Car Registration Requirements for New Vermont Residents

Persons relocating to Vermont with a vehicle registered elsewhere must meet the state's motor vehicle law registration transfer requirements. Vermont mandates completion of the registration process within a defined period measured from the date of establishment of residency.

Timeline for New Vermont Residents

Individuals must register their vehicle within 60 days after moving to Vermont, or before the out-of-state registration expires if that occurs earlier than the 60-day period.

Following registration, newly registered vehicles must undergo inspection within 15 days at a Vermont-licensed inspection station. Failure to complete the inspection within this timeframe may result in enforcement action.

Establishing Vermont Residency

Residency determination for vehicle registration purposes considers where an individual maintains a primary residence, holds gainful employment, or conducts regular business operations. Physical presence in Vermont, combined with actions indicating permanent settlement, triggers registration requirements.

Required Documentation for Car Registration in Vermont

New residents transferring an out-of-state registration must assemble specific documentation before submitting the application. Vermont requires proof of ownership, tax information, and compliance with insurance requirements.

Essential Documents

• Out-of-state title – Original document with proper assignment of ownership; all owners listed on the title must sign as sellers, and any liens must be released (properly assigned title
• Registration, Tax, and Title Application (Form VD-119) – Completed by new Vermont residents
• Current odometer reading – Updated mileage disclosure (odometer reading)
• Proof of tax paid to previous state – Documentation showing dollar amount of purchase and use or sales tax paid on the vehicle to any previous state, must include vehicle and owner information; not required if the vehicle is registered/titled in the owner's name in a state that collects tax (proof of tax)
• Vermont residency documentation – For non-credential holders: property tax bill, lease, utility bill, or insurance documents

Insurance Requirements

Vermont law mandates that all vehicles maintain liability insurance coverage meeting statutory minimum amounts. Under 23 V.S.A. § 800, operators must carry proof of financial responsibility in the following amounts:

Uninsured motorist coverage for new or renewed policies must be not less than $50,000 for one person and $100,000 for two or more persons injured or killed.

Application Submission Methods

Vermont accepts registration applications through two channels:

• In-person – Schedule an appointment and visit any Vermont DMV office location with all required documentation and fees
• Mail – Send completed forms, supporting documents, and a check or money order payable to Vermont DMV to the mailing address:

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

Vermont Vehicle Inspection Requirements

Vermont requires annual safety and emissions inspections for all motor vehicles registered in the state. The inspection program combines both safety standards verification and visual emissions system checks performed at licensed private inspection stations.

Inspection Procedures

Newly registered vehicles without current Vermont inspection stickers must be inspected within 15 days of registration. Vehicles driven during this 15-day period must remain in good mechanical condition and meet Vermont Safety Inspection Standards. Proof of insurance must be presented to the inspection station before the inspection can be performed.

Registration Fees and Costs in Vermont

Vermont assesses registration fees based on vehicle classification, fuel type, and registration period. The state offers both one-year and two-year registration options for most vehicle categories, with fees that include a Clean Air Fund assessment and an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fee, where applicable.

Standard Passenger Vehicle Fees

Registration fees for automobiles and light trucks under 6,099 pounds vary by fuel type and registration duration:

These amounts include a $2.00 Clean Air Fund Fee and an EV Infrastructure Fee where applicable.

Title Fees

• New certificate of title – $42.00
• Lien notation – $14.00 each

Purchase and Use Tax

Vermont collects Purchase and Use Tax at the time of registration calculated as 6% of the purchase price or the J.D. Power clean trade-in value, whichever is greater, minus the value of any trade-in vehicle or other allowable credits. The vehicle assessment uses J.D. Power values to determine the tax amount due.

New residents receive credit for purchase and use or sales tax paid to another state. If the tax paid to the previous state is less than the amount due to Vermont, the difference must be paid. Property tax or excise tax paid to another state does not qualify for a credit, as these are personal property taxes rather than purchase-and-use or sales taxes under IRS rules.

Contact Information

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
120 State Street, Montpelier, VERMONT 05603-0001
Phone: (802) 828-2000 or 1-888-998-3766
TTY: 711 or 1-800-253-0191
Vermont DMV