Vermont driver's licenses renew every five years, and you can do it by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office

Vermont's renewal process depends on your license type and whether you need to update information. Standard licenses expire five years from the date they were issued. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for it—you can renew anytime in the final year. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you renew online for most situations, by mail if you prefer, or in person if your license has restrictions or you need to make changes.

Your renewal notice will show your license number, expiration date, and which renewal method works for your situation. If you've moved, changed your name, or need to correct information, you may need to visit a DMV office instead of using mail or online renewal. Renewal fees are the same regardless of method: $75 for a five-year license.

Key Takeaways

  • Vermont licenses expire five years from issue and can be renewed online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
  • You can renew anytime during the final year before expiration, and the DMV sends a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires.
  • Online renewal works for most people but requires a valid email address and a credit or debit card for the $75 fee.
  • If you've moved, changed your name, or need to correct information on your license, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
  • Expired licenses cannot be renewed by mail or online; you must visit a DMV office in person if your license is past the expiration date.

Renewing online through the Vermont DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your information hasn't changed and your license is not expired. Go to the Vermont DMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and show you what information is on file.

Review everything carefully—address, name spelling, height, eye color, and any restrictions or endorsements. If anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online; you'll need to start over and choose the in-person option instead. Once you confirm your information is correct, you'll pay the $75 renewal fee with a credit or debit card. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 10 business days.

Renewing by mail with the DMV renewal notice

Mail renewal uses the renewal notice the DMV sends you. Fill out the form that comes with the notice, sign it, and include a check or money order for $75 payable to the Vermont DMV. Do not send cash. Mail the completed form and payment to the address printed on the notice.

Processing by mail takes longer than online—typically two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Mail can be delayed, so send your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires if you need it by a specific date. Keep a copy of what you send in case there's a question about your payment. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on your renewal notice.

Renewing in person at a Vermont DMV office

Visit a DMV office if your license is expired, if you've moved or changed your name, or if you need to correct information that online or mail renewal won't let you fix. Bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $75 in cash, check, or debit card. If you've changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

DMV offices are located in Montpelier, Rutland, Saint Johnsbury, and White River Junction. Wait times vary by location and time of day; the DMV website shows current wait times for each office. You can also make an appointment online through the Vermont DMV website, which reserves a specific time slot and reduces your wait. Appointments fill up quickly during peak months, so book as soon as you know you need to renew.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

An expired license cannot be renewed by mail or online. You must go to a DMV office in person with your expired license, proof of address, and $75. The DMV will issue you a new license on the spot or mail it to you, depending on the office's procedures.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Vermont, even if you've submitted a renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you can show proof that you've applied for renewal, but that does not prevent a ticket. If your license expired more than a few years ago, the DMV may require you to retake the written test or vision test before issuing a new one, so renewing before expiration is much simpler.

Address changes and other information updates

If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Online and mail renewal will use the address on file with the DMV, so if you've moved and haven't notified them yet, you need to renew in person. Bring proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Name changes, corrections to height or eye color, and updates to restrictions or endorsements also require in-person renewal. If you've gotten married, divorced, or legally changed your name, bring the court order or vital record showing the change. The DMV will not process these updates by mail or online.

Fees and payment methods

Vermont charges $75 for a five-year driver's license renewal, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online and in-person renewal accept cash, check, or debit card. Mail renewal requires a check or money order—do not send cash through the mail. If you pay by check, make it payable to the Vermont DMV.

There are no additional fees for standard renewals. If you need a duplicate license or a corrected license due to an error the DMV made, those services have separate fees. The DMV website lists all current fees and what each one covers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Vermont license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest if your information hasn't changed. If you've moved out of state, update your address during renewal so your new license is mailed to your current address.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You don't need the renewal notice to renew online or in person. For online renewal, go to the Vermont DMV website and enter your license number and date of birth. For in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of address. For mail renewal, contact the DMV to request a new notice or renewal form.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online renewal typically takes 10 business days for mail delivery. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. In-person renewal may issue your license on the spot at some offices, or mail it within a few days—ask when you visit.

Do I need to take a new photo for license renewal?

No. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. In-person renewal may take a new photo depending on the office and how long it's been since your last one, but a new photo is not required for standard renewal.

What if my license has a medical restriction or CDL endorsement?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has medical restrictions or a commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of address, and any medical documentation the DMV requires for your restriction.