How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Vermont in 2026
Vermont does not offer an online system for canceling vehicle registration. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles processes registration cancellations through mail submission or in-person visits to DMV offices. Vehicle owners must complete the Registration & Plate Cancellation Request and submit it along with the required documentation. The Department administers all registration matters throughout Vermont, including the processing of cancellations.
Canceling registration terminates your vehicle's legal authorization for operation on Vermont roadways. Following cancellation, you must submit either your registration certificate or license plates to the Department. Vermont does not require the surrender of both items—either document suffices for cancellation processing.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
Numerous situations require termination of your Vermont vehicle registration:
- Completing the sale of your vehicle to a private party or automotive dealership
- Gifting your vehicle to a family member or charitable organization
- Moving your primary residence to a different state
- Fulfilling a vehicle lease agreement and returning the vehicle to the lessor
- Taking your vehicle to a salvage facility or automotive recycling operation
- Having your vehicle designated as a total loss by your insurance carrier
- Filing a police report for vehicle theft without subsequent recovery
- Maintaining a vehicle in storage while discontinuing insurance coverage
- Transferring vehicle ownership through estate or probate proceedings
- Withdrawing your vehicle from active operation permanently
- Trading your vehicle toward the purchase of another vehicle at a dealership
- Surrendering your vehicle through voluntary repossession or lender reclamation
Registration Cancellation Methods
Vermont processes registration cancellations through mail submission or in-person visits to DMV offices.
Mail-In Cancellation
Submit your cancellation request by completing the Registration & Plate Cancellation Request (Form VD-170) and mailing it, along with the required documentation, to the Department's central office in Montpelier.
Required Materials:
Gather the following items before submitting your cancellation:
- Form VD-170 completed with vehicle information
- Original registration certificate
or
- License plate(s), if registration certificate is unavailable
If you have sold the vehicle, you may also include a signed transfer of ownership section documenting the sale.
Mailing Address:
Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles Attention: Info Unit 120 State Street Montpelier, VT 05603-0001
Processing Information:
The Department processes cancellation requests upon receipt of your complete submission. You may be eligible for a full or partial refund of registration fees depending on cancellation timing.
Processing Time:
Allow 30 business days for processing of your cancellation and any refund request.
In-Person Cancellation
Visit any Vermont DMV office to complete your registration cancellation in person. DMV staff can assist with completing Form VD-170 and processing your cancellation during your visit.
Required Materials:
Bring the following items to your DMV office appointment:
- Original registration certificate or license plates
- Valid identification (Vermont driver's license or ID card)
- Documentation explaining cancellation reason if applicable (bill of sale, lease termination papers, etc.)
Scheduling an Appointment:
Appointments are recommended but not required for most DMV services. Schedule your appointment online at myDMV Vermont or by calling (888) 970-0357.
Processing Procedure:
DMV staff will review your materials, complete Form VD-170 with you, and process your cancellation. You will receive confirmation of cancellation and information about any applicable refund. If you qualify for a refund, it will be processed and mailed to your address on file.
License Plate Return
Vermont does not require the mandatory return of license plates upon cancellation. According to 23 V.S.A. § 327, you may submit either your registration certificate or your license plates to accomplish cancellation. If you choose to return plates, include them with your mail submission or bring them to your in-person appointment.
Petition for Refund of Registration Fees
Vermont regulations under 23 V.S.A. § 327 provide refunds of registration fees when you cancel before using the registration or within specific timeframes. Refund eligibility depends on cancellation timing relative to your registration period.
Refund Eligibility
The Commissioner may cancel registration and authorize refunds under the following conditions:
Full Refund Before Registration Period:
If you cancel registration before the beginning of the registration period, you receive a refund of the full amount paid, less a $5.00 administrative charge.
Full Refund Within 30 Days:
If you cancel within 30 days after the date of issue and prove the number plates have not been used or attached to a vehicle, you receive a refund of the full amount paid, less a $5.00 administrative charge.
Two-Year Registration Refund:
If you cancel before the beginning of the second year of a two-year registration period, you receive a refund of one-half the full amount of the two-year fee paid, less a $5.00 administrative charge.
Five-Year Registration Refund:
For five-year registrations canceled before completion, refunds are calculated as follows:
- Four-fifths of the full five-year fee, less $5.00 charge, if canceled before the second year begins
- Three-fifths of the full five-year fee, less $5.00 charge, if canceled before the third year begins
- Two-fifths of the full five-year fee, less $5.00 charge, if canceled before the fourth year begins
- One-fifth of the full five-year fee, less $5.00 charge, if canceled before the fifth year begins
Additional Refund Circumstances:
You may also receive refunds if you provide proof that:
- The vehicle has been totally destroyed by fire
- The vehicle has become wholly unfit for use through a crash or wear and has been dismantled
- The registration was completed in error (for example, you renewed registration for the wrong vehicle)
Refund Application Process
Step 1: Submit Cancellation Request
Complete and submit Form VD-170 with your registration certificate or license plates by mail or in person as described above. The Department cannot process refund requests without receiving your cancellation materials.
Step 2: Include Refund Request on Form
Use Form VD-170 to request your refund. The form includes sections for:
- Vehicle identification information
- Cancellation reason
- Refund request
- Supporting documentation if claiming total destruction or error
Provide a detailed explanation supporting your refund eligibility, particularly for claims of vehicle destruction or registration error.
Step 3: Mail or Submit in Person
Send your complete refund request with all supporting documentation to:
Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles Attention: Refunds 120 State Street Montpelier, VT 05603-0001
Or submit your materials in person at any Vermont DMV office.
Step 4: Department Review and Processing
The Department reviews refund applications for eligibility under Vermont statutes governing registration fees. Approved refunds are processed and mailed to your address within 30 business days of receipt.
Governing Laws and Regulations
Vermont vehicle registration cancellation procedures are established through state statutes:
- 23 V.S.A. § 327 establishes refund eligibility when plates are not used, including full refund conditions, partial refund calculations for multi-year registrations, and administrative fee provisions
- 23 V.S.A. Chapter 7 contains comprehensive provisions governing vehicle registration requirements, procedures, and administrative matters throughout Vermont
Government Agencies
Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603-0001
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
Online Services Portal:
myDMV Vermont
Online services remain unavailable as system updates continue. Service may resume as early as January 1, 2026.
Appointment Scheduling:
Phone: (888) 970-0357
DMV Offices in Major Cities
Registration cancellation can be completed in person at the following DMV locations throughout Vermont. Appointments are recommended but not required:
South Burlington DMV Office
4 Market Street, South Burlington, VT 05403
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: South Burlington DMV Office
Saint Johnsbury DMV Office
1998 Memorial Drive, Saint Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: Saint Johnsbury DMV Office
Bennington DMV Office
530 Main St, Bennington, VT 05201
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: Bennington DMV Office
Rutland DMV Office
101 State Place, Rutland, VT 05701
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: Rutland DMV Office
White River Junction DMV Office
221 Beswick Drive, White River Junction, VT 05001
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: White River Junction DMV Office
Saint Albans DMV Office
680 Lower Newton Road, Saint Albans, VT 05478
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: Saint Albans DMV Office
Springfield DMV Office
100 Mineral Street, Springfield, VT 05156
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: Springfield DMV Office
Newport DMV Office
100 Main Street, Suite 220, Newport, VT 05855
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: Newport DMV Office
Dummerston DMV Office
870 US Route 5, Dummerston, VT 05301
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: Dummerston DMV Office
