Vermont driver's licenses renew every five years, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation
Vermont's renewal process is straightforward if you meet basic requirements: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must pass a vision test (unless renewing by mail), and you need to be a Vermont resident. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting a DMV office. If your license is suspended or you have unpaid traffic tickets, you'll need to resolve those before renewal.
The cost is $70 for a five-year renewal. If you're over 65, you can renew for $35 every five years. Real ID-compliant licenses cost $30 extra if you don't already have one, but Real ID is not required to renew a standard license — only if you want to use your license for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight.
Key Takeaways
- Vermont licenses expire five years from the date of issue, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
- Online renewal is fastest and requires only your license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method — no vision test needed.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and also skips the vision test, but you must be under 65 and have no medical restrictions on your license.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office requires a vision test and proof of Vermont residency, and appointments are strongly recommended to avoid long waits.
- If your license is suspended, expired for more than five years, or you have unpaid tickets, you cannot renew online or by mail and must visit a DMV office.
Renewing online through the Vermont DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes. Go to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles website, select "Renew License Online," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you the renewal fee.
You'll need a valid credit or debit card to pay. Once you complete the transaction, your new license is mailed to your Vermont address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years. If you have medical restrictions or are over 65, you must renew in person or by mail.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if you're under 65, have no medical restrictions on your current license, and your license is not suspended. read the renewal form from the Vermont DMV website (form DL-43), fill it out completely, and mail it with a check or money order for $70 to the address listed on the form.
Include a photocopy of one form of identification — a passport, birth certificate, or utility bill showing your current Vermont address. The DMV will process your renewal without a vision test and mail your new license back within two to three weeks. You can drive on your current license during this time.
If you're unsure whether mail renewal is right for you, call the Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000 before sending in your form. Staff can confirm your may be able to access in a few minutes.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
In-person renewal is required if you're over 65, have medical restrictions, your license is suspended, or you're renewing for the first time in Vermont. You'll need to pass a vision test and bring proof of Vermont residency.
Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring your current license and a valid form of identification. The DMV office will take a new photo, conduct the vision test, and issue your new license on the spot or mail it within a few days.
Vermont DMV offices are located in Montpelier, Rutland, St. Johnsbury, and White River Junction. Book an appointment online through the Vermont DMV website to avoid waiting in line. Walk-ins are accepted but may face longer waits, especially during lunch hours and late afternoons.
What happens if your license is suspended or expired
If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. Before you can renew, you'll need to resolve the reason for suspension — usually unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or a DUI-related hold.
Contact the Vermont DMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you owe or what steps are required. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at any DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and be prepared to pass a vision test.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use the online or mail renewal process. You'll need to renew in person and may be required to take a written driving test in addition to the vision test, depending on how long it's been expired.
Real ID compliance and renewal
Vermont's standard driver's license is not Real ID-compliant. If you want a Real ID license for federal purposes — boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, or accessing a military base — you can add Real ID to your renewal for an extra $30.
Real ID requires additional proof of identity and Vermont residency. You'll need to renew in person and bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or passport card, plus one document proving your current Vermont address. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner.
If you don't need Real ID, you don't have to get it. Your standard Vermont license will continue to work for driving and most other purposes.
Timeline and what to expect after renewal
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from the time you submit your payment. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. In-person renewal issues your license when ready or mails it within a few days if photos need processing.
Your new license will be mailed to the Vermont address on file with the DMV. If you've moved recently, update your address through the DMV website before renewing, or bring proof of your new address to an in-person appointment. You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives.
If you don't receive your new license within the expected timeframe, call the Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000 with your license number and date of birth. They can track your renewal and reissue if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Vermont license if I live out of state now?
No. Vermont requires you to be a resident to renew. If you've moved out of state, you'll need to get a license from your new state. Contact the Vermont DMV to surrender your Vermont license, or straightforward stop using it and get a license in your new state.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal change, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal cannot process name changes.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Appointments are not required but are strongly recommended. You can book one online through the Vermont DMV website. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by office and time of day. Montpelier and Rutland offices tend to be busier than St. Johnsbury and White River Junction.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You'll need to renew in person because the DMV needs to verify your identity. Bring a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID. The DMV will issue a replacement license and process the renewal in one visit. The cost is $70 for renewal plus a replacement fee.
Can I renew early if my license expires soon?
Yes. Vermont allows you to renew up to six months before your expiration date. Renewing early doesn't change your expiration date — your new license will still expire five years from the original issue date, not five years from the renewal date.