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Dealer Bulletin 24-5 | 2024 Legislative Title Changes

sample of a Vermont title

Act 165 - An act relating to miscellaneous changes to laws related to the Department of Motor Vehicles, motor vehicles, and vessels: You can view this Act on the legislative home page of the state website: https://legislature.vermont.gov

Sec. 26-30 [23 VSA § 2001(15), 2002(a)(1), 2012, 2016, 2021] All vehicle registrations, with ownership changes, will receive a Vermont title regardless of the vehicle model year. All vehicles currently exempt from obtaining a title remain exempt, and no action is required. If the vehicle is sold to a new owner, a title will be issued to the new owner when registered.

Effective Date: July 1, 2024 (section 28 retroactively on January 1, 2024)

Some questions you may receive on titling everything:

  • Does Vermont still titles boats over 16 feet, motorcycles over 300cc’s, large trailers (1501 lbs. or more), snowmobiles and motorboats?
    • Yes, everything we used to title is titled today. The real change is that the 15-year rule no longer applies.
  • I registered my 1967 Ford Mustang prior to the law change. Do I have to get a title and/or can I get one?
    • You do not have to get a title, but you may by completing a registration application and submitting it to this department with the title fee and a copy of your registration.
  • Can I sell my 2009 or older vehicle without a title if it was registered prior to the title change?
    • Yes, but you will need to provide the registration certificate to the new owner as that is proof of ownership.
  • I sold my 2009 or older vehicle to a person who wants to register out of state, and they say their state needs a title, can I receive a title?
    • Yes, if we can verify that you were the last registered owner in VT to this vehicle.
  • What if I buy a 1967 Ford Mustang from someone after 6-30-24 who has already registered it in VT prior to the law change?
    • If they have a title, you need that.
    • If they have the registration certificate only, you will need that.
  • Will I have to purchase a title for this vehicle now that I am the new owner, and I am registering it?
    • Yes
  • How can I tell what the ownership document for a vehicle is?
    • You (the customer) should utilize dmv.vermont.gov/NMVTIS or carfax.com to determine where the vehicle was last registered/titled.
    • You (the customer) could also call the DMV Information Unit or visit an office, and DMV can check and advise what it is, what state it is from, and provide the title number.
  • What if I buy a 1967 Ford Mustang from someone who has it stored in their barn and there IS record of it in NMVTIS?
    • You (the customer) should utilize dmv.vermont.gov/NMVTIS or carfax.com to determine where the vehicle was last registered/titled.
    • You (the customer) would need to obtain the title or the registration certificate from the other state and have bills of sale from the last registered/titled owner to you (the customer)
  • What if I buy a 1967 Ford Mustang from someone who has it stored in their barn and there IS NO record of it at all in NMVTIS?
    • You (the customer) would complete form VT-025 Affidavit of Non-titled vehicle.
    • VIN verification is required.
    • Copies of bills of sale.
    • Title branded undisclosed lien.
  • What if I am unable to obtain the title or registration certificate for an older vehicle and there is a record on NMVTIS?
    • Then the vehicle must be bonded following the usual bonding process DMV already has established. Bonds are restricted to VT residents only.
  • What if I am unable to obtain the title or registration certificate for an older vehicle and the vehicle is not registered in VT and has no record on NMVTIS?
    • You (the customer) would complete form VT-025 Affidavit of Non-titled Vehicle.
    • VIN verification is required.
    • Copies of bills of sale.
    • Title branded undisclosed lien.
  • What if I am unable to obtain the title or registration certificate for an older vehicle and there is a record on NMVTIS?
    • Then the vehicle must be bonded following the usual bonding process DMV already has established. Bonds are restricted to VT residents only.
  • I’m a VT dealer and I have vehicles on my lot that I do not have a title or registration for as they were over 15 years old, and they were acquired prior to 07- 01-24. What do I need for documentation:
    • Ideally, you have the registration certificate for the vehicle, if not,
    • A copy of the bill of sale when you acquired the vehicle showing it was purchased prior to 07-01-24 and a new bill of sale to the new owner.
    • The vehicle will be registered and titled, and the brand “undisclosed lien” will be added to the title.
  • I am a VT dealer, and I am buying/taking in trade a vehicle that does not have a registration, or a title and it is after 07-01-24.
    • A check of NMVTIS needs to be conducted to see if there is an ownership document out there.
    • If there is, then you (the dealer) need that ownership document.
    • If there is not, then you (the dealer) would complete form VT-025 Affidavit of Non-Titled Vehicle.
    • A VIN verification is required.
    • Copies of bills of sale.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your area DMV Inspector or the Enforcement & Safety Office at (802) 828-2067 during normal business hours.

Inspector Region Map - VN-120-DMV_Inspector_Regions.pdf (vermont.gov)