Vermont driver's license renewal by mail or online
Vermont lets you renew your driver's license by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions that need review. Most people can renew online through the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles website without visiting an office. If you renew by mail, send your renewal notice and payment to the address printed on it — no process form needed. Online renewal takes a few minutes and you receive your new license in the mail within two to three weeks.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, or if the DMV needs to verify your vision or medical history, you must renew in person at a DMV office. The same applies if you want to change your address, name, or other information on your license. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and you can drive home with a temporary license the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is fastest and works if your license is current and you have no medical flags — you pay the fee and receive your new license by mail in two to three weeks.
- Mail renewal requires only your renewal notice and a check or money order sent to the DMV address on the notice.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, or if you need to update your address, name, or medical information.
- Vermont driver's licenses are valid for five years, and the DMV mails a renewal notice about two months before expiration.
- Bring your current license, proof of Vermont residency, and payment to any in-person renewal appointment.
What documents you need for in-person renewal
Bring your current Vermont driver's license to the DMV office. You also need one document that proves your current Vermont address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. A government-issued ID from another state or country is acceptable if your Vermont license is expired.
If you changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. The DMV does not require a Social Security card, but having it speeds up the process if there are any questions about your record.
How to renew online through the Vermont DMV website
Go to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Answer questions about your medical history and vision — if you answer no to all of them, you can proceed to payment.
Pay the renewal fee by debit card or credit card. Vermont charges $70 for a five-year renewal. After payment, you will see a confirmation number on screen. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you can use your confirmation number to track it. Do not change your address online during renewal — if you need a new address on your license, renew in person instead.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
The DMV mails a renewal notice to your address about two months before your license expires. The notice includes the mailing address, the fee amount, and instructions. Write a check or money order for the amount shown and mail it with your renewal notice to the address printed on it. Do not send cash.
Keep a copy of the notice for your records. Mail renewal takes two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your payment. If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail — call the Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000 to request a new notice or to pay over the phone by card.
In-person renewal at a Vermont DMV office
Visit any Vermont DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some have limited hours on certain days. You do not need an appointment for renewal in most cases, but some offices offer appointment scheduling online to reduce wait time. Check the DMV website for your nearest office and its hours before you go.
Bring your current license, proof of address, and payment. The renewal fee is $70 for a five-year license. You will complete a short form, have your photo taken, and receive a temporary license printed on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail in two to three weeks. If your vision or medical information needs updating, the DMV may ask you to take a vision test at the office.
Scams and safety alerts for license renewal
The Vermont DMV will never contact you by email or text to ask you to renew your license or pay a fee. If you receive an email or text claiming to be from the DMV with a link to renew, do not click it — it is a phishing scam designed to steal your personal information. Delete the message and report it to the Vermont Attorney General's office.
Do not use third-party renewal services that charge extra fees to renew your license for you. These services are not affiliated with the DMV and often delay your renewal. Renew directly through the Vermont DMV website, by mail, or in person. If you need help with renewal, call the DMV directly at 802-828-2000 — do not trust phone numbers from search results or unsolicited emails.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Vermont, even if you have already sent in your renewal. If you are stopped by police, you can face a fine. If your license expires and you have not yet received your new one, you can print your online renewal confirmation and carry it with your expired license as proof that renewal is in progress.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must visit a DMV office in person. The DMV may also require a new vision test or medical review if your license has been expired for a long time. Renew before your expiration date to avoid these complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Vermont license if I moved out of state?
No. Vermont requires you to hold a Vermont address to renew a Vermont license. If you moved out of state, you need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact that state's DMV to learn about their renewal process.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
Call the Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000 and ask them to mail you a new notice, or renew in person at any DMV office. You can also renew online if your license is not expired — you do not need the notice to renew that way.
How long does online renewal take?
The online process itself takes five to ten minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in two to three weeks. You can track your license using the confirmation number the DMV gives you after payment.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Appointments are not required, but some Vermont DMV offices offer them to reduce wait time. Check the DMV website for your local office to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are always accepted during business hours.
What if my address changed since my last license?
If you renew online or by mail, your new license will have your old address. Visit a DMV office in person to update your address on your license at the same time you renew, or change your address separately after renewal.