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Vermont vehicle registration varies based on whether a vehicle was purchased new from a dealer or from a private party. Vermont residents need the vehicle’s title, an odometer disclosure statement, and payment for the registration fee.

Residents of Vermont may also need to produce a bill of sale. If individuals who don’t have all of their required paperwork, the VT DMV will issue them a temporary registration.

Registering a Vehicle in Vermont

Individuals who recently moved to the Green Mountain state, or have purchased a new or used car need to register their vehicle(s) with Vermont’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Below is information with the steps and documents required in order to obtain a vehicle registration in Vermont.

New to Vermont?

After establishing Vermont residency, individuals must register their vehicle with Vermont’s Department of Motor Vehicles within 60 days.

To apply for a Vermont car registration certificate, visit a local DMV office with:

  • A signature on the application certifying you have car insurance. It must meet the state’s minimum coverage levels:
    • $25,000 for injury to one person.
    • $50,000 for injury to two or more.
    • $10,000 for damages to property.
  • A completed Registration/Tax/Title Application (Form VD-119).
  • A current odometer reading.
  • The car’s title.
  • If the title is being held by a lienholder, individuals must appear at a full-time Vermont DMV location (it can’t be a mobile office) with the name and address of the lien company and the vehicle’s current out-of-state registration certificate.
  • Proof of the amount of tax paid on the vehicle (e.g. a vehicle title showing paid tax, or the last 3 years worth of vehicle registration certificates).

VT residents are exempt if they have owned the vehicle for 3 years or more.

Vehicle identification number (VIN) verification. This can be completed by a designated DMV agent or by a VT law enforcement officer.

  • Payment for all Vermont car registration fees (see Vermont Vehicle Registration Fees below).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Residents will have 15 days from the date you first register their vehicle in Vermont to have it inspected. Please see our “Vehicle Inspections” section below for details.

Registering a Vehicle in Vermont

Vehicles in Vermont can be registered for either 1 year or 2 years. The process differs based on whether residents purchased their vehicle from a dealership or a private party, and whether individuals are registering a foreign vehicle purchased overseas (see Registering a Foreign Vehicle below).

Registering a Vehicle Purchased From a Dealership

For residents of Vermont who buy their vehicle from a Vermont dealer, the dealership will submit the Vermont vehicle registration papers.

Residents who have purchased a vehicle from an out-of-state dealership will need to go in person to the local DMV office to complete their registration. The process differs only based on whether your vehicle is new or used. Brand new vehicles must show a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO). Used vehicles must show a signed-over title.

Visit a local VT Department of Motor Vehicles office with:

  • Proof of car insurance.
  • A completed Registration/Tax/Title Application (Form VD-119).
  • A Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form VT-005).

One of the following documents:

  • A Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO), if your vehicle is brand new.
  • A signed-over title, if your vehicle is used.
  • Payment for all VT vehicle registration fees (see “Vermont Vehicle Registration Fees” below).

Note that residents may also need to have a VIN verification performed if their vehicle is used, and they are issued the out-of-state title.

Registering a Vehicle Purchased or Gifted from a Private Party

Individuals who want to register a vehicle that was purchased or given to them need to visit their local Vermont DMV office with:

  • Proof of auto insurance.
  • A completed Registration/Tax/Title Application (Form VD-119).
  • A Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form VT-005).
  • A signed-over title:
  • All owners must sign the title as sellers (on the back of title in assignment of ownership section. New owner information goes in the “transferred to” line on the title.
  • Any liens listed on title must be released.
    • If it’s not a Vermont-issued title, residents need to obtain a vehicle identification number (VIN) verification. This verification can be completed through a designated DMV agent or by a VT law enforcement officer.
  • Payment for all VT vehicle registration fees (see Vermont Vehicle Registration Fees below).

If the vehicle has been gifted to a resident by an immediate family member, they are exempt from paying the vehicle tax collected at registration. Residents must submit a completed Gift Tax Exemption (Form VT-013) along with all other paperwork listed above.

Registering a Foreign Vehicle in Vermont

The process for registering a vehicle purchased outside of the United States differs based on:

  • Whether the purchased vehicle is new or used.
  • Whether or not the vehicle was previously registered.

Head to the local Vermont DMV office with:

  • Proof of Vermont auto insurance.
  • The ownership document provided to the resident. This could be:
  • A Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin, for new vehicles.
  • The foreign vehicle title.
  • The registration certificate for the area in which it was previously registered, if applicable.
  • A completed Registration/Tax/Title Application (Form VD-119).
  • A Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form VT-005).
  • Import documents verifying that the vehicle conforms to Vermont’s emissions standards.
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN) verification. This can be completed through a designated DMV agent or a VT law enforcement officer.
  • Payment for all Vermont car registration fees (see “Vehicle Registration Fees in Vermont” below).

Temporary Vehicle Registration

In some cases, residents may be issued a temporary 60-day registration. This temporary registration will be issued if:

  •  Residents don’t have the vehicle’s title with them when they register.
  • The VIN hasn’t been verified, and they don’t have the vehicle with them to have a DMV technician verify it.
  • Individuals have not provided a Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form VT-005) when required.
  • Persons are applying for vanity license plates, as opposed to standard license plates.

Vermont residents will be required to sign a Temporary Plate Authorization Form at the DMV, acknowledging that the current registration is only a temporary 60-day registration, during which time individuals must bring the missing items to the DMV to obtain your permanent registration certificate. Failure to do so will result in the paperwork not being returned, and the registration will NOT be issued.

Individuals who are receiving a temporary registration because of vanity plates should receive their plates within the 60-day period, along with the permanent registration card.

VT residents will NOT receive a temporary registration if:

  • They visit a Mobile Van Office without all the required documents.
  • They’ve already received a temporary registration previously and never completed the registration process.
  • They’re transferring license plates that are expired.
  • They’re making changes to the registration that require the vehicle’s title, a signature, or a bill of sale.

Vehicle Registration Fees

Passenger vehicle:

  • $76 for 1 year.
  • $140 for 2 years.

Electric-powered vehicle:

  • $74 for 1 year.
  • $136 for 2 years.

Motorcycle:

  • $48 for 1 year.
  • $96 for 2 years.

Motor-driven cycle:

  • $30 for 1 year.
  • $60 for 2 years.
  • Vehicle registration transfer: $25.
  • Purchase and Use Tax: 6% of the purchase price or the vehicle’s average trade-in value (whichever is higher).

Vermont Vehicle Inspections

All vehicles registered in Vermont require an annual safety inspection. Inspections must take place at a state-approved inspection station.

As part of the safety inspection, the following vehicles must also have an Onboard Diagnostics examination:

  • Model year 16 model years and newer gasoline-powered vehicles.
  • Model year 16 model years and newer diesel-powered vehicles.

NOTE: Individuals who recently completed a first-time vehicle registration with the VT DMV have 15 days from the registration date to have their vehicle inspected.

VT License Plates

The VT DMV offers a wide variety of license plates to choose from, including vanity plates. Vermont residents who apply for vanity plates will receive a 60-day temporary vehicle registration while they wait for their plates to be made (see Temporary Vehicle Registration above for details).

Replace Lost VT License Plates

If the vehicle’s plates go missing or are damaged, residents can replace them by:

  • Completing a Replacement Plate Application (Form VD-016).
  • Writing a $12 check for each plate.
  • Mailing the completed application and check to the address listed on the application.

Please note that for lost or stolen license plates, individuals MUST be issued a new license plate number, even if the plate was a vanity or specialized license plate.

Motorcycle Registration in Vermont

Vermont residents must register their motorcycles with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before riding on the road is legally permitted. Use this guide to learn more about VT motorcycle registration for new residents and current residents who recently purchased a bike.

Residents New to Vermont

Upon establishing Vermont residency, individuals have 60 days to register their motorcycle with the DMV.

Before submitting a registration application, a VIN verification is required for all motorcycles being registered in Vermont for the first time that meet the following qualifications:

  • Titled motorcycles, previously registered out-of-state, which are 300 ccs or larger.
  • ALL used motorcycles, 500 ccs.

If the bike qualifies, you’ll need to have a Verification of VIN or HIN (Form VT-010) completed by a/an:

  • Law enforcement officer.
  • Employee under the direct supervision of law enforcement.
  • DMV agent.

Once the VIN inspection is complete, residents can finish the registration process by visiting their local DMV office with:

  • A completed Registration Tax & Title Application (Form VD-119).
  • The current out-of-state title for the motorcycle.
  • If a lienholder has the title, bring the:
  • Current registration certificate.
  • Lienholder’s name and address.
  • Proof of Vermont motorcycle insurance.
  • A current odometer reading.
  • A completed VIN verification (if applicable).
  • Proof of tax paid on your motorcycle from your previous state of residence.
    • If the tax paid is less than what is required in Vermont, you may be required to pay the difference. VT residents who have owned their motorcycle for 3 years or more in a state that collects tax will be exempt from this requirement.
  • Payment for the applicable motorcycle registration taxes and fees.

Varies by registration period and engine type—see our Fees section below for a breakdown.

Individuals will then
date to complete a safety and emissions inspection at one of Vermont’s approved vehicle inspection stations.

How to Register a Motorcycle in Vermont

The process for registering a motorcycle with the VT Department of Motor Vehicles varies depending on whether it was bought at a dealership OR from a private seller.

Motorcycles Purchased at Dealerships

For individuals who purchased a motorcycle at a Vermont dealership, the dealer will handle the process for registration.

Check with the dealership to make sure no additional steps will be required. Here’s a breakdown of the motorcycle fees and taxes Vermont residents will pay, typically included in the bike’s purchase price.

Once the paperwork is submitted to the DMV, residents will receive their license plates, title, and registration in the mail.

Motorcycles Purchased from Private Sellers

To register a motorcycle purchased from a private seller in Vermont provide the following at the local DMV office:

A completed:

  • Registration Tax & Title Application (Form VD-119).
  • Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form VT-005).
  • Odometer disclosure statement required if the vehicle is 9 years old or newer.
  • The motorcycle’s current title signed by the buyer AND seller.
  • Proof of VT motorcycle insurance.
  • The necessary motorcycle registration fees and taxes.
  • Costs vary by engine type and registration period—see below for details.

VT Motorcycle Registration Fees

Residents of Vermont may be required to pay the following fees and taxes when they register their motorcycle with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles:

Motorcycle registration—Varies by registration period and engine type:

1 year:

  • Gas or diesel engines: $48.
  • Alternate fuel engines: $83.

2 years:

  • Gas or diesel engines: $96.
  • Alternate fuel engines: $165.
  • Title: $35.
  • Lien recording: $11 each.
  • Sales tax: 6% of the net taxable cost.

Registering a Boat in Vermont

In Vermont, the Fish and Wildlife Department enforces all boating rules and regulations, while the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) processes all vessel titles and registrations. Keep reading to learn about watercraft titling and registration and the requirements to operate boats on Vermont state waters.

Boat Title & Registration Requirements

All motorized boats, regardless of size or type, must be registered with Vermont’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

The following vessels are exceptions to the registration requirement:

  • Vessels registered in another state and not used in Vermont for more than 90 consecutive days.
  • Vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard.
  • All non-motorized kayaks, canoes, and sailboats.
  • Boats from out-of-country using VT waters for 90 days or fewer.
  • Watercraft owned by the U.S. government.
  • Lifeboats.
  • Additionally, VT residents must title ALL motorized boats aged 15 years old or less.

Individuals do not need to title the following types of watercraft:

  • Human-powered watercraft, like canoes and kayaks.
  • Vessels powered by a motor with 10 HP or under.
  • Vessels owned by an entity of the U.S. government.
  • Boats titled out-of-state used as regular interstate transport for people and/or property.
  • Watercraft older than 15 years old.

VT residents who are still not sure about whether their boat requires a title and/or registration can give the Vermont DMV a call at (802) 828-2000 for clarification.

Apply for VT Boat Title & Registration

The steps to title and/or register a boat with the Vermont DMV can vary depending on the status of the vessel’s hull identification number (HIN).

Hull Identification Numbers

Before applying for a vessel title and/or registration, individuals need to make sure their boat meets Vermont’s HIN requirements.

If the boat does not have a HIN (because it’s homemade or rebuilt), residents will need to request a HIN by submitting:

  • A completed Application for Assignment of VIN/HIN (Form TA-VT-03).
  • The title(s) and/or bill(s) of sale for all the parts used in the vessel’s reconstruction, if the boat is rebuilt.

Provide the required items above in person or by mail to:

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
120 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05603

Vermont residents who need a Vermont title (registration-only boats are exempt) for any of the following types of vessels FIRST need to complete an HIN verification for:

  • Boats bought from private sellers with out-of-state titles.
  • Watercraft with titles under bond.
  • Vessels with out-of-country registrations.
  • Boats with a salvage title.

Residents of Vermont can request a HIN verification with local law enforcement OR with certain DMV office branches—call the agency ahead of time to confirm that they conduct HIN verifications). The inspector will need to fill out a Verification of VIN or HIN (Form VT-010) for individuals.

Title & Register Your Boat

To apply for a Vermont boat title and/or registration, provide the following items at the local Department of Motor Vehicles office:

  • A completed Motorboat Registration & Title Application (Form VD-037).
  • Be sure to complete the Vermont Use Tax Return (Form SU-452), included with the title and registration application, if you haven’t paid sales and use tax on the vessel.

 Residents of Vermont are exempt from paying VT sales and use tax if they meet any of the following qualifications:

  • You can provide a dealer invoice stating you already paid sales and use tax of at least 6%, from any dealership in a tax-imposing state.
  • You’re NOT a resident of Vermont AND the vessel was purchased or titled/registered in another state.
  • The watercraft was acquired through a non-taxable transaction (e.g. as a gift or inheritance).

Proof of ownership, such as:

  • The Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (brand new boats).
  • A properly assigned title (used boats).
  • Most recent boat registration (vessels exempt from titling in VT).
  • A bill of sale, which includes:
  • The boat’s make and model year.
  • Your hull identification number.
  • The sale price of the vessel.
  • The date of purchase.
  • A signature from the seller.
  • If applicable, your completed Verification of VIN or HIN (Form VT-010).
  • Payment for all the applicable boat title/registration fees.

Residents can choose to register their boat for 1 year OR 2 years, with the registration expiring on the final day of December at the end of your registration period.

Vermont Boat Title & Registration Fees

Below are the costs to title and register watercraft with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles:

Initial and renewal boat registration (depends on the length of the vessel and how long residents would like to register):

Class A (less than 16 ft) for:

  • 1 year: $31.
  • 2 years: $57.

Class I (16 ft to 26 ft) for:

  • 1 year: $49.
  • 2 years: $93.

Class II (26 ft to 40 ft) for:

  • 1 year: $80.
  • 2 years: $155.

Class III (40 ft and longer) for:

  • 1 year: $153.
  • 2 years: $303.

Plus:

  • Original vessel title: $22.
  • Per lien added: $11.
  • Registration transfer fee for:
  • Large motorboats: $6.
  • Small motorboats: $6.
  • Replacement:
  • Boat registration: $3.
  • Vessel title: $22.
  • Vermont sales and use tax: 6% of the boat’s purchase price.

VT Boat Registration Renewals

Vermont vessel registrations are valid for 1 year OR 2 years, depending on what residents choose. The Department of Motor Vehicles will mail a renewal application before the registration expires.

Individuals can renew their Vermont boat registration:

  • Online by providing information about the boat AND the necessary renewal fees using Vermont’s DMV Express. After submitting a renewal application online, print the receipt to use as a temporary registration, which is valid for 10 days.
  • In-person by submitting a completed renewal application AND the applicable renewal fees at your local DMV office branch.
  • By mailing the signed renewal application AND the appropriate renewal fees to the address printed on the renewal notice.

NOTE: VT residents who lost or did not receive a renewal application can submit a completed Application for Motorboat Registration (Form VD-037) along with the appropriate registration renewal fees to the DMV’s main office.

Replacement Title & Registration

If the Vermont boat title or registration is lost or destroyed, don’t worry!

Residents can request a replacement boat registration (not title) online by providing the vessel’s HIN AND the $3 replacement registration fee using VT’s DMV Express.

Individuals can also request a duplicate registration AND/OR title in person OR by mail. Begin by gathering the applicable items below:

A completed:

  • Duplicate Title Application (Form VT-04) if requesting a duplicate boat title by mail.
  • Request for Personal Delivery of Title (Form VT-16) if requesting a replacement title in person.
  • Individuals must also fill out the Duplicate Title Application (Form VT-04) included with this form.
  • Corrected or Replacement Registration (Form VD-040) for duplicate vessel registration.
  • A valid photo identification if requesting a replacement title in person.
  • The $3 fee for a replacement boat registration and/or the $22 fee for a duplicate vessel title.

Then, residents can submit the required items above in person OR by mail to the Department of Motor Vehicles’ main office at:

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
120 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05603

Vermont Boater Requirements

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department imposes certain age-based restrictions when it comes to operating vessels on VT state waters.

Individuals who are younger than:

  • 12 years old, cannot operate motorized vessels with more than 6 HP on public waters, regardless of whether individuals take a boating safety course.
  • 16 years old, cannot use personal watercraft (PWC) on public VT waterways, even if individuals complete a boater education course.

Anyone born after January 1, 1974, must complete an approved boating safety course to operate any motorized vessels, including PWC.

Accepted Forms of Payment

The Vermont DMV accepts the following forms of payment:

  • Cash
  • Personal checks
  • Traveler’s checks
  • Money orders
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • VISA
  • MasterCard

Note: Mobile DMV offices in VT do not accept cash payments. Vermont residents need to make sure they have the proper form of payment to avoid late fees and other penalties.

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