Vermont driver's license renewal basics
In Vermont, you can renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Most people renew by mail or online without visiting a location at all. Your license is valid for four years, and Vermont sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before it expires — that notice tells you which method you're allowed to use.
The method available to you depends on your current license type and how many renewals you've done by mail or online in a row. If you've renewed the same way twice already, you must renew in person the third time. This rule exists to make sure the DMV can verify your identity periodically.
You do not need to take a new written test or road test to renew a standard driver's license in Vermont, unless your license has been suspended or revoked. If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the rules are different and more complex.
Key Takeaways
- Vermont sends a renewal notice 60 days before your license expires, and that notice tells you whether you can renew by mail, online, or must renew in person.
- Mail renewal costs $20 and takes about two weeks; online renewal costs $20 and is faster, but not all license types are available online.
- If you've renewed by mail or online twice in a row, your third renewal must be done in person at a DMV office.
- You will need your current license, proof of Vermont residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid Social Security number to renew.
- If your license is suspended, revoked, or you need to change your name or address, you cannot use mail or online renewal and must visit a DMV office in person.
Renewing by mail in Vermont
Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no trip to the DMV. You'll receive a renewal form in the notice Vermont sends you. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $20, and mail it to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash.
Processing takes about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. If you need your license sooner, mail renewal is not the right choice — use online renewal or visit a DMV office in person instead.
Mail renewal is available only if your renewal notice says you can use it. You cannot use mail renewal if your license is suspended, if you need to change your name or address, or if you've already renewed by mail or online twice in a row.
Renewing online in Vermont
Online renewal through the Vermont DMV website is faster than mail and costs $20. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The process takes about 10 minutes.
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal is available only for standard driver's licenses and learner's permits — not for commercial licenses, motorcycle endorsements, or certain other license types. Your renewal notice will tell you whether online renewal is an option for you.
Like mail renewal, online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, if you need to change your name or address, or if you've already renewed online or by mail twice in a row. If any of those situations explore, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a Vermont DMV office
In-person renewal is required if you've renewed by mail or online twice already, if your license is suspended or revoked, or if you need to change your name or address. You can also choose in-person renewal even if mail or online is available to you.
Bring your current license, proof of Vermont residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address), and your Social Security number. The DMV office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal costs $20 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Vermont has DMV offices in Montpelier, Rutland, Saint Johnsbury, and White River Junction. You can find hours and locations on the Vermont DMV website.
What documents you need to renew
For any renewal method, you'll need your current Vermont driver's license and your Social Security number. If you're renewing in person, you must also bring proof of Vermont residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy — the document must show your name and current Vermont address.
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you need to update your address, bring proof of your new address as described above.
If you're renewing by mail or online, you do not need to submit documents — the DMV already has your information on file. However, if you need to change your name or address, you cannot use mail or online renewal and must visit a DMV office in person.
When your license expires and renewal important date
Your Vermont driver's license is valid for four years from the date it was issued. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so there's no rush to renew the moment you receive the renewal notice.
However, if your license has already expired, you cannot renew it by mail or online — you must renew in person at a DMV office. An expired license is also not valid for driving, so renew before the expiration date if you plan to drive.
Vermont sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. If you don't receive a notice, contact the DMV directly or check your expiration date on your current license and renew before that date passes.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Vermont
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DMV office. You'll need to bring your current CDL, proof of Vermont residency, your Social Security number, and proof of your medical certification (the Medical Examiner's Certificate, or MCSA-5875 form).
If your medical certification has expired or will expire within 30 days, you must renew it before you can renew your CDL. You'll need to visit a certified medical examiner — the DMV does not perform medical exams. The cost of the medical exam is separate from the CDL renewal fee.
CDL renewal costs $20 and takes about 30 minutes in person. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need more information about CDL renewal, contact the Vermont DMV directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Vermont license if I've moved out of state?
No. Vermont driver's licenses are for Vermont residents only. If you've moved to another state, you need to get a driver's license from that state. You cannot renew a Vermont license if you no longer live in Vermont.
What if my license is suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license by mail or online. You must visit a DMV office in person. The DMV will tell you whether your license can be renewed or whether you need to complete other steps first, such as paying fines or completing a driver improvement course.
How much does it cost to renew in Vermont?
Renewal costs $20 whether you renew by mail, online, or in person. If you're renewing a CDL, the cost is still $20, but you may also need to pay for a medical exam if your medical certification has expired.
What if I need my license before the mail arrives?
If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready that you can use to drive while you wait for your plastic card. If you renew by mail or online, you cannot get a temporary license — you'll have to wait for the card to arrive by mail.
Can I renew my license online if I don't have a credit or debit card?
No. Online renewal requires a valid payment method. Use mail renewal instead, and send a check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail.