How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Vermont From Out of State
Individuals relocating to Vermont with motor vehicles registered in other states must complete registration through the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. Vermont statutes require new residents to register their vehicles within 60 days of establishing domicile in the state. The Vermont Statutes Title 23, Chapter 5 governs motor vehicle registration requirements and establishes the fee structures administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Base Registration and Title Fees
Vermont assesses registration and title fees based on a flat rate, with a purchase and use tax on the value. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles establishes fee schedules applicable to all motor vehicle transactions processed throughout the state's DMV locations.
Vehicle Registration Fees
Registration fees are based on vehicle classification and are maintained through the DMV Fee Schedule.
Passenger Vehicles and Common Motor Vehicles
| Vehicle Classification | 1-Year Gas/Diesel | 2-Year Gas/Diesel | 1-Year Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | 2-Year PHEV | 1-Year Electric (BEV) | 2-Year BEV | 1-Year Other Fuel | 2-Year Other Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto (passenger car) | $91.00 | $167.00 | $135.50 | $256.00 | $178.00 | $341.00 | $159.25 | $292.25 |
| Jitney (up to 7 passengers) | $91.00 | $167.00 | $135.50 | $256.00 | $178.00 | $341.00 | $159.25 | $292.25 |
| Motorhome | $91.00 | $167.00 | $135.50 | $256.00 | $178.00 | $341.00 | $159.25 | $292.25 |
| School Bus | $91.00 | $167.00 | $135.50 | $256.00 | $178.00 | $341.00 | $159.25 | $292.25 |
| Trucks (up to 6,099 lbs) | $91.00 | $167.00 | $135.50 | $256.00 | $178.00 | $341.00 | $159.25 | $292.25 |
Two-Wheeled and Off-Road Vehicles
| Vehicle Classification | 1-Year Gas/Diesel | 2-Year Gas/Diesel | 1-Year Electric (BEV) | 2-Year BEV | 1-Year Other Fuel | 2-Year Other Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | $58.00 | $116.00 | $56.00 | $112.00 | $101.50 | $203.00 |
| Motor-Driven Cycle (Moped) | $36.00 | $72.00 | $34.00 | $68.00 | $63.00 | $126.00 |
| All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) | $45.00 | $90.00 | $45.00 | $90.00 | $45.00 | $90.00 |
| All-Surface Vehicle (ASV) Class A | $108.00 | $211.00 | $108.00 | $211.00 | $108.00 | $211.00 |
Antique and Specialty Vehicles
| Vehicle Classification | 1-Year Gas/Diesel | 2-Year Gas/Diesel | 1-Year Electric (BEV) | 2-Year BEV | 1-Year Other Fuel | 2-Year Other Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antique/Exhibition (Limited Use) | $28.00 | $56.00 | $26.00 | $52.00 | $49.00 | $98.00 |
| Street Rod | $91.00 | $167.00 | $89.00 | $163.00 | $159.25 | $292.25 |
| Off-Highway Tractors | $91.00 | $167.00 | $89.00 | $163.00 | $159.25 | $292.25 |
Trailers
| Vehicle Classification | 1-Year Fee | 2-Year Fee | 5-Year Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trailer (1,500 lbs or less) | $33.00 | $62.00 | $165.00 |
| Trailer (1,501 lbs or more) | $63.00 | $123.00 | $315.00 |
| Trailer, Contractor | $237.00 | $473.00 | $1,185.00 |
Snowmobiles
| Vehicle Classification | 1-Year Fee |
|---|---|
| Snowmobile (Resident) | $28.00 |
| Snowmobile (Non-Resident) | $36.00 |
| Snowmobile (Antique) | $50.00 |
Municipal and Volunteer Vehicles
| Vehicle Classification | 5-Year Fee |
|---|---|
| Municipal & Volunteer | $15.00 |
Replacement and Transfer Fees
| Service Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Car/Motorcycle/Truck/Trailer - Replacement Registration | $20.00 |
| Car/Motorcycle/Truck/Trailer - Transfer Registration | $30.00 |
| ATV - Replacement Registration | $6.00 |
| ATV - Transfer Registration | $12.00 |
| Motorboat - Replacement Registration | $3.00 |
| Motorboat - Transfer (same or smaller class) | $6.00 |
| Motorboat - Transfer (to larger class) | $6.00 + fee difference |
| Snowmobile - Replacement Registration | $6.00 |
| Snowmobile - Transfer Registration | $3.00 |
Additional Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| New Vehicle Warranty Fee | $8.00 |
| Clean Air Fund Fee (included in registration fees where applicable) | $2.00 |
Note: All registration fees listed above include the applicable Clean Air Fund Fee ($2.00) and EV Infrastructure Fee where applicable. For trucks 6,100 lbs and over, see the truck registration fees page.
License Plate Fees
Vermont charges separate fees for license plate issuance and renewal.
License Plate Replacement Fees
| Plate Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Single Plate | $15.00 |
| Set of Two Plates | $29.00 |
| Municipal Plate | $11.00 |
Special and Optional Plate Additional Fees
| Plate Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Vanity Plate | $58.00 (annually) |
| Conservation Plate | $32.00 (annually) |
| Building Bright Futures Plate | $29.00 (annually) |
| Safety/Service Organization Plate | $21.00 (one-time) |
| Sample Plates | $22.00 |
Certificate of Title Fees
Vermont mandates certificate of title issuance for motor vehicles that are 15 years old or newer, based on the current calendar year.
Motor Vehicle Title Fees (Car, Truck, Trailer, and Motorcycle)
| Title Transaction Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Title, New | $42.00 |
| Certificate of Title, Replacement | $42.00 |
| Certificate of Title, Corrected | $42.00 |
| Lien (each) | $14.00 |
| Title Search | $27.00 |
Recreational Vehicle Title Fees (ASV, ATV, Motorboat, and Snowmobile)
| Title Transaction Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Title, New | $27.00 |
| Certificate of Title, Replacement | $27.00 |
| Certificate of Title, Corrected | $27.00 |
| Lien (each) | $14.00 |
| Title Search | $27.00 |
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Surcharge
Vermont imposes an annual supplemental registration fee on electric and hybrid vehicles to compensate for reduced motor fuel tax revenue. This surcharge applies in addition to standard registration fees.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Annual Surcharges:
| Vehicle Category | Annual Surcharge |
|---|---|
| Battery electric vehicles | $89.00 |
| Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles | $44.50 |
New Resident Fee and Use Tax
Vermont imposes a purchase and use tax on motor vehicles acquired from out-of-state sources. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles administers the collection of purchase and use taxes during registration transactions.
Vermont Purchase and Use Tax
The standard purchase and use tax rate applies to the purchase price of vehicles registered in Vermont.
Purchase and Use Tax Rates:
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Vehicle purchase and use tax | 6.00% |
The tax calculation basis is the purchase price paid for the vehicle or the vehicle's fair market value as determined by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) guide, whichever amount is greater. New Vermont residents who owned and registered their vehicle in another state for at least six months before establishing Vermont residency may qualify for exemption from the purchase and use tax.
Credit for Tax Paid in Another State
Vermont provides credit for sales or use taxes paid to other states at the time of vehicle purchase. The credit amount equals the lesser of the tax paid to the other state or the Vermont tax due. Documentation of taxes paid in the previous state must be submitted to claim this credit.
Vehicle Inspection Requirements and Fees
Vermont mandates periodic safety inspections for registered motor vehicles. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles oversees the vehicle inspection program administered through licensed inspection stations throughout the state.
Annual Safety Inspection
All motor vehicles registered in Vermont require annual safety inspections conducted by state-certified inspection stations. Inspection stations establish their own fee rates within maximum limits set by state regulation.
Salvage Vehicle Examination
Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles require special examination by the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles prior to receiving standard registration. The examination ensures compliance with safety standards and proper reconstruction procedures.
Salvage Examination Fees:
| Examination Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Salvage vehicle examination | $40.00 |
Government Agencies and Contact Information
Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles - Headquarters
120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles administers all vehicle registration, titling, and inspection programs throughout the state. The department maintains vehicle ownership records, processes title applications, collects purchase and use taxes, and enforces compliance with motor vehicle statutes across Vermont.
Vermont DMV Regional Offices
Bennington DMV Office
530 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: Bennington DMV Office
Dummerston DMV Office
870 US Route 5, Dummerston, VT 05301
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: Dummerston DMV Office
Newport DMV Office
100 Main Street, Newport, VT 05855
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: Newport DMV Office
Montpelier DMV Office
120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: Montpelier DMV Office
Rutland DMV Office
101 State Place, Rutland, VT 05701
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: Rutland DMV Office
St. Albans DMV Office
27 Fisher Pond Road, Suite 3, Saint Albans, VT 05478
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: St. Albans DMV Office
St. Johnsbury DMV Office
Green Mountain Mall, 1998 Memorial Drive, Saint Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: St. Johnsbury DMV Office
South Burlington DMV Office
4 Market Street, South Burlington, VT 05403
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: South Burlington DMV Office
Springfield DMV Office
100 Mineral Street, Springfield, VT 05156
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: Springfield 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
