Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to take a motorcycle training course?
In order to obtain a motorcycle driving license, you must complete a four-hour Vermont Motorcycle Awareness Program (VMAP) training course. This training course not only helps you in obtaining a motorcycle learner permit, but also aids you in getting a motorcycle license endorsement.

For more information: VMAP Course Schedule

Am I required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle?
Every person who rides a motorcycle is supposed to operate or ride a motorcycle wearing protective headgear of a type coordinated with the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This standard requires using helmets while riding motorcycles in order to reduce deaths and injuries to motorcyclists and other motor vehicle users. More details can be found in the Vermont Motorcycle Manual.

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

Can I renew my commercial drivers license online?
No, the state of Vermont makes it mandatory for commercial drivers to visit in person a local DMV office for drivers license renewal. Before you head to the nearest DMV location, make sure to bring with you the required documentation and the proper form of payment with you for applicable fees.

For more information: How to Renew a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Vermont

Can I take the DMV written test online?
The state of Vermont does not allow taking the written drivers test online, so you must take it in person at your local DMV office. In order to avoid a long waiting or delay, schedule an appointment in advance. However, you can prepare yourself through the learners permit practice test.

For more information: Vermont DMV Practice Test

Can I use my state CDL anywhere in the United States?
If you have obtained a Vermont CDL license for interstate commerce, you are authorized to drive a commercial vehicle from state to state. The only thing you need to have in mind is that you must follow the road rules and the DMV regulations of the locations through which you travel.

For more information: Vermont Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Do I need a motorcycle license to ride a scooter or moped?
Yes, you need to possess a valid drivers license along with a required motorcycle learners permit in order to ride a scooter or moped. Scooters and mopeds are considered as motorcycles in the state of Vermont. When riding a moped or scooter, you must obey the same traffic regulations as all other motor vehicles on the road.

For more information: Motorcycle Endorsement

Do I need to take a drivers ed course?
The future drivers in Vermont are required to complete a drivers ed if they want to obtain a Vermont driving permit. There are different requirements based on the age of the applicant:
  • If you are a Vermont resident between the age of 16 and 18, you must hold a learners permit for a minimum of one year and a State-approved drivers ed program, so that you could apply for a junior operator license.
  • If you are a Vermont resident under the age of 18, you must hold a learners permit for a minimum of six months and complete a State-approved drivers ed program in order to apply for a new license.

For more information: Learner s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Vermont

How can I get a veteran designation on my ID card?
If you are a Vermont resident and a veteran of the US Armed Forces and you were honorably discharged, you can choose to have a Veteran s Indicator on your Non-Driver ID card. There is no additional fee for the veteran indicator, but all regular transaction fees will apply. In order to get this veteran indicator on your ID card, you must complete an Application for Veteran Designator so that you could prove your veteran status.

For more information: How to Apply for a Vermont ID Card

How do I apply for a commercial drivers license?
In you want to drive a commercial motor vehicle, you need to apply for a commercial learner s permit or acommercial drivers license.In order to complete a CDL application, you must complete the following steps:
  1. Meet the requirements for a Vermont Driver s license
  2. Fill out a CDL application form and take it in person to the nearest DMV office
  3. Pay a $20 deposit for your license
  4. Pass the CDL knowledge exam at any of the DMV offices
  5. Pass a vision test
  6. Provide proof that you have attended a CDL education program for commercial motor vehicles
  7. Take a road test at your local DMV office
  8. Pay the needed license and endorsement fees

For more information: Vermont Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

How do I apply for a learner’s permit?
In order to get a learners permit in the state of Vermont, you must be at least 15 years old. To apply for a learning permit, visit one of the Vermont DMV offices and provide the following documents:
  • Two proofs of identification
  • Proof of date of birth
  • Proof of Vermont residency
  • Proof of Social Security number
  • Payment for the $17 learner’s permit fee, the $30 written exam fee, and the $18 eye exam fee

Once you have provided all the aforementioned documents and passed all the required steps, you will obtain a learners permit with validity of one year, after which you will be able to apply for the Junior Operator License.

For more information: Learner s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Vermont

How do I apply for a motorcycle license?
If you want to apply for either a motorcycle permit or a motorcycle license, you must visit one of the nearest Vermont DMV offices. Before you can apply for a motorcycle license, you need to submit an application for a motorcycle learner permit for which you will need a standard drivers license. You must be at least 16 years old, own a junior operator license before applying and have a parent or legal guardian to sign your motorcycle learner permit application. After this you need to schedule a date for testing and pay the applicable fee in order to obtain a motorcycle license.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Vermont

How do I get a duplicate ID card?
In the state of Vermont, you may be issued a duplicate identification card in case your original ID card has been lost, destroyed or stolen, or in case you have legal name change of official address change. In order to obtain a duplicate ID card, you will need to do the following:
  • Visit one of the DMV offices in person because you cannot apply online
  • Present two forms of identification with the application form
  • Pay a fee for the duplicate identification card

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

How do I renew my driving permit?
A month before your license or permit expires, you will receive a mail to your address with a renewal application. Once you receive the mail, answer the questions on the form, sign the form and return the renewal application to the nearest DMV office. After this, you will receive another mail from the Department with an updated license or permit.

If, somehow, you fail to receive the mail, you can get a renewal application online or at a police station. After you fill out the form, mail it to the DMV office at 120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603-0001 along with the any applicable fees. More instructions can be found in the Vermont Driver’s Manual.

For more information: Learner s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Vermont

How do I renew my ID card?
The Vermont DMV will send you mail with a renewal notice 30 days before the expiration of your ID card. Once you get the mail, you need to:
  • Complete the renewal form.
  • Send the renewal form back through mail along with a check or money order for $20.

If the photo on your ID card was taken before January 1, 2004 or the ID is without a photo, then you will have to renew ID card in person at one of the Vermont DMV offices.

For more information: How to Apply for a Vermont Identification Card

How do I renew my medical report for a commercial license?
In case there is a change in your medical status or interstate/intrastate status, you will need to renew your medical report for a commercial drivers license. In order to do that, you must visit a certified medical examiner for an appointment and update on your records.

For more information: How to Renew a CDL in Vermont

How do I renew my motorcycle license?
In order to renew your motorcycle license in the state of Vermont, you will receive mail one month in advance to notify you of the expiration date of your license. Then, you can renewthe motorcycle license in the following ways:
  • By mail
  • In person

To renew your motorcycle license by mail, send the completed renewal application along with the renewal fee to the address:

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles 120 State Street Montpelier, VT 05603-0001

To renew your motorcycle license in person, you must visit one of the DMV offices and bring with you:

  • The completed renewal application.
  • A drivers license form; in case you haven t received a renewal application by mail, you will have to complete a driver license form at the DMV office or online.
  • Two forms of identification:
    • Valid US passport
    • Copy of birth certificate
    • Valid Permanent Resident Card
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    • Certificate of Citizenship
    • Driver’s license or identification card
  • The renewal fee.
  • A documentation of a name change, in case your name has changed.

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

How does a military member obtain a motorcycle license?
If you are a military member in the state of Vermont, the procedure of getting a motorcycle license will be the same as it is for any other individual. Applicants must visit one of their local DMV office with the proper documentation, along with payment for a license fee. You must provide:
  • Proof of identity.
  • Proof of Date of birth.
  • Proof of lawful status in the United States.
  • Proof of valid Social Security number.
  • Proof of Vermont residency.

In case you are on active duty, you will also need to provide proof of continuous active service and to submit a statement on Armed Forces letterhead, signed by a commissioned officer.

For more information: Military Benefits

How long do I need my learners permit before I can get my drivers license?
After you have held your learners permit for a minimum of oneear, completed a driver s ed course and completed the required driving hours, you can apply for a Junior Operator License. In order to do that, you need to have a clean driving record in the previous six months. Be aware of the fact that you need to be at least 18 years old in order to get a full, unrestricted drivers permit.

For more information: Learner s Permits for Beginner Drivers inVermont

How long will it take to get my new ID card?
In order to find out how much time will be needed to get your ID card, contact one of the Vermont DMV offices. At the moment when you apply for an ID card, it is recommendable to speak to a customer service representative in person in order to gather more information about the length of time needed to obtain an ID card.

For more information: How to Apply for a Vermont Identification Card

How often do I need to renew my CDL license?
In the state of Vermont, the commercial drivers license expires on the fourth birthday from the date of issue. If you want your CDL license to expire on the second birthday from the date of issue, you can submit a request for that.

One month before your CDL license expires, you will receive a renewal notice in the mail. Once you answer all the questions on the notice and sign it, bring it in person to the closest DMV Office along with the renewal fee.

For more information: How to Renew a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Vermont

If I’m out of state and lost my ID, how can I get a new one?
Vermont residents who are out of state, can replace their lost ID cardsimply by applying for a replacement via mail. This can be done only if the DMV has a recent photo of the applicant on file. The replacement can be done by following these steps:
  1. Download and complete the Application for Non-Driver ID on the following link
  2. Pay a check or money order to the Department of Motor Vehicles
  3. Mail the application form with two photocopied forms of identification and the payment to:

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles 120 State Street Montpelier, VT 05603-0001

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

Is there a minimum age I have to be to get a commercial drivers license?
In order to get a commercial drivers license, you:
  • Must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Vermont Class D operator s License.
  • Must be at least 18 years old and operate a commercial vehicle within Vermont (intrastate commerce).
  • Must be at least 21 years old and operate a commercial motor vehicle between Vermont and another state (interstate commerce).
  • Must be 18 years old to obtain the Hazardous Materials Endorsement for intrastate commerce and 21 years old to obtain the Hazardous Materials Endorsement for interstate commerce.

For more information, download a copy of the Vermont CDL Manual or you can read it online on this link.

For more information: Vermont Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the age restrictions to ride a motorcycle?
When applying for a motorcycle license, you must be at least 16 years old. In case you are 16 or 17 years old, you must own a junior operator license in order to be able to apply for a motorcycle license. In addition to this, you need the signature of you parent or legal guardian on the application form in order to start the process of getting a motorcycle license.

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

What are the available commercial license endorsements?
In the state of Vermont, you can get one of the five endorsements for commercial driving license, listed below:
  • Class H Hazardous Material
  • Class N Tank Vehicle
  • Class P Passenger-Carrying Vehicle
  • Class S School Bus
  • Class T Towing a Double or Triple Trailer

For more information: Vermont Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the fees associated with an ID card?
In the state of Vermont, the fees for an ID card differ according to the type of ID card you apply for. Fees include:
  • Standard ID card (Non Driver ID card): $20
    • For those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability (SSD) there is a reduced fee of $10
  • Enhanced ID card (EID): $25
  • Duplicate ID card (including EID): $15
    • For those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability (SSD) there is a reduced fee of $5

For more information: License/Permit/ID Fees

What are the learners permit restrictions during my first year?
The driving restrictions in Vermont are different depending on the type of drivers license you hold. The restrictions for the learners permit are as follows:
  • A driver must drive the vehicle in the company of a licensed driver who must be 25 or older or a driver education instructor or your parent/guardian
  • The person must be seated in the front seat, next to the driver

The restrictions for the junior operator license include:

  • In the period of the first three months, you can carry passengers in the vehicle only if a supervising driver accompanies you.
  • During the second three months you may carry close family members with you.
  • After six months there are no restrictions as long as the passengers are wearing a seat belt.
  • It isn’t permitted to carry passengers for hire or to use a vehicle in the course of employment during the first year.

For more information: Learner s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Vermont

What are the medical certifications required to obtain a CDL?
When you apply for any commercial drivers license or you already hold one, you need to go througha valid CDL Medical Certification by a medical examiner and you must self-certify that you can operate in one of the following types of driving:
  • Non-excepted Interstate (NI)
  • Non-excepted Intrastate (NA)
  • Excepted Interstate (EI)
  • Excepted Intrastate (EA)

Additionally, you must self-certify whether or not you are subject to or exempt from the medical examination requirements.You can go into further details if you take a look at the Vermont CDL Manual.The Medical Certificate is valid for two years from the month when it is issued.

For more information: Licenses and Permits Commercial and Medical Examiner’s Certificate

What are the penalties for getting a traffic ticket with a driver’s permit?
If you have a learner’s permit and you get a traffic ticket fine in the state of Vermont, you won’t be able to get a drivers license in the expected time. Drivers with a learner’s permit who violate the driving rules could lose their driving privileges as a penalty of getting a traffic ticket.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Vermont

What are the requirements to operate a three-wheel motorcycle?
In the state of Vermont, the operators of three-wheel motorcycle are required to take the following examinations:
  • Motorcycle learner s permit examination
  • Motorcycle skills test

When the operators of three-wheel motorcycles pass these tests, they will receive the motorcycle endorsement (M) along with a restriction card. This card will restrict them only to operate three-wheeled motorcycles.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Vermont

What documents do I need to get a learner’s permit?
When applying for a drivers permit, the resident needs to present the following documents:
  • Two proofs of identification:
    • Valid US passport
    • Copy of birth certificate
    • Valid Permanent Resident Card
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    • Certificate of Citizenship
    • Driver’s license or identification card
  • Proof of possessing a lawful status in the United States
    • Undocumented Residents may obtain three different types of cards: Driver s Privilege Card, Learner s Privilege Card or Non-Driver ID. The ID and Residency Requirements for these cards can be found at this link
  • Proof of Social Security number
  • Two pieces of mail with current name and residential address to prove a Vermont residency, or two of the following documents:
    • Utility bill with a service address
    • Property tax bill with physical location
    • Lease or Landlord statement
    • Vermont EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card or Vermont AIM (Advanced Information Management) identification card
    • Homeowners/Renters insurance (policy/proof of claim)

Apart from all this documentation, it is recommendable for the applicant to bring money in order to pay the learner’s permit fee of $17 and the written exam fee of $30.

In case you are under 18 years old, you will need to have your parent’s or legal guardian’s permission who will have to sign the application before taking the tests.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Vermont and Required Identity Documents for Vermont Residents

What documents do I need to get a motorcycle license?
When applying for a motorcycle license, you will need to present the following documents:
  • Proof of identification:
    • Valid US passport
    • Copy of birth certificate
    • Valid Permanent Resident Card
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    • Certificate of Citizenship
    • Driver’s license or identification card
  • Proof of possessing a lawful status in the United States:
    • US residents may establish lawful status in the United States through the documents required for proof of identity and date of birth
    • Undocumented Residents may obtain three different types of cards: Driver s Privilege Card, Learner s Privilege Card or Non-Driver ID. The ID and Residency Requirements for these cards can be found at this link
  • Your Social Security card with a valid social security number (SSN)
    • Proof of Vermont residency and current residential address

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Vermont and Required Identity Documents

What exams do I need to pass to get a motorcycle license?
If you want to obtain a motorcycle license, you must make an appointment at your nearest DMV office in order to schedule an examination and it is obligatory to pass the following exams:
  • Knowledge exam
  • Off-road skills test

If you want to get into more details about the exams, go through the Vermont Motorcycle Manual.

What happens to my commercial driver license if I am convicted of a DUI?
In the state of Vermont, if you are convicted of the DUI charge, your commercial driving license will be suspended for a period of between 90 days and for a lifetime, depending on your DUI history. This is an administrative action taken apart from any criminal charges and penalties decided by the court. You need to immediately contact one of the automotive Vermont Lawyers who will provide you with the necessary assistance to solve your problem.

For more information:DUI/DWI Information for Vermont

What is an ID card?
An ID card is a government-issued document for non-drivers, mainly used for identity purposes.The standard Vermont identification cards contain information such as the following:
  • Your full name
  • Your residential address
  • Your date of birth
  • Your gender
  • Your ID card number
  • Your physical description
  • Your photograph
  • Any restrictions
  • Date of issuance
  • Expiration date
  • Your signature

For more information: How to Apply for a Vermont Identification Card

What is the passing score for a written test?
Before taking the written drivers test, remember that there will be 20 questions out of which you have to answer 16 questions correctly in order to pass the exam. In case you don’t pass the test, you must wait for 24 hours to take the exam again.

For more information: Learner s Permits for Beginner Drivers inVermont

What test do I need to take for my learners permit?
If you are applying for a Vermont Learners Permit, the state will require you to complete the following three exams:
  • Written knowledge exam
  • Vision exam
  • Driving exam

Firstly, you must take a written drivers test and pass a vision exam. When you pass these exams, you can move on to taking the driving test. Once all of these steps have been successfully completed, you can obtain a learners permit.In order to aid you in studying before taking the required exams, you can take some practice tests or go through the Driver’s Handbook.

For more information: Learner s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Vermont

What tests do I have to take to obtain a CDL?
If you want to obtain a commercial drivers license in the state of Vermont, you are required to pass several different exams, including:
  • Knowledge test
  • Skills test
  • On-road test

If you need more information about each of these tests, it is good for you to read the Vermont CDL Manual thoroughly.

For more information: Vermont Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

When does my ID card expire?
Your Vermont ID card is valid for four years and on the day of your birthday it becomes expired ID card. The Vermont DMV will send you a renewal notice 30 days before the expiration date. Then, you will need to renew your ID card in person at any local DMV office or by mail.

For more information: How to Apply for a Vermont Identification Card

Where can I obtain an ID card?
The Vermont DMV offices issue ID cards to US residents who don t have a valid ID card, instructions permit or a driver license from the State. The ID card is used to prove your identity, age and residence in the US. It is valid for four years with an expiration date on your birthday.

For more information: How to Apply for a Vermont Identification Card

Who can sign for my permit or license if I am under 18?
If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or legal guardian is the one who must sign for your permit or license. He or she will be required to provide one of the residency documents and to show proof of identity, such as:
  • Valid US passport
  • Copy of birth certificate
  • Valid Permanent Resident Card
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certificate of Citizenship
  • Driver’s license or identification card

For more information: Required Identity Documents for Vermont Residents