How to Renew Your Vermont Driver's License

Vermont Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person

Vermont lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few basic conditions, by mail if you prefer not to go online, or in person at any DMV office. The online route is fastest — you can finish in minutes and your new license arrives in about two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal at a DMV office is the only option if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to add or remove endorsements like motorcycle or commercial driving privileges.

Your renewal method depends on what changed since your last license and how soon you need the new one. If nothing has changed except the expiration date, online or mail renewal works fine. If you've moved, changed your name, or want different driving privileges, you'll need to go in person.

Key Takeaways

Vermont's online renewal takes about 15 minutes and costs $70 for a standard five-year license, with your new license arriving in roughly two weeks.
You can renew by mail using the renewal notice Vermont sends you, though processing takes four to six weeks.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, or if you need to change your name, address, or driving privileges.
You'll need your current license, proof of Vermont residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a Social Security number to renew in any method.
Vermont's online renewal system accepts payment by credit or debit card only; mail and in-person renewals also accept checks and money orders.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route

Start at the Vermont DMV website and look for the online renewal portal. You'll need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against Vermont's records and then ask you to review your address and other details. If everything is correct, you pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card and you're done.

Online renewal works only if your license is not expired and you have not had any violations, suspensions, or holds on your driving record in the past five years. If the system tells you that you don't meet the requirements, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so make sure it's current before you submit.

Mail Renewal: No Trip Required

Vermont sends renewal notices to drivers whose licenses are expiring soon. The notice includes a form you fill out, sign, and mail back with a check or money order. Include a copy of proof of residency — a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and current address. Mail everything to the address listed on the renewal notice.

Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time Vermont receives your envelope. If you're cutting it close to your expiration date, online renewal is faster. If your renewal notice got lost or you didn't receive one, you can request a form from the Vermont DMV by phone or by visiting an office in person.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

Visit any Vermont DMV office with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement all work. You'll fill out an process, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. Most offices can complete the process in under 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

In-person renewal is your only option if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to add endorsements for motorcycle or commercial driving. If you're changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. If you're adding a motorcycle endorsement, you'll need to pass the motorcycle knowledge test and a riding skills test.

What You'll Pay and What Documents You Need

A standard five-year Vermont driver's license renewal costs $70. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings), the cost is the same — Vermont issues Real ID licenses by default. You can request a non-Real ID license if you prefer, at no additional cost.

For any renewal method, have these documents ready: your current driver's license, proof of Vermont residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing in person and have changed your name, bring the legal document proving the change. If you're adding endorsements, bring any required test results or certifications.

Real ID and What It Means for Your License

Vermont's standard driver's license is now Real ID-compliant, which means it meets federal standards for identification at airports and federal buildings. You don't have to do anything special to get a Real ID license — it's the default when you renew. Your new license will have a gold star in the upper right corner to show it's Real ID-compliant.

If you prefer a non-Real ID license for privacy reasons, you can request one when you renew. Tell the DMV staff in person, or note it on your mail renewal form. A non-Real ID license works fine for driving and state identification, but you won't be able to use it for domestic air travel or to enter federal buildings — you'll need a passport or other federal ID instead.

What Happens If Your License Expired Long Ago

If your Vermont license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The DMV will treat your renewal as a new process, which means you'll have your photo taken and your information re-verified in the system.

If your license expired more than five years ago and you've been driving without a valid license, the DMV may ask questions about why the gap exists. Be honest about your situation. Once you renew, your new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Vermont license before the expiration date?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to six months before your license expires. In-person renewal at a DMV office can happen at any time. Renewing early is a good idea if you're traveling or if you want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date.

What if I've moved out of Vermont since my last license?

You cannot renew a Vermont license if you no longer live in Vermont. You'll need to get a license from your new state instead. If you're moving soon but still live in Vermont, renew now before you go.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online renewal takes about two weeks for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready — you can drive with a temporary paper license the same day, and your plastic card arrives in the mail within two weeks.

Can I renew if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve the issue with the Vermont DMV before you can renew. Contact the DMV to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a legal document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal cannot process name changes.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.