License Renewal in Vermont

Renew Your Vermont Driver's License

You're required to have a valid driver's license in Vermont if you plan to operate a vehicle. Every so often, you'll need to renew it with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

If you need information about other types of driver's licenses in Vermont, visit our other pages:

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 renewal or retain a standard license—details are outlined below. For more, visit the state's guide to REAL IDs.

Check Your VT Driver's License Status

Is your driver's license valid or suspended in Vermont? Find out by ordering your driving record online today.

When to Renew Your VT Driver's License

NOTE: If you need to update your address or name with the Vermont DMV, you'll need to indicate the change of address on your renewal application and/or provide documentation for the name change.

In Vermont, your driver's license will be valid for either 2 years or 4 years at a time.

As of January 1, 2014, you MUST CONDUCT YOUR NEXT RENEWAL IN PERSON, so as to comply with federal REAL ID requirements. If you do not renew in person, you will be issued a non-REAL ID compliant driver's license.

The VT DMV will send you a renewal notice before your driver's license expires. If you don't receive a notice, you'll have to complete the driver's license application. Continue reading below for more details.

Expired Driver's License

If you happen to miss the date to renew your driver's license, it will only be valid for 14 days after its expiration date. After that, you cannot legally drive in the state.

If your driver's license has been expired for more than 3 years and you decide to renew, you will be required to pass the vision, road, and written tests again.

Your driver's license will show the expiration date. However, you can also order a Vermont driving record, which will, among other things, tell whether your driver's license is expired or not.

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Renew Your Vermont Driver's License

NOTE: Your first renewal after January 1, 2014, must be done in person.

You can renew a valid Vermont driver's license in person at your local DMV office or by mail.

In Person

To renew your driver's license in person, visit your local Vermont DMV office and bring:

  • Your completed renewal notice, if you have it.
    OR
  • A completed Application for License/Permit (Form VL-021), if you did not receive a renewal notice.
  • 1 document to prove your identity and date of birth, such as your:
    • Valid U.S. passport.
    • U.S. birth certificate.
  • Proof of your lawful U.S. presence, such as your:
    • Valid foreign passport and current immigration documents.
    • U.S. Department of Homeland Security documents.
  • Proof of your Social Security number (SSN), which can include:
    • Your Social Security card.
    • A W-2 form.
    • A Social Security Administration (SSA) 1099 form.
    • A pay-stub that includes your SSN.
  • 2 documents to prove your Vermont residency, such as:
    • Mail that includes your name and address.
    • Utility bills.
    • Rental agreements.
  • Payment for the renewal fee.
    • See “Fees to Renew Your VT Driver's License" below.

For a complete list of accepted identification documents, please see the Vermont DMV website.

NOTE: You may need to have your photograph taken.

By Mail

NOTE: If you decide to renew by mail for your 1st renewal after January 1, 2014, you will NOT be issued a federally compliant driver's license.

To renew your VT driver's license by mail, you'll need to:

  • Answer all the questions in your renewal notice.
  • Provide payment for your driver's license renewal fee.
    • See “Fees to Renew Your VT Driver's License" below for more details.
  • Mail your documents and fees to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
120 State St,
Montpelier, VT 05603

In this case, you will receive a non-REAL ID compliant driver's license, which is only valid for the next 2 years. In order to receive your valid REAL ID license, you MUST renew your driver's license in person.

If you haven't received your renewed license, you can check the status of your order by contacting the VT DMV.

Out-of-State VT Residents & Military

Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany

If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.

If you are a resident of Vermont and currently out of state on active-duty military service, your license is automatically extended from its expiration date. Print a Military Extension Card to keep with your license while you drive out of state.

Should you choose to renew while away, you can do so by mail; however, you won't be issued a REAL ID-compliant license. See Renew Your Vermont Driver's License above.

You must renew your VT driver's license within 30 days of your discharge. To do so, provide the following to the Vermont DMV:

  • A completed Application for License/Permit (Form VL-021).
  • Proof of your identity, date of birth, Vermont residency, and lawful status in the U.S.
  • Your Social Security number (SSN).
  • Proof of the dates you were an active-duty military member.
  • A statement on the Armed Forces letterhead signed by a commissioned officer (other than yourself).
  • A copy of your discharge papers.

Fees to Renew Your VT Driver's License

The cost for renewing your operator's license in Vermont is dependent on its validity period, and is as follows:

  • 4 years: $62.
  • 2 years: $39.

Acceptable Payment Methods

Vermont DMV offices accept the following payment methods:

  • Cash.
  • Check or money order.

Mailed-in renewals must be paid by check or money order only. DO NOT send cash.

Some DMV kiosks in Vermont will accept credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, Discover).

We recommend you contact your local Vermont DMV office for specific details on how to pay your driver's license renewal fees.

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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