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A Motor Vehicle Registration — or more simply, a car registration — connects a car to its owner for identification purposes, and is proof that the car owner has paid the required taxes and obtained the minimum auto insurance coverage required in their state. Each state requires you, by law, to register your car with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or transportation agency.
The vehicle registration process involves providing some personal information and details on your car and paying a registration fee. If you fail to register your car or renew your registration, you could face penalty fees, a ticket and possibly impoundment.
The most common scenarios wherein you’d need to register a car are:
The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees vehicle registration in the state. Find out more about car registration on the Vermont DMV page here.
In Vermont, you must register any cars or motor vehicles you own or operate with the Vermont Transportation Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
The first time you register your car in Vermont, you’ll receive a license plate for your vehicle and a registration card. Additionally, you will receive a registration sticker that needs to be attached to your vehicle’s license plate.
When you renew your registration, you’ll receive a new registration card. In Vermont, drivers are required to keep the registration card with them when operating a vehicle. If you drive a commercial vehicle, you can carry the digital version of the card.
To register a car in Vermont, you must:
Find out more about the requirements to register a vehicle and the personal information requirements here.
The main difference between a car title (or pink slip) and a car registration is that while the first proves your legal ownership of a vehicle, the second allows your vehicle to be driven on public roads. Both documents are mandatory in all 50 U.S. states.
Unlike the car title, which does not need to be renewed, the car registration has to be renewed every one or two years, depending on the state. In Vermont, registrations have to be renewed every year.
The car title only needs to be changed when the vehicle is sold and the owner changes, or if you have finished paying the car loan and the vehicle is now officially yours. In these cases, you must complete a transfer of ownership by transferring the title.
Learn more about your car title in Vermont here.
If you purchase a new or used vehicle at a car dealership in Vermont, the dealership will handle the vehicle registration on your behalf but will charge the applicable registration fees.
If you purchased a used car from a private seller or are a new resident of the state, you will need to obtain a car registration yourself.
To register your car in Vermont, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need here.
To register your car in person. Click here to find your nearest Vermont DMV Office location. Remember to schedule an appointment before visiting your local DMV office.
To register your car by mail, fill out the Registration and Title application here and send it to the address on the form or your nearest DMV office here.
The cost to register a vehicle in Vermont will depend on the age, type and weight of the vehicle, as well as your county of residence. You can pay the DMV fees in cash, with a check or with a credit card. If you are mailing your application, provide a check or money order for your fee payment.
If you have questions about the car registration process or require assistance, contact the Vermont Transportation Department by phone at (888) 998-3766.
You can also submit questions or requests online by filling out the General Information Request form here.
To renew your car registration in Vermont, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the documents needed to renew your registration here.
To renew your registration online, click here to access the Vehicle Registration Renewal Portal.
To renew your registration by phone, call (866) 259-5368 and be ready to give the operator your credit card information to pay your renewal fee.
To renew your registration in person, click here to find your nearest DMV Office. Remember to schedule an appointment before visiting your local DMV office.
To renew your registration by mail, you must have received a renewal notice in the mail from the Vermont DMV. Fill out the renewal notice with the required information and mail it to the following address:
Vermont DMV
PO Box 1308
Williston, Vermont 05495-1308
Be sure to enclose your registration fee in the form of a check or money order if you will be requesting a renewal by mail.
In addition to standard fees, you will need to pay an online service charge if you choose to renew your registration online.
If you have further questions about the vehicle registration renewal process or require assistance, contact the Vermont Transportation Department by phone at (888) 998-3766.
Or, submit your question or request through the Vermont Transportation Department by filling out the General Information Request form here.
If you applied for a new vehicle registration or requested a vehicle registration renewal for your car, check the status of your application or request by contacting the Vermont DMV directly at (888) 998-3766.
You can also visit or call a local DMV Office for further assistance. Find your nearest local DMV office location and contact information in Vermont here.
For more information, click here.
Any missing or stolen vehicle title or registration must be replaced and reported to the local authorities immediately. This includes license plates. You can replace lost or stolen title and registration documents in person or by mail.
To replace your registration online, click here.
To replace documentation in person, click here to find your nearest DMV Office. Remember to schedule an appointment before visiting your local DMV office.
To replace documentation by mail, print and complete the Lost/Replacement Registration Application here or the Replacement Title Application here and send it to your local DMV office here.
After requesting your replacement title or registration, you can check the status of your request by contacting the Vermont DMV at (888) 998-3766 or contacting your local DMV office. Find all the contact information for DMV offices near you here.
If you move to a new address within the state, you will need to update the address on your vehicle registration within 30 days of relocation.
To change your address online, click here.
To change your address by mail, complete the Vermont Change of Address Request form here and send it to your local DMV office here.
To change your address in person, click here and find the closest DMV location to you. Remember to schedule an appointment before visiting your local DMV office.
If you need to update your name on your registration, you must change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) first. Learn more about how to change your name with the SSA here.
After changing your name with the SSA, you must visit a local DMV office in person to update your registration. Find your nearest office location and contact information here. You will need documents that confirm the legal name change, such as a marriage or divorce certificate or court order.
Learn more about changing your name with the Vermont DMV here.
If you have recently moved to Vermont, you will need to register and title your car with the Vermont DMV within 90 days of moving to the state. Follow the same car registration steps outlined above to complete the process.
If you have not yet obtained a Vermont-issued driver’s license or ID card, you will need to provide your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number with your legal name and address to submit your car registration application.
Learn more about what to expect as a new Vermont resident here.
If you move out of Vermont, you will need to register your vehicle in your new state. Your new state may have different requirements for vehicle services. Click here to access your new state’s official DMV website for more information.
The total cost to register or renew your vehicle depends on:
Other registration and title fees include:
To learn more about Vermont registration fees, click here and to learn about title fees, click here.
For help with the car registration process, or for any further questions about your car registration, call the Vermont Transportation Department by phone at (802) 828-2000 or (888) 998-3766 toll-free.
To schedule an appointment with the DMV, call (888) 970-0357. This number is for appointments only.
If you need TTY or TDD assistance, call 711 or (800) 253-0191.
Or, visit or call a local DMV Office for further assistance. Find your nearest office location and contact information here.
All services are available Monday through Friday from 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the car registration process and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get familiar with the process by providing useful information.
Our free Car Registration Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
