Renewing Your Vermont Vehicle Registration Online or by Mail

Vermont sends renewal notices 30 to 45 days before your registration expires. You can renew online through the Vermont DMV website, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at any DMV office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new registration is mailed within five to seven business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. You do not need to visit an office unless you are renewing for the first time, changing vehicle information, or your registration has been expired for more than 30 days.

Before you start, gather your current registration card, proof of vehicle inspection (if required), and a payment method. Vermont accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks online. By mail, you can pay by check or money order. The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type — passenger cars typically cost between $27 and $45, but trucks and trailers vary. You can find your exact fee on the renewal notice or by entering your vehicle information on the DMV website.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Vermont DMV website is the fastest option and takes five to seven business days for your new registration to arrive by mail.
  • Your renewal notice arrives 30 to 45 days before expiration and contains your renewal fee, which you will need to pay whether you renew online or by mail.
  • A current vehicle inspection is required in Vermont unless your vehicle is exempt, and you must have proof before completing renewal.
  • If your registration has been expired for more than 30 days, you must renew in person at a DMV office and may face a late fee.

Renewing Online Through the Vermont DMV Website

Go to the Vermont DMV website and select the vehicle registration renewal option. Enter your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or federal employer identification number (FEIN) if the vehicle is registered to a business. The system will pull up your registration record and show you the renewal fee.

Review the vehicle and owner information on screen. If anything is incorrect — address, owner name, or vehicle details — you cannot correct it online. Stop and renew by mail or in person instead, because submitting incorrect information locks it into the system. If everything matches, proceed to payment. Enter your credit card, debit card, or e-check information. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your new registration card will be mailed to the address on file within five to seven business days.

Renewing by Mail Using Your Renewal Notice

Complete the renewal form on the back of your renewal notice. Sign and date it. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee (written to "Vermont DMV") and a copy of your current vehicle inspection certificate. Place everything in an envelope and mail it to the address printed on the renewal notice.

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Do not mail your renewal notice more than 60 days before your expiration date, because the DMV may return it as premature. If you are mailing close to your expiration date, consider renewing online instead to avoid driving on an expired registration. Keep a copy of your renewal notice as proof of pending renewal if you are stopped by law enforcement.

Vehicle Inspection Requirements Before Renewal

Vermont requires a current vehicle inspection before you renew your registration. Your inspection certificate must be dated within 12 months of your renewal date. If your inspection is expired or expiring within 30 days, you must have a new one performed before you complete renewal — online or by mail.

Certain vehicles are exempt from inspection: vehicles less than four years old, historic vehicles with a special registration, and vehicles registered as non-operational. If your vehicle is exempt, you do not need to provide an inspection certificate. If you are unsure whether your vehicle requires inspection, check the renewal notice or call the Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000.

Renewing in Person at a Vermont DMV Office

Visit any Vermont DMV office with your current registration card, proof of vehicle inspection, and payment. Bring a government-issued photo ID. If the vehicle is registered to a business, bring documentation showing your authority to act on behalf of the business (such as a corporate resolution or power of attorney). Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

In-person renewal is completed on the spot. You will receive a temporary registration valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed. This option is necessary if your registration has been expired for more than 30 days, if you need to correct information on your registration, or if you are renewing for the first time. A late fee of $10 applies to registrations renewed more than 30 days after expiration.

What Happens If Your Registration Expires

Driving on an expired registration is illegal in Vermont. If you are stopped, you face a fine of $100 to $200 and may be required to show proof of renewal within a set number of days. If your registration has been expired for more than 30 days, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a DMV office in person. A $10 late fee is added to your renewal cost.

If you miss your renewal date, renew as soon as possible. If you are more than 30 days late, plan to visit a DMV office. Bring your current registration card (even though it is expired), proof of inspection, and payment. The DMV will process your renewal and issue a temporary registration valid for 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my vehicle inspection is expired?

No. Your inspection must be current before you renew. Schedule an inspection at any Vermont inspection station, then complete your registration renewal. If your inspection expires within 30 days of your renewal date, get a new one before renewing to avoid a gap in coverage.

What if I moved and my address on the registration is wrong?

You cannot change your address during online renewal. Renew by mail or in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The DMV will update your address and issue a new registration card with the correct information.

How long does it take to get my new registration card after I renew online?

The new card is mailed within five to seven business days of your online renewal. You can drive on your old registration until the new one arrives. If you need proof of renewal before the card arrives, print your confirmation email or call the DMV for a temporary registration number.

Is there a penalty if I renew late?

Yes. If you renew more than 30 days after your expiration date, a $10 late fee is added to your renewal cost. You must renew in person at a DMV office if you are more than 30 days late. Driving on an expired registration also carries fines of $100 to $200 if you are stopped.

Can someone else renew my registration for me?

Yes, if you give them your renewal notice and payment. They can mail it in or take it to a DMV office on your behalf. For online renewal, you must complete it yourself because the system requires your VIN and Social Security number for verification.