Updated on July 21, 2021
Did you know Vermont requires annual safety program at the time of registration renewal? The program includes both an emissions inspection and safety inspection of your vehicle. To complete these, you need your Vermont registration, insurance, and payment for testing fees. Once you pass both assessments, your renewal can be completed.

If you’re new to the Green Mountain State, you have 30 days to register your vehicle with the Vermont DMV. Once registered, you have 15 days to complete the required safety program inspections. You also have to complete a VIN check following your initial registration in the state. Once all inspections are completed, you’ll be ready to join the over 206,000 registered vehicles of Vermont! Keep reding for info about Vermont tags renewal.

Vermont Vehicle Registration Renewal Guide

How to Renew a Car Registration in Vermont

Losing your Vermont car registration is a hassle, but you can get a replacement without going through too much trouble. It’s crucial you replace your registration as soon as possible since a valid registration is required to drive in the state of Vermont.

To get a replacement vehicle registration in Vermont, you’ll need to visit the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or go to the website. You’ll need to provide some basic information about yourself and your vehicle and pay a fee.

Keep reading to learn how to replace your vehicle registration in Vermont.

Replacement Registration vs. Registration Renewal

Renewing and replacing your registration are two different processes. You can only renew your registration if you still have your old one and it’s expired by fewer than 10 months.

If you lose your registration or it’s been expired for more than 10 months, you’ll need to get a replacement registration from the Vermont DMV. You will have to fill out an application and pay a fee for a duplicate registration.

Approximately 3 weeks before your vehicle registration is due you will receive a renewal notice and an application from the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles.

To renew your registration you can renew either by phone, online, in person, or through the mail.

Vermont Online Registration Renewal Options

You will only be able to renew your registration online if you receive a renewal notice and it is during the month that the registration expires.

To renew online you will need to visit the DMV express website and provide your plate number, your insurance company and your policy number, and have a valid MasterCard, Discover, or Visa to use to pay your fees.

Renewing You Registration In Person In Vermont

To renew in person you will need to go to your local county treasurer’s office and bring the following:

• Renewal notice or your current registration certificate
• Payment for the fees: some offices still do not accept credit cards so you may wish to call ahead if you plan on paying in this way
• Driver’s license or other form of identification
• Proof of auto insurance

You may also renew your registration by mail at the same time you are paying any associated vehicle taxes. You will need to make sure that the information on your renewal is correct and then follow the instructions that are provided.

Replacing Stolen License Plates In Vermont

License plates are a common target for theft or vandalism. If your license plates have been stolen, the first thing you should do is pay a visit to your local police department to file a police report.

You can then take this police report to the Vermont DMV where you can apply for replacement license plates. Even though your plates were stolen, you will have to pay a replacement fee.

How to Replace a Lost Plate Sticker In Vermont

If you happen to lose your license plate sticker or it gets damaged, you can get a replacement by filling out an application for a duplicate vehicle registration. When your permanent vehicle registration is sent in the mail, you will get a permanent replacement car tag as well.

Vermont Registration Replacement Locations

Where can I go to replace my vehicle registration in person?

In Vermont, you have two different methods for replacing your registration. You can fill out an application and pay your fee in person at a Vermont DMV office near you, or you can use the online system provided by the Vermont DMV.

In either case, you will have to fill out the same application and pay the same fee. You will also be given a temporary car registration until your permanent registration arrives in the mail.

What to Do With Old VT License Plates

What do I do with old license plates? Where can I discard my plates?

Over time, license plates can become worn out. While you aren’t obligated to replace your plates if they’re still readable, you may want to. You can do this by filling out a Replacement Plate Application with the Vermont DMV.

You will have to submit this application in person or send it by mail. There will also be a fee of $12 per replacement license plate.

Unlike in many states, Vermont requires that you mail old license plates to the DMV headquarters. This is so that they can cancel all registration fees associated with the plates.

Replacing Your Plates with Specialty Plates

The Vermont DMV offers a handful of specialty plates if you want to add a bit of flair to your vehicle. You can replace your lost or stolen plates with these specialty plates by filing an application at the DMV.

You will have to pay an additional fee—either annually or one time—to obtain specialty plates.

Some specialty plates can be used as vanity plates, although many of them can’t. You can learn more about the range of specialty plates, including how much they cost and whether or not they allow for customization here.