Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to file a police report if my license was lost or stolen?

In the state of Vermont, there is no need to file a police report in order to request a drivers license replacement. However, when you go to your local DMV office to fill a form of replacement, you will have to mark the reason why you need a duplicate drivers license and then the state will immediately get the information on whether your license has been lost, stolen or damaged.

Even though there is no need to file a police report, you will still be under the threat of fraud or identity theft, so the Vermont DMV advises you to contact the police department and to file a report prior to applying for a replacement of your drivers license.

How can I obtain a copy of the driver manual?

The Vermont Driver’s Manual is available online as a PDF file on this link. Feel free to download a copy and study it thoroughly. If you don’t have online access or you have trouble finding it or downloading it, you can always go to the nearest Vermont DMV location and obtain a copy. Apart from the manual, you can use the Interactive Driver Tutorial to learn the road rules since it is the best way to master safe driving while you study for your Learner s permit test.

For more information: How to Renew/Replace a Motorcycle License in Vermont

How can I renew my drivers license?

In order to renew drivers license in the state of Vermont, you can do that in one of these ways:

In person by visiting any of the DMV offices in person. Upon arrival, you must present the following documents:
- A completed and signed renewal application
- Two forms of identification
- Renewal fee
- Additional documentation in case of a name change

To renew your drivers license by mail, send the completed renewal application and the renewal fee to the following address:

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles

120 State Street

Montpelier, VT 05603-0001

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Vermont

How do I apply for a drivers license?

When you apply for a Vermont drivers license, you will need to visit one of the eleven DMV offices in the state of Vermont. Applicants must be at least 18 years old in order to apply. Upon arrival at your local DMV office, you must:

Present certain documentation, including:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of date of birth
- Proof of a lawful status in the United States
- Your Social Security Card with a valid Social Security number
- Proof of Vermont Residency

Pass a written drivers test, after which you will have to pass a vision exam and a driving test
Submit a payment for the application fee depending on the category of drivers license that you apply for

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Vermont and License/Permit/ID fees in the State of Vermont

How do I get a hardship license?

Vermont law does not provide a hardship license, so you won t be able to obtain one.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Vermont

How do I get a replacement license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?

Vermont residents who are active-duty military members and stationed out-of-state, can replace drivers licenses through the mail. To do so, download and complete the application for Duplicate/Corrected Registration/License or Learner Permit. This form includes both the physical address of the Vermont residents and the mailing address, which means that military members can write their out-of-state mailing address where they can get their replacement license without having a problem for being stationed outside of Vermont.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Vermont Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I obtain a duplicate license?

If you are a Vermont resident who wants to obtain a duplicate drivers license, you can request a duplicate from the Vermont DMV in one of the following ways:

By mail
In person at any of the Vermont DMV offices

The Vermont DMV doesn t allow online applications for drivers license replacements.

If you want to obtain a duplicate commercial drivers license, you must apply in person at any of the Vermont DMV offices.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Vermont Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I reinstate after a revocation as a Habitual Traffic Offender?

In the state of Vermont, there is no chance of reinstatement onceyou become a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO), committing the following major offences:

Vehicular homicide
Vehicular assault
Driving or operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI or DWI)
Driving a motor vehicle while your drivers license is suspended or revoked
Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death
Reckless driving
Attempting to elude police

The state of Vermont will declare you a Habitual Traffic Offender if you make eight or more convictions based on moving violations within a five-year period.

Once your drivers license is being revoked, that means that the privilege to operate a motor vehicle is terminated and that the license shall not be a subject to renewal or reinstatement, except when a new license application is presented and acted upon by the commissioner.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Vermont

How do I reinstate my suspended license?

When the length of time of a drivers license suspension has passed, a Vermont operator of a motor vehicle can begin with the process of suspended drivers license reinstatement. In order to reinstate a suspended drivers license, you should do the following:

Pay the reinstatement fee of $71
Prove your financial responsibility (insurance) for three years
Complete a court-imposed treatment program
Pass driving exams

Mail your request for suspended drivers license reinstatement and the $71 reinstatement fee to the address:

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles

Attention: Driver Improvement

120 State Street

Montpelier, VT 05603-0001

For more information: Suspended License Information for Vermont

How do I renew my license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?

If you are a military member and stationed elsewhere on active military service, you can apply for an extension of your Vermont drivers license up to four years after its expiration date. After your discharge, you will have a 30 day period to renew your drivers license.

In order to apply for an extension on your Vermont drivers license, you need to send the following documentation to the Vermont DMV:

A completed and signed Application for License/Permit
Proof of your identity and date of birth
Proof of your Vermont residency
Proof of a US lawful status
Your Social Security number (SSN)
Proof of the period as an active-duty military member
A copy of your discharge documents

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Vermont

How do I replace my license if I am a non-U.S. citizen?

Residents of the state of Vermont who are non-US citizens and who need to replace drivers license must provide full documentation as proof of identity at a local Vermont DMV office. This includes providing the following documents:

Two or more proofs of identity and date of birth:
- Valid US passport
- Previously issued Vermont license
- Certified record of the applicant s birth, marriage, adoption or divorce (with English translation, if necessary)

Proof of Social Security number:
- Social Security Card
- Letter from the Social Security Administration indicating ineligibility to receive a Social Security number

Two proofs of Vermont residency:
- Vehicle title or registration
- Document issued by a financial institution, such as bank
- Document issued by an insurance company or agent, such as an insurance card or bill
- Document issued by an educational institution, such as a transcript, report card, or enrollment confirmation
- Federal tax documents
- State tax documents
- Medical health records, receipts or bills

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Vermont Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I replace my license if I lost it out of state?

If you are a Vermont citizen and you have lost your drivers license outside of Vermont, you can apply for a drivers license replacement by mail only if your license or ID card has a photo taken after January 5, 2004.

If your photo reaches these standards, you should:

Download and complete the Application for Duplicate/Corrected Registration/License or Learner Permit from the DMV website.
Obtain a check for the correct fee. Contact the Vermont DMV at (802) 828-2000 to confirm the amount of the fee, since fees often vary.
Obtain two photocopied forms of identification.
Send the application, the check and the photocopies of identification by mail to the address:

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles

120 State Street

Montpelier, VT 05603-0001

If your photo is older than January 5, 2004, you won t be able to replace your license by mail and you will have to contact the Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Vermont Driver’s License or ID Card

How does the DMV check my vision?

Once you get to one of the Vermont DMV offices, an examiner will test your sight by using a vision-screening device. If the results show that you do not meet the standards of 20/40, an eye doctor of your choice and expense will be invoked. The eye doctor must be a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist who will determine whether any restrictions should be placed on your driving license.

For more information: How to Renew/Replace a Motorcycle License in Vermont

How long will I have a suspended license for not taking a chemical test?

In the state of Vermont, if you refuse to take a chemical test, your drivers license will be suspended. The duration of your drivers license suspension varies based on the number of refusals you will make:

First refusal: mandatory suspension of six months
Secondary refusal: mandatory suspension of 18 months
Third or subsequent refusal: suspension for life (three years mandatory)

If you want to get more details, read thoroughly the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Laws for Vermont.

How soon can I renew my driver’s license?

In the state of Vermont, you can renew drivers licenses in two or four years. The validation of your license expires on the date of your birthday, which depends on your age at the moment when the license was issued or last renewed.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Vermont

If I file a police report, will my replacement fee be waived?

Filing a police report prior to applying for a drivers license replacement is not a requirement in the state of Vermont. Thus, your replacement fee won t be waived. However, the Vermont DMV advises all drivers to file reports prior to applying for a drivers license replacement for the purpose of identity theft protection.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Vermont Driver’s License or ID Card

Is there an age limit to renew your license?

In the state of Vermont, the residents do not have an age limit to renew driving licenses. The driverslicense renewal cycle for the state of Vermont is two or four years. In addition, licensing agencies have the authority to require a driver to undergo physical or cognitive exams or to retake the standard drivers license tests (vision, written or road), if they have doubts about the driver s abilities to drive. After reviewing a person’s fitness to drive, the licensing agency may renew, remove, or restrict the driving license.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Vermont

What address will my replacement license be mailed to?

When you apply for a drivers license replacement, you need to fill an application for a Duplicate/Corrected Registration/License or Learner Permit and write your mailing address on it. Your replacement license will be mailed to that specific address you have entered in the application.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Vermont Driver’s License or ID Card

What are requirements for seniors to renew a driving license?

A Vermont drivers license is either valid for two or four years and expires on the holder’s birthday. The state of Vermont allows two different ways of renewing the drivers license:

In person
By mail

If it is your first renewal of the license, you are obliged to visit a DMV office in person and provide the needed documentation just like the first time you apply for a driving license.

For more information: Renewal of Driver Licenses, Permits & ID’s and How to Renew a Driver’s License in Vermont

What are some violations that may constitute in a suspended license?

In the state of Vermont, there is a vast range of reasons why your license might become a suspended drivers license. Here are some of the most common violations that could result in a drivers license suspension:

Driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Excessive moving violations
Failure to stop after an accident
Driving with a suspended drivers license or without a license
Driving without insurance
Other driving-related violations like reckless driving or abandoning your vehicle on a public highway
Physical or psychological disqualification
Non-driving reasons for drivers license suspension

For more information: Suspended License Information for Vermont

What are the consequences of driving with a suspended license?

If you drive with a suspended drivers license in the state of Vermont, you will only increase the length of your suspension and you might be put in prison for up to five years. The extent of the increased suspension is different according to the reason of the suspension.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Vermont

What are the fees for a duplicate drivers license?

In the state of Vermont the fees for a duplicate drivers license vary according to the type of drivers license you need a duplicate for. Fees include:

Learner Permit: $17
(Junior) Operator License: $15
Commercial Driver License: $13

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Vermont Driver’s License or ID Card

What are the reinstatement fees I will have to pay for a suspended license?

Any Vermont citizen who has a suspended driving license needs to pay a fee in order to start with the process of reinstating suspended drivers license. The reinstatement fee for the state of Vermont is $71 and the certified copy reinstatement notice costs $6.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Vermont

What are the suspensions eligible for a hardship license?

Vermont law does not provide a hardship license, thus there are no suspensions eligible for a hardship license.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Vermont

What do I need to do to get my driver’s license if I fail the driving test?

When you apply for a drivers license, you will go through the process of taking three exams: a vision test, a written drivers test and a road test. The driving test is the last exam in the process of obtaining a drivers license, so you cannot get your license if you fail the exam. In the event that you fail the driving test, you will have to wait at least one week before you can retake it. Once you pass all the exams, you will be able to acquire your drivers license.

For more information: How to Renew/Replace a Motorcycle License in Vermont

What documents do I need to get my drivers license?

The state of Vermont requires the following documents when applying for a drivers license:

Proof of identity
Proof of date of birth
Proof of a lawful status in the United States
Your Social Security card with a valid Social Security number
Proof of a Vermont residency and current residential address

If you are a Visiting Citizen of a foreign country, you will need a proof, which shows that you have an authorized stay with duration of at least 30 days remaining.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Vermont

What documents do I need to present to renew my drivers license?

If you want to obtain a drivers license renewal, you must provide submit the following documents to a VT DMV:

A completed Application for License/Permit
One proof of identity:
- Original or certified copy of your US Birth Certificate
- US passport

Proof of US citizenship or lawful presence in the United States
Your Social Security card or other proof of full SSN
Two proofs of your Vermont residential address:
- Mail that includes your name and address
- Utility bills
- Rental agreements

Payment for the renewal fee

You will need additional documentation in case:

You have had a legal name change
You are a non-citizen and you need to prove your lawful presence in the United States

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Vermont

What documents will I need to present to replace my drivers license?

If you are a Vermont driver whose drivers license has been stolen, lost or mutilated and you seek a drivers license replacement, you need to present the following documentation to your local DMV office:

Downloaded and completed Duplicate/Corrected Registration/License or Learner Permit
Two proofs of identification (primary ID and secondary ID)
Payment of the $15 fee

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Vermont Driver’s License or ID Card

What languages is the written test available in?

The written drivers test can be taken only in English. If you have problems with understanding or reading English, you are permitted to use a dictionary and have the assistance of the examiner. You may also bring your own interpreter as long as that person has a valid driver’s license from a U.S. State.

For more information: How to Renew/Replace a Motorcycle License in Vermont

What penalties will I face if I do not renew my expired drivers license?

Drivers in the state of Vermont have a 14-day grace period during which their expired drivers licenses are still valid. If you want to avoid paying fees and confronting penalties for driving with an expired drivers license, you must renew driving license during this grace period. After this period you cannot legally drive in the state. In addition, if your license has been expired for more than three years, you will have to pass the vision, road and written tests again.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Vermont

What should I do if I have not received my renewed license?

After applying for a drivers license renewal in the state of Vermont, you will receive the renewed drivers license by mail. If you do not receive your renewed drivers license, you are suggested to schedule an appointment at your local DMV office to inquire about the whereabouts of your renewed drivers license.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Vermont

What tests will I need to take for my drivers license?

In order to obtain a drivers license, you will need to pass three different tests:

Vision test

Written knowledge test
Road test

The vision test is about finding out how well your sight is developed and whether it reaches the required standards. Then, you will be required to take the written drivers test. After passing these two exams, you must pass the road skills exam. If you need further information about the tests you need to take, go through the Vermont Driver’s Manual.

Before taking these tests, you must make an appointment by calling 802.828.2000.

For more information: How to Renew/Replace a Motorcycle License in Vermont

What type of noncommercial license will I need?

There are several types of drivers licenses in the state of Vermont:

Learner’s Permit
Driver’s License
Junior Driver’s License
Commercial Driver License (CDL)
CDL Instructional Permit
Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)

The first three aforementioned licenses are types of noncommercial licenses. These licenses have some requirements, which include:

If you are under 18 years old, you will need the Learner’s Permit.
If you are 18 or older, you should pass the required examination and then you will be eligible to apply for a drivers license. This license allows you to drive any noncommercial vehicle except a motorcycle or a school bus. The Vermont Driver’s Manual will provide you with further information about the type of license you might need.

When can I reinstate my license after it has been suspended?

A Vermont citizen who operates a motor vehicle might get a drivers license suspension or revocation for a specific time. The length of time of the suspension depends on the operator s driving record and history and also on the violations. It also depends on the number of demerit points you have received during two years. If the amount of demerit points is higher, then the period of your suspension will be longer. You can reinstate revoked drivers license when the suspension period is over.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Vermont

When will I need to renew my license?

If you are a Vermont resident, your drivers license is valid for either two or four years with expiration date on your birthday, depending on your age when the license was issued or last renewed. You are required to go through a drivers license renewal in that period.

About a month before the expiration, the Vermont DMV will send you a renewal application in order to remind you of the expiration date. In case you forget to go through the process of a drivers license renewal, you will have a grace period of 14 days, after which your driving privileges will expire and driving in Vermont will be illegal.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Vermont

When will I receive a replacement license after applying?

The fastest way to obtain a drivers license replacement is by going to a DMV office in person. By visiting a VT DMV in person, you will receive adrivers license replacement immediately. If you are not in a hurry and you can wait for your license to arrive in the mail, you cancontact the Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000 to find out when you can expect to receive your Vermont drivers license replacement. You can check their working hours on the DMV website.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Vermont Driver’s License or ID Card

Where can I check to see if my license is suspended?

The state of Vermont and the Vermont DMV offer you an outlook of your Driving Record online. You can check not only whether your license is suspended, but also your demerit points, your fines, your personal violations, etc. Another way to check your drivers license suspension is to have your driving record mailed to you by the Vermont DMV or you can show up personally at your local DMV office asking for a report on your driving record.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Vermont

Where can I get a new drivers license?

After passing all the exams, you will need to fill out the necessary documents and pay the fees in order to get a license and drive. Your new drivers license can be obtained at any of the eleven DMV offices in the state of Vermont. Making an appointment at the Vermont DMV is not mandatory but it is recommendable if you want to finish your process much faster.

For more information: How to Renew/Replace a Motorcycle License in Vermont

Will I be required to take a vision test for a drivers license renewal?

No, when you renew drivers license in the state of Vermont you are not required to take a vision test. Only in the case when your drivers license is expired for more than three years, you have to pass a vision test again along with the road and written exams.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Vermont

Will I get a drivers license renewal notice in the mail?

The state of Vermont mails out renewal applications reminding the residents that they must renew licenses. These reminders are sent one month prior to the expiration date of the drivers license. The drivers must preserve the deadline for renewing drivers licenses and visit a local DMV office, or visit the Vermont DMV website in order to renew their license.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Vermont