Vermont driver's license renewal: the basic path

In Vermont, you can renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew by mail or online because it takes less time and you don't have to leave home. You'll need your current license, proof of Vermont residency, and a new photo if your license has expired for more than five years. The process takes about two to three weeks by mail, or a few minutes online if you're renewing early.

Your Vermont license is valid for four years from the date it was issued. You can start the renewal process up to six months before your expiration date. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or online, but you may need to visit a DMV office in person if your license expired more than five years ago.

Key Takeaways

  • Vermont lets you renew online, by mail, or in person, and most people choose online or mail because it's faster and requires no office visit.
  • You can begin renewing up to six months before your license expires, which gives you plenty of time to avoid driving on an expired license.
  • Online renewal takes minutes and costs less than renewing by mail, but you must have a valid email address and a credit or debit card.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need a new photo and must renew in person at a DMV office.
  • Vermont charges different fees depending on your renewal method: online is cheapest, mail costs more, and in-person renewal at the DMV is the most expensive option.

Renewing online through the Vermont DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest way to renew in Vermont. You go to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles website, enter your license number and date of birth, and answer a few questions about whether your address or medical conditions have changed. The system checks your information against state records and, if everything matches, you pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license arrives in the mail within two to three weeks.

You can only renew online if your current license is still valid or expired less than five years ago. You also need a valid email address because Vermont will send you a confirmation and tracking information. If you've had a name change, address change, or medical condition that affects your driving, you cannot use online renewal—you must renew by mail or in person instead.

Renewing by mail with the Vermont DMV

To renew by mail, read the process for Driver's License or Permit form from the Vermont DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Include a new photo if your license expired more than five years ago. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online—usually three to four weeks—because your process has to be processed by hand. However, it works if you don't have internet access or prefer not to use a credit card. If you're renewing early, you can mail your process as soon as you receive the renewal notice in the mail, which Vermont sends about 60 days before your license expires.

Renewing in person at a Vermont DMV office

You need to renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you've had a name change, or if you want to update your address or medical information. Bring your current license (or expired license if it's been more than five years), proof of Vermont residency such as a utility bill or lease, and a new photo. You can get a photo taken at the DMV office for an additional fee, or bring one you've had taken elsewhere.

Vermont has DMV offices in Montpelier, Rutland, St. Johnsbury, and White River Junction. You can walk in during business hours, but many offices accept appointments. Check the Vermont DMV website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times. In-person renewal is completed on the spot, and you'll receive a temporary license to use while your permanent license is mailed to you.

What documents and fees you'll need

For any renewal method, you need your current Vermont driver's license. If your license expired more than five years ago, you also need a new photo—a standard 2x2-inch color photo taken within the last six months. You can use a photo from a passport, school ID, or professional photo service, or have one taken at a DMV office.

Proof of Vermont residency is required only if you're renewing in person or if your address has changed. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Renewal fees vary by method. Online renewal costs the least. Mail renewal costs more because of processing. In-person renewal at a DMV office costs the most. All fees are for a four-year license. If you're renewing early, you pay the full fee and your new expiration date is four years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

What happens if your license is already expired

If your license expired less than five years ago, you can renew online or by mail without visiting a DMV office. You do not need a new photo. The process is the same as renewing before expiration, except you cannot use your expired license to drive—you should renew as soon as you notice the expiration date has passed.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You'll need a new photo, proof of residency, and your expired license. Vermont treats this as a more thorough renewal because so much time has passed. You cannot drive on an expired license, so plan to visit an office as soon as you can.

Renewing a commercial driver's license in Vermont

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, a new photo, and your medical certificate (MCSA-5871 form) if your CDL is for hazardous materials or passenger transport. Your medical certificate must be valid on the day you renew.

CDL renewals take longer than standard license renewals because the DMV must verify your commercial driving record and medical status. Plan for a longer office visit. If your medical certificate is expired or about to expire, renew it with your doctor or a certified medical examiner before you go to the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Vermont license before it expires?

Yes. Vermont lets you renew up to six months before your license expires. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before expiration. Renewing early means you won't accidentally drive on an expired license, and your new license will arrive before the old one runs out.

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

You cannot renew a Vermont license if you no longer live in Vermont. You must get a license from your new state instead. Contact the DMV in your new state to find out what documents you need and whether you can transfer your Vermont license or must take a new written test.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Online and mail renewals take two to three weeks from the date Vermont receives your process. In-person renewals are completed the same day, but you'll receive a temporary license and your permanent license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, the temporary license is valid.

Do I need a new photo every time I renew?

No. You only need a new photo if your current license expired more than five years ago. If you're renewing within five years of expiration, Vermont uses the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo even though you don't need one, you can request it at a DMV office for an additional fee.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.