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Title

Vermont titles vehicles (including Motorboats, ATVs, and snowmobiles) that are 15 years old or newer based on the calendar year. For example: from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, Vermont will title vehicles (including Motorboats, ATVs, and snowmobiles) with the model year 2009 or newer.​


As Vermont is now a participating member of NMVTIS, please be advised that for all vehicles not titled in the state of Vermont, a registration number will be submitted to NMVTIS as proof of ownership in place of a 13-character title number.


If you own the vehicle free and clear (no loan), the title will be mailed directly to you.

If you have a loan on the vehicle, the title will be mailed to the entity holding the loan (not the owner) within three weeks of the processing of your registration.

If the vehicle has more than one owner, you need to indicate the rights of survivorship (see types of ownership for more information.)

If a vehicle is more than 15 years old, Vermont residents may apply for an exempt vehicle title.

How to Obtain a Vermont Title

New Vehicle

For a new vehicle that was not previously registered/titled anywhere, please provide the following:

  • Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin properly assigned.
  • A Bill of Sale may be required for Purchase & Use Tax purposes.
  • If the vehicle was manufactured in Canada, a New Vehicle Information Statement is necessary.
  • Odometer Disclosure Statement is required if the vehicle is the model year 2012 or newer.

Used Vehicle

For a used vehicle that was previously titled, please provide the following:

  • Original previous Certificate of Title assigned to you by all parties on the title and bills of sale as necessary to show the complete chain of ownership. All liens must be released.
  • Death Certificates and/or probate papers are required when one or more persons are deceased.
  • Odometer Disclosure Statement is required if the vehicle is the model year 2012 or newer.

For a used vehicle that was NOT previously titled but is required to be titled in Vermont, please provide the following:

  • Original or certified copy of the last Registration certificate and all Bills of Sale thereafter. Bills of Sale must contain sufficient information to identify the vehicle, including Make, Year, VIN, Purchase Price, Mileage, Signature of Seller, and Date of Sale.
  • Odometer Disclosure Statement is required if the vehicle is the model year 2012 or newer.

Exceptions

No Vermont certificate of title will be issued for the following:

  • Any Vehicle, Vessel, ATV, or snowmobile over 15 years old based on the calendar year
  • Any Vessel less than 16 feet in length.
  • Any vessel such as a canoe, kayak, or similar watercraft designed to be manually propelled or equipped with a motor not exceeding ten horsepower.
  • A vehicle/vessel/ATV/snowmobile owned by the United States Government unless registered in the State.
  • A vehicle/vessel /ATV/snowmobile owned by a manufacturer or dealer and held for sale.
  • A vehicle/vessel regularly engaged in the interstate transportation of persons or property for which a current Certificate of Title has been issued in another state.
  • Motorcycles with an engine size smaller than 300 ccs.
  • Motorcycles powered by electricity with less than 20 kilowatts of engine power.
  • Motor-driven cycles.
  • Tractors with a loaded weight of 6,099 lbs. or less.
  • Trailers with an empty weight of 1,500 lbs. or less.
  • Track Vehicles (Title optional):

For more detail, see the "Title Information form" (VT-018) below.

Download the PDF form to your computer and then open it with Adobe Reader

Related Forms & Information
Title ID# Sort descending Description
Replacement Title Application
VT-004
To apply for a replacement Vermont title when the original title has been lost, stolen, destroyed, or is illegible.
Lien Release
VT-008
To release a lien on a existing Vermont title
Rebuilt/Salvage Title Application
VT-017
To apply for a Rebuilt/Salvage Vermont title.
Title Information
VT-018
A bulletin of Vermont Title laws and title information details.
Lien Add
VT-019
To add or adjust a lien to an existing Vermont title.
Deceased Owner Informational Bulletin
VT-021
Information about updating registration or title after the death of the owner. Includes Surviving Spouse Statement.
Exempt Title Affidavit
VT-025
To apply, as a Vermont resident, for an exempt vehicle title on a vehicle that is more than 15 years old.

FAQs

How Can I Check Vehicle for Vermont Liens?

Go to mydmv.vermont.gov, and click the ‘Check Vehicle for Vermont Liens’ under the Vehicle Inquiry section. Select the vehicle type (Boat or Vehicle) and then enter the identification number. Check the checkbox to verify that you are not a robot, and click the ‘Search’ button.

The results of the vehicle search are displayed. Please note that liens held by individuals will not display personal information; you would need to contact the DMV for further information if needed.

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)

Will the title always be marked “bonded”?

No, after three (3) years from the time of the bond purchase, you can obtain a clear title.

What Can a Bonded Title Be Used For?

The central use of Bonded Titles is to act as a form of financial protection for potentially harmed parties. However, it also holds benefits for the bondholder. It can allow the bondholder to possess proof of ownership instead of an incomplete, non-existent, or lost title bond.

This is essential, as proof of legal ownership is necessary for buying insurance or selling the vehicle, trailer, vessel, snowmobile, or all-terrain vehicle. The bond may also be passed between owners if the vehicle, trailer, vessel, snowmobile, or all-terrain vehicle is sold, in much the same way a title transfer occurs when an original title is present.

When Is a Bonded Title Required?

The exact circumstances in which owners must take out a Bonded Title vary case by case. However, in most cases, if you own or wish to buy a vehicle, trailer, vessel, snowmobile, or all-terrain vehicle that lacks a title or if that title is incomplete, then a Bonded Title is necessary.

What is a Bonded Title?

A bonded title, also known as a Certificate of Title Surety Bond or Lost Title Bond, is a document that establishes who owns a vehicle, trailer, vessel, snowmobile, or all-terrain vehicle. A bonded title can be used instead of a traditional title to register, get insurance for, or sell the vehicle, trailer, vessel, snowmobile, or all-terrain vehicle. 

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.

Use our contact form here 

Do I need a title for a twenty (20) year old vehicle?

Between now and December 31, 2023 - No.

As of January 1, 2024 - Yes.

How can I change the ownership of a vehicle without a title?

For a vehicle registered in Vermont and more than 15 years old on January 1, 2024, you may use the "bill of sale."

Otherwise, you must obtain a replacement title.

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