Vermont renewal happens online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and how much time is left
Vermont lets you renew your driver's license through three different routes: online at the DMV website, by mail using a renewal form, or in person at a DMV office. Which route you can use depends on whether you hold a Real ID-compliant license, how close you are to your expiration date, and whether you need to change any information on your license.
The online option is fastest and available to most drivers, but only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or other personal details. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you will need to use the mail or in-person route instead.
Key Takeaways
- Vermont driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew online up to one year before expiration if nothing on your license has changed.
- Online renewal takes about 10 business days and costs $75 for a five-year license; mail renewal takes three to four weeks and requires the same fee.
- You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you changed your address or name, or if you need to add or remove Real ID status.
- Vermont Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses but require proof of citizenship and a Social Security number verification at the DMV office.
Online renewal: the fastest option if your information has not changed
Start at the Vermont DMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity using this information and pull up your current license record.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not moved, and you have not changed your name or other personal details. If any of those explore to you, skip this route and use mail or in-person renewal instead. The online system will tell you when ready if you are not may be able to access.
Once you complete the online form, you will pay $75 by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and it typically arrives within 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal: three to four weeks, no office visit required
Request a renewal form from the Vermont DMV by calling 802-828-2000 or by visiting a DMV office in person. You can also read the renewal form from the DMV website if you prefer not to call. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a check or money order for $75 payable to the State of Vermont.
Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the form — this is typically the DMV's central processing office in Montpelier. Do not send your current license unless the form specifically asks for it. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope, so send it at least that long before your expiration date.
Mail renewal works for most drivers, but you cannot use it if your license has already expired, if you changed your address or name, or if you need to change your Real ID status. If any of those explore, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DMV office: required if your information changed or your license expired
Visit any Vermont DMV office with your current license, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Proof of Social Security number can be a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form.
In-person renewal is mandatory if your license has expired, if you moved to a new address, if you changed your name, or if you want to add or remove Real ID status. The DMV office will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. You will pay $75 and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Vermont DMV offices are located in Montpelier, Rutland, St. Johnsbury, and White River Junction. You do not need an appointment for license renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings.
Real ID status: what changes and what stays the same
Vermont Real ID licenses meet federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard Vermont license cannot be used for these purposes after May 7, 2025, when the federal Real ID important date takes effect.
If you currently hold a standard license and want to switch to Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and proof of Social Security number. The Real ID license costs the same as a standard license — $75 for five years — but requires the extra documents and an in-person visit.
If you already have a Real ID license, you can renew it online or by mail as long as your address and name have not changed. The new license will automatically be Real ID-compliant.
License expiration dates and renewal windows
Your Vermont driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew online or by mail starting one year before that date. If you wait until after your birthday to renew, your license will be expired, and you must renew in person.
Renewing early is a good strategy because it gives you time to use the mail option or to schedule an in-person visit without rushing. If you are close to your expiration date and have not yet renewed, check the current processing times on the Vermont DMV website before choosing your route.
Fees and payment methods
Vermont charges $75 for a five-year driver's license renewal, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online and in-person renewals accept credit cards and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made out to the State of Vermont.
There are no additional fees for Real ID status, and there are no discounts for early renewal. If you renew before your current license expires, you will not get a refund for the unused time on your old license.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not send your current license with your mail renewal form unless the DMV specifically asks for it. Many people do this unnecessarily, and it can slow down processing if the license gets lost in the mail.
Do not wait until after your birthday to renew if you plan to use the online or mail route. Once your license expires, you cannot use those options and must visit a DMV office in person. Plan to renew at least two weeks before your expiration date if you are using mail renewal.
Do not assume you can renew online if you have moved, changed your name, or want to change your Real ID status. The online system will reject your renewal if any of these explore, and you will have to start over with the in-person or mail route. Check the DMV website first to confirm you are may be able to access for online renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Vermont license if it has already expired?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail once your license has expired. You must visit a DMV office in person with your expired license, proof of address, and proof of Social Security number. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard in-person renewal.
How long can I drive on my old license while waiting for the new one?
You can drive on your current license until it expires, even if you have already submitted a renewal process online or by mail. If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and you can drive on that while your permanent license is in the mail.
What if I moved but want to renew by mail?
You cannot renew by mail if you changed your address. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. The DMV will update your address during the in-person renewal.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, the DMV will use your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo. You cannot request a new photo during online or mail renewal.
What happens if I renew online but my information was not correct?
If you discover an error after completing online renewal, contact the Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000 before your new license arrives. They may be able to correct it before the license is printed. If the license arrives with an error, you will need to visit a DMV office in person to request a correction.