Vermont driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person
Vermont allows you to renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Which method you use depends on your license type, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew by mail or online without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a renewal form and instructions specific to your situation. You do not need to wait for the notice to begin the renewal process — you can start once your license is within one year of expiration.
Renewal fees depend on your license type and how long you renew for. A standard five-year renewal costs $70. A ten-year renewal costs $140. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have different fees and stricter renewal rules. Motorcycle endorsements add $10 to any renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Vermont lets you renew by mail or online if your license is still valid and you have not had a suspension or medical restriction change since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks after the DMV receives your completed form and payment; online renewal is faster but requires a credit or debit card.
- You must renew in person if your license has expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if your medical status or restrictions have changed.
- A standard five-year renewal costs $70; a ten-year renewal costs $140, and both can be paid by check, money order, or card depending on your method.
- Vermont does not require a vision test for mail or online renewal unless you have a medical condition that affects your driving.
Renewing by mail: forms, fees, and timeline
To renew by mail, use the renewal notice the DMV sent you, or request form DL-43 from the Vermont DMV website or any DMV office. Fill out the form completely, including your current address. If your address has changed since your last renewal, the DMV will update it during processing.
Mail your completed form with payment to the address shown on the renewal notice. Payment must be by check or money order made payable to "Vermont DMV." Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license or a photocopy of both sides if you want the DMV to have it on file.
Processing takes about two weeks after the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite mail renewal — you must renew online or in person instead.
Renewing online: fastest option with a credit card
Online renewal through the Vermont DMV website is the fastest method. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card. The system verifies your identity and processes your payment when ready.
You can renew online if your license is still valid, you have not had any medical restrictions added or changed, and you do not need a new photo. If any of these conditions do not explore, the online system will tell you that you must renew in person.
After you complete online renewal, the DMV prints and mails your new license. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, which you can use to track your license status on the DMV website.
In-person renewal at a Vermont DMV office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you want a new photo, if your medical status has changed, or if you have had any driving restrictions added or modified. You will also need to renew in person if you are changing your name or if you are upgrading your license class.
Bring your current license, proof of Vermont residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have a medical condition affecting your driving, bring a completed medical form signed by your doctor.
Vermont DMV offices are located in Montpelier, Rutland, and St. Johnsbury. You can walk in during business hours or schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time. In-person renewal is completed the same day, and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Payment Method | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| By mail | Completed form DL-43, current license (optional copy) | Check or money order | About 2 weeks after receipt |
| Online | License number, date of birth | Credit or debit card | 5–7 business days |
| In person | Current license, proof of residency, payment | Cash, check, card, or money order | Same day (temporary); 7–10 days (permanent) |
Medical conditions and vision requirements
Vermont does not require a vision test for mail or online renewal. However, if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely — such as seizure disorder, diabetes requiring insulin, or significant vision loss — you must report it to the DMV. Some conditions require a medical examination form completed by your doctor.
If your doctor has restricted your driving (for example, corrective lenses only, or daylight driving only), those restrictions appear on your license. If your condition has changed or improved, you can request a review by submitting a new medical form. Changes to medical restrictions always require an in-person visit to the DMV.
Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal
CDL renewal in Vermont is more complex than standard license renewal. You cannot renew a CDL by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DMV office and pass a written knowledge test for your endorsement class.
You will also need a current medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. The certificate is valid for 24 months and must be current or renewed before your CDL expires. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, your medical certificate, and payment. A five-year CDL renewal costs $120.
If your CDL has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the full CDL test, not just the renewal test. Contact the Vermont DMV before your appointment to confirm what you need to bring.
Common mistakes and what to avoid
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Once your license is expired, you cannot use mail or online renewal — you must go to an office in person. Renewing early (within one year of expiration) keeps your options open and ensures you have a valid license without interruption.
Do not send cash by mail. The DMV will not process your renewal if payment is cash, and you will not receive a refund. Use check or money order only for mail renewal.
Do not assume your address is current. If you have moved since your last renewal, update your address on the renewal form or during online renewal. Mail sent to an old address will not reach you, and you may miss your new license.
Do not ignore medical condition changes. If your doctor has told you that a condition affects your driving, report it to the DMV even if you think it is minor. Driving with an undisclosed medical condition can result in license suspension and liability if you are in an accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Vermont license if it has been expired for more than a year?
No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than five years. You must visit a DMV office in person. If your license expired less than five years ago, you can still renew by mail or online as long as you have not had any medical or restriction changes.
What happens if I renew online but do not receive my license within two weeks?
Contact the Vermont DMV with your confirmation number. Delivery usually takes five to seven business days, but delays can happen. The DMV can check the status of your license and remail it if necessary. Do not assume it is lost until at least three weeks have passed.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my Vermont license?
No, you do not need a new photo for mail or online renewal. Your current photo remains on file. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. New photos are useful if your appearance has changed significantly or if your current photo is damaged.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Yes, an outstanding ticket or fine does not prevent renewal. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid fines or a court order, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Vermont DMV or the court that issued the suspension to resolve it first.
What is the difference between a five-year and ten-year renewal in Vermont?
A five-year renewal costs $70 and is valid for five years from the date of renewal. A ten-year renewal costs $140 and is valid for ten years. You choose which option to pay for when you renew. Ten-year renewal is available to all drivers and means you renew less often, but it costs more upfront.