV staff will process the renewal. New registration and stickers will be released immediately.
Renewal in Town Clerks
Participating town clerks can renew registration, subject to some restrictions and only selected vehicle types. They collect a processing fee in addition to the registration fees. Payment methods are limited to checks and money orders.
How To Check if a Vehicle Is Currently Registered in Vermont?
As of this writing, Vermont does not have an online tool for checking whether a vehicle is currently registered within the state. However, the DMV provides alternative methods for individuals to obtain this information.
One option is to contact the Vermont DMV directly by phone or visit one of their office locations in person. When reaching out to the DMV, individuals must provide specific details about the vehicle, such as the license plate number, VIN, or the vehicle's title number.
Having these details readily available will help the DMV representatives efficiently locate and verify the vehicle's registration status.
Note that the DMV may have certain requirements or limitations when providing vehicle registration information. For example, they may request additional documentation or proof of ownership to ensure the inquirer has a legitimate reason for accessing the information. This is a measure to protect the privacy and security of vehicle owners' records.
Another alternative is to submit a written request to the Vermont DMV, specifying the vehicle details and the reason for inquiring about its registration status. The DMV may require the request to be accompanied by specific documentation, such as a copy of the vehicle's title or proof of the inquirer's identity and connection to the vehicle.