What Vermont's Temporary Registration Covers

Vermont's temporary registration is a short-term permit that lets you drive a vehicle legally while you wait for your permanent registration to arrive in the mail. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles issues it as a paper document, usually valid for 45 days from the date of issue. You can use it on any public road in Vermont and, in most cases, in other states as well.

The temporary registration is not the same as a registration plate. It does not replace the need for a valid inspection sticker or proof of insurance. You must carry the temporary registration document with you while driving, just as you would carry permanent registration papers.

Vermont issues temporary registrations when you buy a vehicle, transfer ownership, renew an expired registration, or change your address. The DMV prints it on the spot or mails it to you depending on how you complete your transaction.

Key Takeaways

  • Vermont temporary registrations are valid for 45 days and serve as proof of ownership while you wait for permanent plates and registration documents.
  • You can obtain a temporary registration in person at any DMV office, by mail, or online through the Vermont DMV website for certain transactions.
  • You must carry your temporary registration with you while driving, along with proof of insurance and a valid inspection sticker.
  • If your temporary registration expires before your permanent registration arrives, contact the Vermont DMV to request an extension.

Getting a Temporary Registration in Person at a DMV Office

The fastest way to receive a temporary registration is to visit a Vermont DMV office in person. Bring your proof of ownership (title, bill of sale, or previous registration), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), a valid photo ID, and proof of insurance. The DMV staff will process your paperwork and issue the temporary registration on the spot, usually within 15 minutes.

Vermont has DMV offices in Montpelier, Rutland, Saint Johnsbury, and White River Junction. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day. Call ahead or check the Vermont DMV website to confirm hours and current wait times before you go.

Bring your vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) if you have it available. This number appears on your title, bill of sale, or on the dashboard of the vehicle itself. Having it ready speeds up the process.

Requesting a Temporary Registration by Mail

If you cannot visit a DMV office in person, you can request a temporary registration by mail. Send a completed Form MV-20 (process for Registration) along with your title or bill of sale, proof of residency, and a copy of your photo ID to the Vermont DMV. Include a check or money order for the registration fee, which varies based on vehicle weight and type.

Mail your documents to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, 120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603. Processing by mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days. The DMV will mail your temporary registration to the address you provide on the form.

This method works best if you are not in a rush to drive the vehicle. If you need to drive it within a few days, visiting an office in person is faster.

Online Registration Renewal and Temporary Permits

If you are renewing an existing registration (not registering a vehicle for the first time), you may be able to renew online through the Vermont DMV website. The online system allows you to pay the renewal fee and print a temporary registration when ready after completing your transaction.

The online renewal option is available only if your registration is not expired by more than 60 days and you have not changed your address or vehicle information. If your situation is more complex, you will need to use the in-person or mail-in process instead.

Print your temporary registration as soon as the online transaction is complete. Keep the printed document in your vehicle at all times while driving.

What Happens When Your Temporary Registration Expires

Your temporary registration is valid for 45 days. Your permanent registration documents and plates should arrive by mail before that important date. If they do not arrive, contact the Vermont DMV when ready to request an extension.

Do not drive without valid registration. If your temporary registration has expired and your permanent registration has not arrived, the DMV can issue a second temporary registration by phone or in person. Have your registration number and vehicle VIN ready when you call.

The Vermont DMV phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can reach them at (802) 828-2000. Explain that your temporary registration has expired and ask for an extension or a replacement temporary document.

Temporary Registration and Out-of-State Travel

Vermont temporary registrations are generally recognized in other states, but some states have restrictions on how long you can drive on a temporary permit from another state. If you plan to travel out of state, check the rules of the state you are visiting or passing through.

Carry your temporary registration, proof of insurance, and a valid photo ID in your vehicle. Some states may question a temporary registration if you are stopped, so be prepared to explain that you are waiting for permanent plates. Having the DMV's contact information handy can help if a law enforcement officer has questions.

If you will be living in another state soon, register your vehicle in that state rather than Vermont. Temporary registrations are meant for short-term use while you wait for permanent registration, not for long-term driving in a different state.

Fees and What You Need to Bring

Vermont registration fees depend on your vehicle's weight, type (passenger car, truck, motorcycle, etc.), and whether you are registering it for the first time or renewing. Fees range but are typically between $50 and $150 for a standard passenger vehicle. The DMV website lists exact fees by vehicle category.

Bring these documents to any DMV office: your title or bill of sale, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), a valid photo ID, and proof of insurance. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Vermont, you may also need to show proof that the vehicle has passed a Vermont inspection.

Payment methods vary by location. Most DMV offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local office accepts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive out of state with a Vermont temporary registration?

Yes, Vermont temporary registrations are generally recognized in other states. However, some states restrict how long you can drive on another state's temporary permit. Check the rules of the state you are visiting before you travel. Always carry your temporary registration, proof of insurance, and a valid photo ID.

What do I do if my temporary registration expires before my permanent registration arrives?

Contact the Vermont DMV at (802) 828-2000 or visit a DMV office in person to request an extension or a replacement temporary registration. Do not drive without valid registration. The DMV can usually issue a second temporary permit within one business day.

Do I need an inspection sticker to use a temporary registration?

Yes. A temporary registration is not a substitute for a valid inspection sticker. Your vehicle must pass a Vermont inspection before you can legally drive it on public roads. The inspection sticker is separate from your registration and must be current.

Can I get a temporary registration online?

You can renew an existing registration online and print a temporary permit when ready if your registration is not expired by more than 60 days and you have not changed your address or vehicle. For new registrations or more complex situations, you must visit a DMV office or mail in your documents.

How long does it take to get a permanent registration after I receive a temporary one?

Permanent registration documents and plates typically arrive within 45 days of your transaction. If they do not arrive by the time your temporary registration expires, contact the DMV to request an extension. Processing times may be longer during busy periods.