Vermont driver's licenses renew every five years, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office

Vermont's Division of Motor Vehicles sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait for the notice to renew — you can renew up to one year before expiration. The method you choose depends on whether your address has changed, whether you need a new photo, and how quickly you need the renewed license in your hands.

If your address, name, or other information on your license has not changed since it was issued, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If any of that information has changed, or if you want a new photo, you must renew in person. Vermont does not accept online renewal if you need a corrected license.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 business days and costs $70 if your license information has not changed.
  • Mail renewal takes three to four weeks and also costs $70 if you have no address or name changes.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office takes one to two hours and costs $70, and is required if your address, name, or other information has changed.
  • You will need your current license, proof of Vermont residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid Social Security number to renew in person.
  • Vermont licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew starting one year before that date.

Renewing online through the Vermont DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the Vermont DMV website, select "Renew Your License," and log in or create an account. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against Vermont's records.

During online renewal, you upload a new photo or use the photo already on file. If you use the photo on file, the system will ask you to confirm it is still a good likeness. You will also review and confirm your address and other personal information. If anything is incorrect, you cannot fix it online — you must renew in person instead.

Online renewal costs $70 and takes about 10 business days. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is an option only if your address, name, and other information on your license have not changed. Request a renewal form from the Vermont DMV by phone at 802-828-2000, or read the form from the DMV website. Fill out the form completely and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $70 to the address shown on the form.

Mail renewal takes three to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. Your renewed license will be mailed back to you. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. If the DMV finds any problem with your form or payment, they will contact you by mail, which can add time to the process.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your address, name, or other information has changed since your license was issued. It is also the only way to get a new photo if you want one. Bring your current license, proof of Vermont residency (such as a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Visit the Vermont DMV office in Montpelier or one of the regional offices in Rutland, St. Johnsbury, or Brattleboro. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary. Bring cash or a debit card — not all offices accept checks. In-person renewal costs $70 and takes one to two hours, and you will receive your renewed license the same day.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of Vermont residency, and your Social Security number. The process takes longer than renewal and costs more.

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you may not need to retake the written test or vision test, depending on how long it has been expired. Call the Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000 to ask whether you will need to test before you visit an office.

Scam alert: Fake renewal notices

The Vermont DMV does not contact you by email or text message to renew your license. If you receive an email or text claiming to be from the DMV and asking you to click a link or provide personal information, it is a scam. Delete it when ready.

Legitimate renewal notices come by mail from the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. They will never ask you to pay by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency. If you are unsure whether a notice is real, call the Vermont DMV directly at 802-828-2000 using the phone number on your current license or on the official Vermont DMV website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?

No. If you owe money to Vermont for a traffic ticket, fine, or unpaid court cost, the DMV will not renew your license until the debt is paid. Contact the court or the Vermont DMV to find out what you owe and how to pay it.

What if I move out of Vermont before my license expires?

You do not have to renew your Vermont license if you move to another state. Your Vermont license remains valid until it expires. However, you will need to get a license from your new state within the timeframe that state requires — usually 30 to 60 days after moving.

Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a DMV office. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Bring any medical certificates or other documents required for your CDL class.

How much does it cost to renew a Vermont license?

Renewal costs $70 whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This fee covers a five-year license. If you need a duplicate license or a corrected license, there may be an additional fee — call the Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000 to ask.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must get a duplicate or replacement license in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. A duplicate costs less than a renewal and takes the same amount of time.