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 about 30 days before your registration expires. The notice includes your renewal fee, which depends on your vehicle's age and weight. You can renew through the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles website, by mailing your notice and payment to your town clerk, or by visiting the clerk's office in person. If you miss the expiration date, you can still renew, but you may owe a late fee.

The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes if your vehicle information hasn't changed. You'll need your current registration card and a valid payment method. If your vehicle has been modified, you've changed your address, or your name differs from the registration, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Vermont registration renews every two years, and the state mails renewal notices about 30 days before expiration.
  • You can renew online through the Vermont DMV website, by mail to your town clerk, or in person at the clerk's office.
  • Online renewal works only if your vehicle information and personal details match your current registration exactly.
  • Renewal fees vary based on your vehicle's age and weight, and late fees explore if you renew after the expiration date.
  • You must pass a vehicle inspection before renewing if your current inspection has expired or will expire within 30 days.

Online renewal through the Vermont DMV website

The Vermont DMV website allows you to renew online if your registration is current and your vehicle information hasn't changed. Go to the DMV's online services portal, enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and registration number, and follow the prompts. You'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The system will email you a temporary registration document that you can print or save to your phone while you wait for your new card in the mail.

Online renewal is the fastest option and takes effect when ready. Your new registration card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. This method works best if you're renewing on time and your vehicle details are unchanged. If the system rejects your information, it means you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead.

Renewing by mail to your town clerk

To renew by mail, complete the renewal notice the state sent you, include your payment, and mail it to your town clerk's office. The address appears on the notice itself. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee—the DMV does not accept credit cards by mail. Mail your packet at least two weeks before your registration expires to allow time for processing.

Your town clerk will process the renewal and mail your new registration card to the address on file. If you've moved, changed your name, or modified your vehicle, include a note explaining the change or bring documentation when you renew in person. Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time your clerk receives your packet.

Renewing in person at your town clerk's office

You can renew your registration by visiting your town clerk's office in person. Bring your current registration card and a valid photo ID. If your vehicle information or personal details have changed, bring documentation of the change—a bill of service for modifications, a new driver's license for an address change, or a marriage certificate for a name change. Payment can be made by cash, check, or card, depending on what your town clerk accepts.

In-person renewal is the best option if you need to update your registration information or if you're renewing late. Your new card is usually issued on the spot or mailed within a few days. Town clerk office hours vary by location, so call ahead or check your town's website to confirm when they're open.

Vehicle inspection requirements before renewal

Vermont requires a current vehicle inspection before you can renew your registration. If your inspection expires within 30 days of your registration expiration, you must pass a new inspection before renewing. You can have your vehicle inspected at any Vermont-licensed inspection station—these include many repair shops, gas stations, and dealerships.

The inspection checks your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, and emissions (for vehicles built after 1975). The inspection sticker goes on your windshield and is valid for one year. Once you have a current inspection, you can renew your registration through any of the three methods described above. If your inspection fails, you'll need to repair the vehicle and have it re-inspected before you can renew.

Renewal fees and late fees

Vermont's renewal fee depends on your vehicle's age and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The state publishes a fee schedule on the DMV website. Most passenger vehicles cost between $70 and $100 to renew, but trucks and heavier vehicles may cost more. If you renew after your registration expires, you'll owe an additional late fee on top of the standard renewal cost.

The DMV does not publish a specific late fee amount, so contact your town clerk to find out what you'll owe if you're renewing past the expiration date. Renewing late does not affect your ability to renew—you can renew at any time—but you should not drive with an expired registration. If you're stopped by law enforcement, you may receive a citation.

What to do if you lose your renewal notice

If you don't receive your renewal notice or lose it before renewing, you can still renew using your vehicle identification number (VIN) and registration number. Contact your town clerk's office and they can look up your registration information and tell you the renewal fee. You can then renew online, by mail, or in person using that information.

If you can't locate your registration card or VIN, visit your town clerk in person with a photo ID and proof of ownership (such as your title or insurance card). The clerk can look up your vehicle and provide the information you need to renew. There is no charge for this service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my inspection has expired?

No. You must have a current inspection before renewing. If your inspection expires within 30 days of your registration expiration, get a new inspection first. Once you pass, you can renew your registration through any method.

What happens if I drive with an expired registration?

Driving with an expired registration is a violation. Law enforcement can stop you and issue a citation. You can renew at any time, even after expiration, so contact your town clerk or use online renewal as soon as possible.

Do I need to renew my registration if I sell my vehicle?

No. When you sell your vehicle, the new owner registers it in their name. You should notify your town clerk that you've sold the vehicle so they don't send you renewal notices. The buyer is responsible for registering the vehicle.

How long does online renewal take to show up in the system?

Online renewal takes effect when ready. You'll receive a temporary registration document by email that you can print or show on your phone. Your physical registration card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

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

If you've moved out of Vermont, you should register your vehicle in your new state instead of renewing in Vermont. Contact your new state's DMV to learn about registration requirements. You should not renew a Vermont registration if you no longer live in the state.