How To Get a Car Title in Vermont 2026
Vermont law requires certificates of title for motor vehicles, with specific provisions outlined under 23 V.S.A. § 2012. Individuals who establish residency in Vermont must register and title their vehicles within 60 days of relocation. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles administers the state's vehicle titling program and maintains ownership records for all titled vehicles throughout the state.
Where to Apply for a Vermont Certificate of Title
Vermont processes vehicle title applications through regional Department of Motor Vehicles offices located throughout the state. Designated locations for title services include:
- Regional DMV Offices – Full-service facilities in Montpelier, South Burlington, Bennington, Rutland, Saint Albans, Newport, Saint Johnsbury, Springfield, Dummerston, and White River Junction
- Montpelier Main Office – Primary headquarters location at 120 State Street, handling complex transactions and mail submissions
- Online Services – Replacement titles and certain transactions available through myDMV portal for eligible applicants
- Mail Processing – Applications may be submitted by mail to the Montpelier main office for processing
Required Documents for Title Application in Vermont
Applicants seeking a Vermont certificate of title must submit documentation establishing legal ownership and satisfying statutory requirements under Vermont law. All scenarios require completion of the Vermont Registration, Tax, and Title Application Form VD-119 unless specifically noted otherwise.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Title or Registration Certificate | Properly assigned title or valid out-of-state registration | All owners must sign assignment section; liens must be released |
| Vermont Registration, Tax, and Title Application (Form VD-119) | Complete application with all sections filled accurately | Required for virtually all title transactions unless otherwise indicated |
| Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form VT-005) | Documentation of transaction with mileage disclosure | Odometer disclosure mandatory for model year 2011 or newer |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Specific circumstances require supplemental documentation beyond standard application materials:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin | Proof of ownership for new vehicles | Required when vehicle has never been previously registered or titled |
| VIN Verification Form (VT-010) | Identification number verification | Mandatory for vehicles with salvage brands or without previous title |
| Affidavit of Non-Titled Vehicle (Form VT-025) | Sworn statement for vehicles without title history | Must be notarized; required when National Motor Vehicle Title Information System shows no record |
| J.D. Power Valuation | Documentation of vehicle value for tax calculation | Printout must be dated within seven days when submitting by mail |
| Lien Release Documentation | Written release from financial institution | Required when lien appears on surrendered title |
| Death Certificates or Probate Papers | Legal documentation for deceased owners | Necessary when one or more title holders have passed away |
| Power of Attorney Form (VN-101) | Authorization for third party to act on behalf of owner | Must use Vermont-specific form; other power of attorney documents not accepted |
Vermont Title Fees and Costs
The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles establishes uniform fee schedules applicable at all regional offices throughout the state.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Title (New) – Car, Truck, Trailer, Motorcycle | $42.00 |
| Certificate of Title (Replacement) | $42.00 |
| Certificate of Title (Corrected) | $42.00 |
| Lien Recording (each) | $14.00 |
| Title Search | $27.00 |
Additional Processing Fees
Vehicle titling involves supplemental charges assessed at the time of registration:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase and Use Tax | 6% of purchase price or J.D. Power value | Whichever is greater; see exemptions for qualifying transactions |
| Registration Fee (Auto, 1 year) | $91.00 | Gas/diesel vehicles; includes $2.00 Clean Air Fund Fee |
| Registration Fee (Auto, 2 years) | $167.00 | Biennial option available for most passenger vehicles |
| Plug-in Hybrid Registration Fee (1 year) | $135.50 | Includes base registration plus $44.50 EV Infrastructure Fee |
| Plug-in Hybrid Registration Fee (2 years) | $256.00 | Biennial option for plug-in hybrid vehicles |
| Electric Vehicle Registration Fee (1 year) | $178.00 | Includes base registration plus $87.00 EV Infrastructure Fee |
| Electric Vehicle Registration Fee (2 years) | $341.00 | Biennial option for fully electric vehicles |
| New Vehicle Warranty Fee | $8.00 | Assessed on new motor vehicle registrations excluding certain vehicle classes |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Determine Title Requirements and Gather Documents
Verify whether your vehicle requires a title under current Vermont law. All vehicles with ownership changes must receive a Vermont title. Vehicles more than 15 years old on January 1, 2024, that have been registered in Vermont without ownership changes since that date are exempt from title requirements, though obtaining a title is recommended for out-of-state sales. Collect the existing certificate of title or registration certificate, ensuring all owners listed on the document have signed the assignment section. For vehicles requiring odometer disclosure (model year 2011 or newer), complete the mileage section on the bill of sale or title assignment.
Step 2: Complete Required Application Forms
Fill out the Vermont Registration, Tax, and Title Application Form VD-119 with complete and accurate information for all new owners. Refer to the registration application instructions for detailed guidance on each section. Complete Form VT-005 documenting the sale transaction, purchase price, and current odometer reading if applicable. For vehicles without a previous title history, prepare Form VT-025 Affidavit of Non-Titled Vehicle and have it notarized, and arrange for VIN verification using Form VT-010.
Step 3: Calculate Purchase and Use Tax
Determine the applicable purchase and use tax based on either the purchase price or the J.D. Power clean trade-in value, whichever is greater. Access the J.D. Power website to obtain current valuation, printing a copy dated within seven days if submitting by mail. Verify whether your transaction qualifies for any exemptions under Vermont law, such as transfers between spouses or certain family gifts meeting specific criteria. Calculate total costs including title fee, registration fees for your selected term, and applicable tax amount.
Step 4: Submit Application to DMV
Schedule an appointment through the myDMV portal or by calling 1-888-970-0357, though walk-in service is available at most locations without appointment. Visit any regional DMV office during business hours with all completed forms, supporting documentation, and payment. For mail submissions, send all materials, including the J.D. Power printout, to:
Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles 120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603-0001
Include payment by check or money order made payable to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles.
Step 5: Receive Certificate of Title
Following processing and approval of your application, the Vermont certificate of title will be produced and mailed to the address provided on the application form within approximately three weeks. If a security interest is recorded on the title, the document will be sent directly to the lienholder for retention until the loan is fully satisfied. For vehicles without liens, the title is mailed to the registered owner. Replacement titles requested online or in person are typically received within one to two weeks from the date of application.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Vermont statute provides specific exemptions from certificate of title requirements under 23 V.S.A. § 2012:
- Vehicles owned by the United States government, unless registered in Vermont
- Vehicles owned by manufacturers or dealers held for sale, testing, or demonstration purposes
- Vehicles owned by nonresidents are not required to be registered in Vermont
- Vehicles regularly engaged in interstate transportation with valid out-of-state titles
- Self-propelled wheelchairs and invalid tricycles
- Motorcycles with less than 300 cubic centimeters engine displacement or electric motorcycles under 20 kilowatts
- Motor-driven cycles (mopeds)
- Trailers with an unladen weight of 1,499 pounds or less
- Vehicles designed primarily for off-highway use as determined by the Commissioner
- Vehicles more than 15 years old on January 1, 2024, that have been registered in Vermont without ownership changes since that date
Contact Information
Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
120 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05603-0001
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
