How to Renew Your Vermont Driver's License

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

Vermont's renewal process depends on whether your license is still valid or has already expired. If your license is current or expiring within 60 days, you can renew online through the Vermont DMV website without visiting an office. If your license expired more than 60 days ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail with additional documentation.

The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $70 for a five-year license. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal is available if your license is current or expiring within 60 days, and costs $70 for five years.
Expired licenses more than 60 days old require an in-person visit to a DMV office or a mail renewal with a notarized process.
Vermont DMV offices are located in Montpelier, Rutland, and St. Johnsbury, with limited hours that vary by location.
You'll need proof of Vermont residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) and your Social Security number for any renewal method.
Mail renewals take 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DMV receives your process.

Renewing online through the Vermont DMV website

The Vermont DMV online renewal system is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to the Vermont DMV website, select "Renew Your License," and enter your license number and date of birth. The system will confirm your may be able to access and show you the renewal fee.

You'll provide your current address, confirm your Social Security number, and choose whether you want a standard or REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID license costs $5 more ($75 total) and is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. Pay with a debit or credit card, and your new license ships within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than 60 days. It's also not available if you've had a name change, address change to outside Vermont, or medical condition changes since your last renewal.

Renewing in person at a Vermont DMV office

Vermont has three full-service DMV offices: Montpelier (the main office), Rutland, and St. Johnsbury. You can walk in during business hours or schedule an appointment online through the Vermont DMV website. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring your current license, proof of Vermont residency (a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement with your name and address), and your Social Security number. The renewal fee is $70 for a standard five-year license or $75 for REAL ID. In-person renewals are processed when ready, and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.

Office hours vary: Montpelier is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Rutland is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; St. Johnsbury is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call ahead or check the DMV website to confirm current hours, as they change seasonally.

Renewing by mail if your license is expired

If your license expired more than 60 days ago, you can renew by mail instead of visiting an office. read the "process for Driver's License or Permit" form from the Vermont DMV website (Form DL-43), complete it, and have it notarized. You'll also need to include a copy of your proof of Vermont residency and a check or money order for $70 (or $75 for REAL ID).

Mail the notarized process, residency proof, and payment to the Vermont DMV, Montpelier office. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. You won't receive a temporary license by mail, so plan accordingly if you need to drive before your new license arrives.

The notarization requirement is the main reason mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal. Any notary public can notarize your process—banks, law offices, and some libraries offer this service for a small fee, usually $5 to $15.

What happens if your license expires while you're waiting

If you renew online and your license expires before the new one arrives, you can show your confirmation email to a police officer as proof that you've renewed. Vermont law allows a grace period for people who have submitted a renewal process in good faith.

If you're renewing in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, so you can drive legally while waiting for your plastic card. If you're renewing by mail and your license expires before you receive the new one, you should carry a copy of your mailed process and the DMV's receipt confirmation if you have it, though this is less reliable than a temporary license.

REAL ID versus standard license: what's the difference

A REAL ID-compliant license meets federal security standards and is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 7, 2025. A standard Vermont license does not meet these requirements. Both are valid for driving in Vermont indefinitely.

REAL ID costs $5 more ($75 instead of $70) and requires proof of citizenship or legal residency status in addition to your proof of Vermont residency. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or visa. If you're renewing online, the system will ask whether you want REAL ID and will tell you what documents to upload. If you're renewing in person, bring your citizenship document with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Vermont license if I've moved out of state?

No. If you've moved out of Vermont, you must obtain a license from your new state. Vermont requires proof of current residency to renew, and an out-of-state address disqualifies you from online renewal. You would need to visit a DMV office in person and provide documentation of your move, but the DMV will likely direct you to your new state's licensing authority instead.

What if I've changed my name since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online if you've had a legal name change. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of Vermont residency. The fee is the same ($70 or $75 for REAL ID).

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

Online and in-person renewals take 7 to 10 business days for the plastic card to arrive by mail. In-person renewals also give you a temporary paper license good for 30 days. Mail renewals take 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DMV receives your process.

Can I renew my license if it's been suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew online, by mail, or in person if your license is under suspension or revocation. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Vermont DMV. Contact the DMV directly to find out what steps are required before you can renew.

What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?

If you renewed online, show your confirmation email to a police officer as proof of renewal. If you renewed in person, you have a temporary paper license. If you renewed by mail and lose your license before the new one arrives, contact the Vermont DMV when ready to report it and ask about a replacement or temporary license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.