Visiting the Vermont DMV: appointments, what to bring and what to expect

Which tasks the Vermont DMV lets you finish online, by mail or at a town clerk instead, how to book an office appointment or exam, and which documents, forms and payment to bring.

Guide · Vermont · Appointments · updated October 29, 2026

In Vermont, one agency handles both driver licensing and vehicles: the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), part of the Vermont Agency of Transportation. It issues driver's licenses, learner's permits and non-driver ID cards, and it registers and titles vehicles. This guide covers what you can do without going in, how to book a visit, and what to bring so one trip is enough.

Where you can go

The DMV's main office is at 120 State Street in Montpelier. The locations page lists other DMV offices in Bennington, Dummerston, Newport, Rutland, Saint Albans, Saint Johnsbury, South Burlington, Springfield and White River Junction. It also lists separate sites for CDL and motorcycle skills testing. On the third Wednesday of each month, DMV offices open at 8:45 a.m., and the DMV says it is closed on most Vermont state holidays.

Participating town clerks can renew some vehicle registrations, but only in limited cases:

• You must have the preprinted renewal form the DMV mailed to you.
• The registration must expire in the current month or one of the two previous months.
• No changes other than address are allowed.
• Town clerks do not handle driver's license transactions.

The town clerk charges its own processing fee for each renewal, separate from the renewal fee. For the renewal fee itself, they accept only checks and money orders for the correct amount, not cash.

For offices near you, see the Vermont DMV office list on this site, and check the DMV's own locations page for current hours.

Check whether you need to visit at all

The DMV's online portal, myDMV (mydmv.vermont.gov), handles many common tasks. Its pages describe these online options:

• Renewing a driver's license, if your photo stays valid for the whole renewal period
• Replacing a lost, stolen or destroyed license, permit or non-driver ID
• Taking the learner's permit knowledge test
• Renewing a vehicle registration
• Updating your address
• Requesting a replacement title
• Estimating the purchase and use tax on a vehicle

Many license and registration tasks can also be done by mail. The general mailing address is Vermont DMV, 120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603-0001.

Some things still need an office visit. A first non-driver ID card, a new photo, a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) renewal, an upgrade from a Driver's Privilege Card to a REAL ID, and an upgrade to an Enhanced Driver's License all require one. The Vermont driver license and ID card guide has the details.

Appointments and exams

According to the DMV's FAQ, all exams are by appointment only. For all other services, appointments are recommended but not required. You can book in two ways:

• Online at mydmv.vermont.gov
• By phone at 888-970-0357, a line the DMV says is for scheduling only

Road test rules are strict. You must bring a vehicle that is properly equipped, in good mechanical condition, registered and inspected. You also need proof of valid insurance that shows the carrier, the coverage dates, the insured's name and the vehicle's VIN. Without the insurance card and registration certificate, you will not be tested. The DMV can turn a vehicle away for many reasons, including dealer plates used by someone outside the immediate family, or a rental car without a letter from the rental company. If you fail a road test, you must wait at least seven days before you retake it.

What to bring

For a license, permit or ID card, the DMV asks for documents from each of these categories:

1. Identity and date of birth: for example, a valid unexpired passport or birth certificate, a permanent resident card, or a certificate of naturalization. If your name differs from your identity document, bring a certified linking document, such as a marriage certificate.
2. Social Security information: your Social Security card. If you do not have the card, a W-2, an SSA-1099 or a pay stub showing your name and SSN can be used instead. If you are not eligible for an SSN, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration saying so.
3. Vermont residency: two documents with your name and current Vermont street address. A post office box is not accepted. Examples include a utility bill, a signed lease and a federal or state tax document.
4. Lawful status in the United States: needed only for a REAL ID or an Enhanced Driver's License.

Photocopies and faxes are not accepted. Minors can prove residency with the Vermont Residency Certification for Minors (form VL-002) plus one residency document from a parent. The full lists are on the DMV's identity documents page. For REAL ID background, see REAL ID explained.

Forms to fill in beforehand

• VL-021: License/Permit Application, for a new or renewed non-commercial license or permit. A Spanish version is available.
• VL-017: Non-Driver ID Application.
• VD-119: Registration, Tax and Title Application, for vehicle registration and title.
• VT-005: Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement.

All of these are on the DMV's forms page.

Paying

The DMV's FAQ says it accepts Visa, MasterCard and Discover for online and in-person services. Checks are payable to "Vermont DMV". If you mail paperwork that needs payment, send a check or money order. Accepted payment methods differ by office. The Montpelier office lists cash, checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

At the counter

Depending on the transaction, you may need an eye examination. New residents transferring an out-of-state license, for example, need one. The DMV gives you a temporary license, valid for 45 days, while your permanent card is made. The permanent card is mailed within 14–20 business days. The DMV says there is no expedited service.

Language and accessibility help

The DMV offers free on-demand phone interpreters. Each office displays a poster where you can point to your language. All offices also have UbiDuo communication devices. To schedule an in-person American Sign Language or spoken-language interpreter, call 802-828-2000, or dial 711 for the relay service. The driver's manual and the license/permit application are available in many languages, and so is the online permit test. The DMV does not provide interpreters for road tests. For a disability-related accommodation on a road test, email AOT.CRADA@vermont.gov.

For vehicle paperwork, see the Vermont vehicle registration and title guide.