Vermont registration renews every two years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at your town clerk's office

Vermont sends renewal notices 30 to 60 days before your registration expires. The notice includes your renewal fee, which depends on your vehicle's weight and age. You have three ways to renew: online through the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles website, by mailing the notice with a check to your town clerk, or by visiting your town clerk's office in person. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes a few minutes; mail takes one to two weeks; in-person renewal is when ready.

You do not need to pass an inspection before renewing in Vermont — the state does not require vehicle inspections. However, your registration will not renew if you have unpaid parking tickets, outstanding tolls, or an active suspension on your license. If any of these explore, you will need to resolve them first.

Key Takeaways

  • Vermont registration renews every two years, and the state mails you a renewal notice 30 to 60 days before expiration.
  • You can renew online at the DMV website, by mail to your town clerk, or in person — online is fastest and takes a few minutes.
  • The renewal fee is based on your vehicle's weight and age, and the amount appears on your renewal notice.
  • Your registration will not renew if you have unpaid parking tickets, outstanding tolls, or a suspended license — these must be cleared first.
  • Vermont does not require vehicle inspections, so you do not need to pass one before renewing.

Renewing online through the DMV website

The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles website allows you to renew online if you have your renewal notice and a valid payment method. Go to dmv.vermont.gov, select "Register a Vehicle," then choose "Renew Registration." Enter your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and the information from your renewal notice. You can pay by debit card or credit card. The system will confirm your renewal when ready and email you a receipt.

Online renewal works only if your registration is not yet expired and you have no holds on your account. If your registration has already expired, you will need to renew in person or by mail and may face a late fee. If the system rejects your renewal, it will tell you why — usually because of an unpaid ticket or toll — and you will need to resolve that issue before trying again.

Renewing by mail to your town clerk

If you prefer to renew by mail, sign the renewal notice, write a check for the amount shown, and mail both to your town clerk's office. The address appears on the notice itself. Include your current mailing address so the clerk can send your new registration back to you. Mail renewal typically takes one to two weeks, depending on postal delivery and how quickly your town processes it.

Mail your renewal at least two weeks before your registration expires to avoid a gap in coverage. If your registration expires before the renewal arrives, you are driving without valid registration and risk a traffic stop. Keep a copy of the signed notice and check stub as proof you sent it, in case you are stopped before the new registration arrives.

Renewing in person at your town clerk's office

Bring your renewal notice, a valid payment method (cash, check, or card — policies vary by town), and your vehicle's current registration to your town clerk's office. The clerk will process your renewal on the spot and issue you a new registration card and sticker. This takes 10 to 15 minutes. Hours and locations vary by town; search your town's name plus "town clerk" online or call ahead to confirm hours.

In-person renewal is the best option if your registration has already expired or is expiring very soon, because you walk out with a valid registration when ready. Some towns also accept online payments through their websites, so check your town clerk's page before visiting.

What happens if your registration expires

Driving with an expired registration is a civil violation in Vermont and can result in a traffic stop and fine. If you miss your renewal date, you can still renew, but you may owe a late fee in addition to your regular renewal fee. The amount of the late fee varies; contact your town clerk to find out what you owe.

If your registration has been expired for more than a year, you may need to renew in person rather than online or by mail. Some towns require you to bring your vehicle for a visual inspection to confirm it still exists and matches the registration. Call your town clerk's office to ask what is required before you attempt to renew.

Holds that prevent renewal

Vermont will not issue a new registration if you have unpaid parking tickets, outstanding tolls from the highway system, or a suspended driver's license. These holds come from different agencies: parking tickets from your municipality, tolls from the Agency of Transportation, and license suspensions from the DMV itself.

To clear a parking ticket hold, pay the ticket to the town that issued it. To clear a toll hold, contact the Vermont Agency of Transportation toll collection unit. To clear a license suspension, contact the DMV directly at 802-828-2000 to find out what you need to do. Once any hold is cleared, you can renew when ready.

Renewing a vehicle with a lien or loan

If you are financing your vehicle, your lender may hold the title. You can still renew your registration — the lender's interest in the title does not affect registration renewal. Bring your renewal notice and payment to your town clerk or renew online as usual. The registration is in your name, not the lender's, so the process is the same.

If your lender requires proof of current registration as part of your loan agreement, keep a copy of your new registration card or the receipt from your renewal. Some lenders ask to see this once a year to confirm the vehicle is still registered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration before the notice arrives?

You can renew online or in person once you are within 30 days of expiration, even if the notice has not arrived yet. You will need your VIN and current license plate number. If you have not received the notice and your expiration date is approaching, contact your town clerk to confirm the amount you owe.

What if I moved and did not get my renewal notice?

Contact your town clerk and provide your new address. They can mail a replacement notice or tell you the renewal fee so you can renew online or in person. Update your address with the DMV at the same time so future notices reach you.

Do I need to renew my registration sticker if I already have one on my windshield?

Yes. Vermont requires a current sticker on your vehicle. When you renew, you will receive a new sticker with the new expiration date. Remove the old sticker and place the new one in the same location on your windshield or license plate, depending on what your town requires.

Can I renew if my vehicle has a salvage or rebuilt title?

Yes, you can renew a vehicle with a salvage or rebuilt title through the same process. Bring your renewal notice and proof of payment to your town clerk, or renew online if the system accepts your vehicle. Some rebuilt vehicles may require an inspection; your town clerk can tell you if yours does.

What if I sell my vehicle before the registration expires?

You do not need to renew a registration for a vehicle you no longer own. Notify your town clerk that you have sold the vehicle and provide the buyer's information if you have it. The new owner will need to register the vehicle in their name. You are not responsible for renewal fees after the sale.