Other Vehicle Registrations in Vermont

SUMMARY: How to Register Your Special Vehicle in Vermont

Other vehicle types have unique registration processes, requiring separate application forms and different fees than standard Vermont cars or trucks. Find your vehicle type below for details.

The Green Mountain state's sweep of forests makes it prime for off-road traveling in the form of all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and snowmobiles. To keep a grip on the growing popularity of these vehicles the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires all to be registered, including the trailers used to haul these machines.

Snowmobiles

All snowmobile registrations, regardless of when the snowmobile was or is purchased, have a registration year between September 1 and August 31. If your snowmobile has a model year before 2004 or is more than 15 years old it is not required to be titled.

Registering a New Snowmobile

To register your snowmobile with the DMV, head to your local office and:

  • Complete an appropriately named Vermont Snowmobile Registration/Title Application (Form VD-038). If the dealer does not complete Section 6 on the application, you must also submit a Vermont Use Tax Return (Form SU-452).
  • Provide an original copy of the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin.
  • Furnish a bill of sale for sales tax purposes and a second bill of sale that includes the machine's make, model, identification number, purchase price, date, and signature of seller.
  • Pay a $28 registration fee if you are a resident, or $36 if you are a non-resident.

Registering a Used Snowmobile

Submit the following to any DMV office that handles registrations:

  • A completed Vermont Snowmobile Registration/Title Application (Form VD-038).
  • The machine's original title. Make sure the title harbors all required signatures and, if applicable, all liens are released. If the snowmobile was not previously titled instead present its last registration certificate.
  • A bill of sale.
  • Pay a $28 registration fee if you are a resident, or $36 if you are a non-resident.

Registration Placement

The registration number must be displayed on the left side of the snowmobile, adjacent to a valid Vermont Trails Assessment decal.

ATV Registration

If your ATV's model year is before 2004, or it is older than 15 years old, you do not need to apply for a title.

New ATVs

To title and register your four-wheel, simply:

  • Complete a Vermont Motor Vehicle Registration, Tax, and Title Application (Form VD-119). The application is long and by first glance looks woefully imposing. To assist you through it the application thankfully comes with detailed instructions.
  • Provide an original copy of the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin.
  • Furnish a bill of sale for sales tax purposes and a second bill of sale that includes the machine's make, model, identification number, purchase price, date, and signature of seller.
  • Pay the per year registration fee of  $45 .
  • Deliver in person to any DMV office that handles registrations.

Used ATVs

To register, submit the following to any DMV office that handles registrations:

Trailer Registration

It is illegal to tug an unregistered trailer on any of Vermont's highways. In order to register, you must:

Custom-Built Cars

To register a custom-built car in Vermont, you'll generally need to follow the same procedure as registering a regular vehicle. See our page on Vermont Car Registration or more information.

You may be required to present proof that you own each of the major components of the vehicle and some other documents too. Contact the Vermont DMV for specific instructions.

Recreational Vehicles and Motorhomes

Recreational vehicles (RVs) and motorhomes must be registered just like a regular car in Vermont. Follow the instructions on our guide to Registering a Car in Vermont.

The fees you'll need to pay will vary depending on the length of your registration and whether your RV runs on gas or diesel. The fees for motorhome registration are the same as for a regular car.

Scooters and Mopeds

Scooters, mopeds, and similar vehicles must be registered in Vermont. The process is the same as registering a car.

These vehicles are categorized as "motor-driven cycles" if they have:

  • 2 to 3 wheels.
  • An automatic transmission.
  • An engine up to 2 brake hp and 50 cc.
  • A top speed of 30 MPH on flat ground.

Motorized cycles or scooters with larger engines, higher speeds, or manual transmissions are considered motorcycles, and they must also be registered.

Forms

VD-119
Registration Tax and Title Application
Use this form to register and title your vehicle with the Vermont DMV.
VD-038
Snowmobile Registration/Title Application
Submit this form to the VT DMV in order to title and register a snowmobile.
SU-452
Use Tax Return
Report the sales tax paid on a vehicle or boat purchased in Vermont.
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