Extension of license for members of U.S. Armed Forces (23 V.S.A. § 616)
If you are on active duty, and a Vermont resident, the military extension validates your existing Vermont Driver's License for up to 4 years from the date it would normally expire. While it is necessary for the Department to send notice of all expiring licenses, you may disregard such notice if you have obtained a military extension.
Your Vermont license must be renewed within 30 days of your discharge date. To renew this extended license, you must do the following:
- Complete and submit a Vermont License Renewal Application.
- You will need documentation from each of the four categories below:
- Provide proof of continuous active service since the expiration date on the Vermont license currently in your possession.
- Submit a statement on Armed Forces letterhead, signed by a commissioned officer (other than yourself), or a copy of your discharge papers.
Veteran Designation on Driver's License (23 V.S.A. § 610)
Military veterans are now able to request a new credential with the distinguishing mark “VETERAN” added to the front of the card (see example below). A new Driver’s License/Identification Card application is required for this service along with a completed Vermont Certificate of Veteran Status (form #VG-168).
Veterans may also obtain the required forms by visiting any local Vermont DMV office or the Vermont office of Veterans Affairs.
Veteran & Military License Plates
Vermont offers a variety of Veteran and Military related specialty plates.
Military Skills Test Waiver for CDL (23 V.S.A. § 4108)
Veterans applying for a Vermont-issued Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) may qualify for a skills test waiver.
Exemption for Vehicle (23 V.S.A. § 378)
No fees shall be charged to an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who is a resident of the State of Vermont for the registration of a motor vehicle that the veteran has acquired with financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or for the registration of a motor vehicle owned by him or her during his or her lifetime obtained as a replacement thereof, when his or her application is accompanied by a copy of an approved VA Form 21-4502 issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs certifying him or her to be entitled to the financial assistance.
Exemption from Title Fee (23 V.S.A. § 2002)
For a certificate of title for a motor vehicle acquired by a veteran with financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and exempt from registration fees pursuant to section 378 of this title, no fee.
Exemption from Tax (32 V.S.A. § 8911)
A motor vehicle acquired by a veteran with financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or a vehicle obtained as a replacement to one acquired with such assistance, when accompanied by a copy of an approved VA Form 21-4502 issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs certifying the veteran to be entitled to the financial assistance.
Exemption from Driver's License Fee (23 V.S.A. § 609)
No fees shall be charged to an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, who is a resident of the State of Vermont, for a license to operate a motor vehicle, when the veteran has acquired a motor vehicle with financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and he or she is otherwise eligible to be granted the license, and when his or her application is accompanied by a copy of an approved VA Form 21-4502 issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs certifying him or her to be entitled to the financial assistance.
Certified Inspection Mechanics (23 V.S.A. § 1227)
A service member or veteran shall not be required to pass an examination pursuant to subdivision (1)(C) of this subsection if he or she has been designated by the U.S. Armed Forces as a 91b Wheeled Mechanic or equivalent and has one or more of the following national certifications:
- ASE Diesel Mechanic
- ASE Light Truck Engine Repair
- ASE Automobile Service Consultant
- Certified Hazardous Material Manager
- Associate Safety Professional
Additional Benefits
Visit the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs website for additional information and benefits assistance.