When must a vehicle be registered in Vermont?

Residents must annually register motor vehicles owned or leased for a period of more than 30 days and operated by them, unless currently registered in Vermont. A Resident who has moved to Vermont from another jurisdiction must register their motor vehicles within 60 days of moving to Vermont. It is illegal for a person to operate a motor vehicle or draw a trailer or semi-trailer on any highway unless such vehicle is registered.

FAQs.

How do I register my vehicle after a lease buyout?

When you purchase your leased vehicle, you change the ownership of the vehicle. The lessor owns a leased vehicle with the lessee listed on the registration. Following a lease buyout, you must re-register and re-title the vehicle in your name. When you do this, the registration on your leased vehicle ends, and you begin a new registration term; the time remaining on the leased vehicle’s registration does not transfer to the new vehicle.

If you renew the registration on a leased vehicle immediately before you buy out your lease, that registration time will not transfer to the new vehicle.

When you purchase a leased vehicle, the lessor should provide you with the title of the vehicle signed over to you. Bring that title and bill of sale to any DMV office to re-register and retitle the vehicle in your name.

You will be responsible for a new registration fee, title fee, and 6% purchase and use tax on the vehicle's residual value. You may keep your existing plates, but the time on those plates will start over when you re-register the vehicle.

How do I change the address on my registration?

In-Person: Complete the Replacement Registration Form (form #VD-040) and schedule an appointment to visit a Vermont DMV Office.

By Mail: Complete the Replacement Registration Form (form #VD-040) and mail with any required fees to:

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

Online: Go to mydmv.vermont.gov, and log into your myDMV account. Once logged in, select the ‘Update My Address’ link in the I Want To panel. The first address available for changing is your mailing address for the vehicle; you can choose to change this address or not. The next address displayed is the physical address, which you can choose to change. Selecting ‘Yes’ to either of these options will bring up fields where you can enter the new address. At the end of the process, click ‘Submit’ to process the request.

If I need to appoint a Power of Attorney, can I use my own form?

No. You must use the Vermont DMV Vehicle Power of Attorney form (VN-101)

Can someone else fill out the registration application form for me?

Someone else can complete the form for you, but the owner(s) must sign and date the application.

If the application is signed by someone who is acting as the "authorized agent" of the owner(s), you must include a completed DMV Power of Attorney (form VN-101).

How do I take a name off my registration?

Both owners listed on the title must sign it over to whoever will remain on the title (in section one on the back of the title). Fill out sections 1-4 and 8 on the registration application and mail the title and registration application to our main office in Montpelier with the appropriate fees.

You must also provide an updated odometer reading.

If one of the owners is deceased, attach a copy of that person’s death certificate.

How long after I register my vehicle do I have to get it inspected?

Vehicles not displaying a valid Vermont inspection sticker must be inspected within 15 days of registration. If the vehicle is driven within these 15 days (without a valid inspection sticker affixed), the vehicle must still be in good mechanical condition and meet the Vermont Safety Inspection Standards.

Remember, you must present an insurance identification card to the inspection station to show proof of insurance or the vehicle cannot be inspected.

My registration, license or title has not arrived yet. What should I do?

You must notify the DMV within 60 days of issuance if you do not receive your registration/license/title. If DMV is not notified within this timeframe, the purchase of a replacement may be required.