Registration Renewal in Vermont

1) Determine the Status of Your Registration

Registration renewal takes place on an annual basis through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In some cases, residents can opt for a two-year registration.

Renew VT Registration

Residents who own and operate (or lease and operate) a vehicle for a period of more than 30 days must renew their registration. They also must hold valid auto insurance or be able to prove financial responsibility. If you want to find out more about state requirements or if you want to compare auto insurance quotes online, see our Insurance Center.

To get started with the renewal process, scroll down to "Check Your Renewal Notice."

Register a Vehicle in VT for the First Time

If you are registering a vehicle in your name or in this state for the first time, visit our page dedicated to first-time registration.

Register a Non-Operational Vehicle

There are no specific steps to take regarding a non-operational vehicle. For more information, please contact your local DMV office.

2) Check Your Renewal Notice

You should receive a registration renewal notice in the mail at least three weeks before your current registration is set to expire. This notice lists what you owe, whether you need to have the vehicle inspected or its emissions tested, and by when you need to renew.

If you don’t receive this notice you’ll have to renew through the main office in Montpelier. Scroll down to the section titled “In Person” or “By Mail” for details on what to do.

Mandatory Annual Vehicle Inspections

Most vehicles require a state inspection. If this is the case for you, have the vehicle inspected so you can receive and display your inspection sticker before it expires. When you visit the inspection station you must present your valid proof of insurance or financial responsibility.

3) Calculate Your Fees

Your renewal notice lists what you owe in renewal fees to the DMV. If you didn’t receive this notice, complete a VT Registration Application (TAVD119) (to deliver to the main office in Montpelier) and contact the DMV at (802) 828-2000 for details on what you owe.

Renewing can be a pricey (and required) endeavor. But you don’t have to feel locked into paying the highest insurance rates. Visit our Insurance Center to shop online for the best quote.

Avoid Late Fees and Penalties

If you allow your registration to expire law enforcement, can pull you over and issue you a citation. For those with a registration expired for more than a year, you can visit any branch office or a mobile van unit to start from scratch.

4) Renew Online, In Person or By Mail

Renew Online

The online system has two levels of functionality. If you need to simply renew the registration of a particular vehicle, you’ll enter your plate or registration number. If you want to renew the registration on all of your vehicles at once, change your address, or access previously registered vehicle receipts, log in using your registration renewal or driver’s license number.

The two registration ID numbers are located in the middle of your renewal notice.

1. Be ready to pay using your MasterCard, Visa, or Discover credit card.
2. Have ready either your license plate or registration number or your registration renewal or driver’s license number.
3. Visit and log in to the state’s DMV Express online service.
4. Expect your stickers to arrive in the mail within four to six business days. The transaction receipt does not serve as a temporary registration, so if you drive your vehicle with expired stickers you might get a citation. If more than seven days have gone by and you have not yet received your stickers, call the DMV helpline at (802) 828-2000.

NOTE: The state's help desk is available via e-mail if you run into technical issues using the online system. If you have questions regarding your renewal, e-mail the Commissioner’s Office.

In Person

If you did not receive your registration renewal notice, you must handle your renewal through the main office in Montpelier.

If you did receive a notice in the mail, feel free to renew at a branch office or mobile van location. Just be sure you check the office you plan on visiting offers registration renewal as one of its services; not all offices offer renewal services.

1. Determine whether you received a renewal notice to figure out if you should go to the main office, a branch office, or a mobile van unit (you can only renew at a mobile van location if your registration has been expired for more than a year).
2. Be prepared with an appropriate form of payment to pay your fees. Not all offices accept credit cards (including the main office and branch offices), and not all accept cash (all mobile locations).
3. Visit either the main office in Montpelier or a branch office or mobile van location that offers registration renewals as one of its services (not all locations do). You'll immediately receive your new registration and stickers.

By Mail

1. Use this option if you have at least two weeks before your registration is set to expire. If you never received your renewal notice in the mail, complete a VT Registration Application (TAVD119).
2. Be prepared to send a check or money order in the amount owed. Do not send cash by mail.
3. Don’t mail your renewal to a branch or mobile office. You must mail everything to the main office in Montpelier at:
   • Main Office
   • 120 State St.
   • Montpelier, VT 05603-0001

5) Affix Your Stickers

Follow the instructions that come with the decals.

6) Get a Tax Deduction

You can only deduct a portion of your renewal fee if what you owe is based on the value of your vehicle, not the weight. That is an indication that the state views your vehicle as property. It’s best to consult a tax attorney if you have tax-related questions.

7) Do Your Part to Keep Our Roadways Safe

By nature, driving can be dangerous. Therefore you should do your best to increase the chances of safe travel. One way is insist your vehicle is always in optimal running condition. That translates into keeping up with changing your oil, rotating or replacing your tires, and staying on top of routine tune ups.

You might also consider a roadside assistance program to reduce the risk of being stranded if your car breaks down or if you get a flat. Also try to find a mechanic you can trust even check out after-market auto warranties.

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