Apply for a License (Drivers 18+) in Vermont

Apply for a Vermont Driver's License

In Vermont, you need to apply for a driver's license through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Depending on your situation, the application process will vary.

If it's a commercial driver's license (CDL) you're after, visit our Applying for a New CDL in Vermont page.

If you're a teenager, you will need to complete the Vermont graduated driver's licensing program before you will be eligible for your driver's license.

Vermont REAL ID Licenses

The Vermont DMV issues federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses in addition to standard driver’s licenses. Beginning October 2021, the REAL ID will allow you to continue using your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—a standard ID will no longer suffice for these activities. After that date, without a REAL ID license, you will need another form of federal identification (like a passport or birth certificate).

You can choose to receive a REAL ID upon application—details are outlined below. For more, visit the state's guide to REAL IDs.

New to Vermont?

Just Moved?

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

If you recently moved to, or are planning to move to Vermont, you'll need to obtain a VT driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency OR before your out-of-state license expires—whichever occurs first.

To apply, visit your local VT DMV office with:

  • Proof of your:
    • Identity.
    • Date of birth.
    • Lawful status in the U.S.
    • Social Security number (SSN).
    • Vermont residential address.
      A full list of accepted documents can be found on the VT DMV website.
  • Your out-of-state driver's license.
  • A completed Enhanced License/ID Application (Form VL-021), U.S. citizens only, if you want an enhanced driver's license (EDL).
    • See “Types of Driver's Licenses" below.
  • Payment for the required fees (see “Fees for a Driver's License in VT" below).

If you have a valid out-of-state driver's license or one that has been expired for 3 years or less, you must also pass an eye test and possibly the written knowledge test, but you won't need to pass the road test. Contact the VT DMV for more information.

You'll be expected to surrender your out-of-state driver's license when you apply for a driver's license in Vermont.

If you don't have your out-of-state driver's license with you or it has been expired for more than 3 years, you will be required to pass vision, written, and driving tests.

Non-U.S. Citizens

If you're a non-U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old, you can drive in Vermont using your foreign driver's license for up to 1 year. After this time, you must apply for a VT driver's license (see “ Apply for a Vermont Driver's License") below.

Excluding vehicles registered in Mexico and Canada, cars from certain countries must also display an International Distinguishing Sign. For more information about which countries are subject to this statute, and other steps you must take to legally operate an international vehicle in Vermont, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.

Types of Driver's Licenses

Enhanced Driver's License

An enhanced driver's license (EDL) has been enforced as part of the REAL ID Act to prevent any security threats and/or unlawful entry into the U.S. It also has advanced features to combat tampering or counterfeiting so you can breathe easier if happen to lose it.

The REAL ID Act allows you to use your Vermont EDL in place of a passport when crossing the border from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda (by land or sea only).

For more information about the REAL ID Act, read our article.

Apply for a Vermont Driver's License

To apply for a driver's license in Vermont, you must visit a VT DMV office in person. You cannot apply by mail or online.

You will need to:

  • Provide proof of your:
    • Identification.
    • Birth date.
    • Lawful U.S. presence. (You will need proof of your U.S. citizenship if applying for an EDL.)
    • Social Security number (SSN).
    • Vermont residency (2 documents required).
  • Submit a completed Enhanced License/ID Application (Form VL-021)—U.S. citizens only—if you want an EDL.
  • Pass a:
    • Vision test.
    • Written knowledge exam.
    • Road test.
  • Have your photo taken.
  • Pay the appropriate fees (see “Fees for a Driver's License in VT" below).

The Vermont DMV will send your driver's license or EDL to you within 20 days.

Fees for a Driver's License in VT

  • Driver's license (without exams):
    • $62 for 4 years.
    • $39 for 2 years.
  • Transfer license from out of state:
    • $62 for 4 years (you may pay additional exam fees).
    • $39 for 2 years (you may pay additional exam fees).
  • Enhanced driver's license (EDL): Additional $46 on top of standard driver's license fees.
  • Road or eye exam: $23.

Forms

VL-021
Application for License/Permit
Apply for your Vermont driver's license, permit, or ID card. If applicant is a minor, the parent or legal guardian MUST sign the form.
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