New to Vermont

SUMMARY: New Vermont Residents

If you're a new resident of Vermont, you'll need to obtain a VT driver's license and register your vehicle in person at a DMV office. If you'd like to be able to vote in the next election or elect to be an organ donor, you'll need to register first. If you're a member of the military, you and your family may be exempt from some of the licensing and vehicle registration requirements in the state.

Keep reading this page to find all the information you need to complete your transactions with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Vermont State Departments

The main agency in Vermont responsible for vehicle- and licensing-related services is the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Services provided by the DMV include:

  • Driver's licenses and ID cards.
  • Vehicle registration and renewal.
  • Vehicle titling and transfers.
  • License plates and parking placards.
  • Teen driving permits.

Additionally, the Office of the Secretary of State is responsible for overseeing elections and voter registration in Vermont, though you can also register to vote when you visit your local DMV office for your driver's license application.

If you run into trouble with the law or receive a traffic violation as a Vermont resident, you'll interact with the Vermont Judicial Bureau.

Just Moved?

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

VT Driver's License/ID Cards

If you have an out-of-state driver's license, you will need to transfer it for a Vermont license within 60 days or before your current driver's license expires.

You will need to visit your local VT DMV office in person, present the required documents, and pay the driver's license fee. Depending on your situation, you may need to pass the vision exam and written test. For complete instructions, visit our page on Applying for a New License.

If you need to transfer your commercial driver's license (CDL), see our Applying for a New CDL page.

Teen Drivers

If you're a teenager, you will only be eligible for a VT driver's license once you've completed each stage of the DMV's graduated driver's licensing (GDL) program. Check out our guide to Applying for a New Teen License for more information.

Identification Cards

If you're new to Vermont and don't need a driver's license, you may want to apply for a Vermont identification card. This way you'll have some form of ID. In order to get one, you'll need to provide some documents and payment for the required fee. You can learn more on our Identification Cards in Vermont page.

Register Your Car in Vermont

Once you have established residency in Vermont you have 60 days to register your vehicle with the DMV. To learn more about the process, please visit our steps toCar Registration in Vermont.

If you own an off-road vehicle, trailer, moped, or other unique vehicle, you'll also need to register it with the Vermont DMV, but the process may differ. Our Other Vehicle Registrations in Vermont page has all the important facts.

Car Insurance Requirements

In Vermont, you are required to purchase liability and uninsured motorist coverage for your vehicle. Since you are changing states, this is a great time to compare rates. Our Car Insurance in Vermont page can help answer any questions you may have.

Car Inspection Requirements

Almost all vehicles in Vermont must undergo a safety inspection with 15 days of being registered. Most other vehicles are required to also have an emissions inspection however, there are a few exceptions. You can learn more on our Car Inspections in Vermont page.

Organ Donor and Voter Registration

If you were a registered organ donor in your previous state, you'll need to re-register once you become a resident of Vermont. For more information about organ donation and how it can save lives, or to register today, visit our Organ Donation page.

Would you like to have your say next Election Day? Then make sure you're registered to vote by the deadline date. Even if you were registered to vote at your previous address, you'll need to re-register in Vermont. Visit our Voter Registration page to learn how.

Military Members Stationed in Vermont

If you are only in Vermont temporarily to fulfill your military duties, you may be exempt from the state's licensing and vehicle registration requirements. Visit our Drivers in the Military page to learn what benefits you and your family may have.

DMV Office Location & Resources

When you're ready to head down to your local DMV office, use our locater tool to find the address.

It's also a good idea to read the Vermont DMV's driving manuals and make sure you are aware of all the road rules:

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