How to Renew Your Vermont Driver's License

Vermont Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Know

Vermont allows you to renew your driver's license in person at any DMV office, by mail if you meet specific conditions, or online through the Vermont DMV website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take between 7 and 10 business days if you mail your documents, or you can walk out the same day if you renew in person.

Your Vermont license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires, which gives you flexibility in timing. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a DMV office — mail and online renewal are not available for expired licenses.

Key Takeaways

Vermont offers three renewal methods: in-person at any DMV office, by mail if your license is not expired and you have no address changes, or online through the Vermont DMV website for certain renewal types.
You can start the renewal process up to one year before your license expires, but if it has already expired, you must renew in person.
The renewal fee is $70 for an eight-year license, and you will need to provide proof of Vermont residency and your current license or ID.
If you renew by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing; in-person renewals are completed the same day.
You must pass a vision test to renew in person, but mail and online renewals do not require one unless your vision correction status has changed.

Renewing In Person at a Vermont DMV Office

Renewing in person is the most straightforward method and guarantees same-day service. You can visit any DMV office in Vermont — there are locations in Montpelier, Rutland, Saint Johnsbury, and White River Junction, plus satellite offices in some towns. Bring your current driver's license or ID, proof of Vermont residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You will also need to pass a vision screening at the office.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The DMV staff will verify your documents, take a new photograph, and administer the vision test. You will pay the $70 renewal fee at that time. Your new license will be issued before you leave, though the physical card may take a few days to arrive by mail if the office does not have a card printer on site. Check the Vermont DMV website to see which offices have in-office card printing.

In-person renewal typically takes 15 to 30 minutes from check-in to completion, depending on how busy the office is. Arriving early in the morning or on weekday mornings usually means shorter wait times. You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, but some offices accept appointments for certain transactions — call ahead if you want to confirm current wait times.

Renewing by Mail in Vermont

Mail renewal is available only if your current license is still valid (not expired), you have no address changes to make, and you do not need to update your photograph. To renew by mail, complete the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43), which you can read from the Vermont DMV website or request by phone. Include your current license, a check or money order for $70 payable to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, and proof of Vermont residency.

Mail your completed process and documents to the Vermont DMV at the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your process. Do not mail your original documents unless the DMV specifically requests them — send copies of your residency proof instead.

Mail renewal is useful if you are busy or live far from a DMV office, but it carries a small risk: if the DMV rejects your process for any reason, the process restarts and you lose time. For this reason, double-check that your residency proof is dated within the last 60 days and that your signature on the form matches your current license signature.

Renewing Online Through the Vermont DMV Website

Vermont offers online renewal through its official DMV website for certain license types and situations. Online renewal is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home — but it is available only if your license is not expired, you have no address changes, and you do not need a new photograph. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).

Visit the Vermont DMV website and select the online renewal option. Follow the prompts to enter your personal information and verify your identity. You will pay the $70 fee by card at the end of the process. Your new license will be mailed to your current address within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal does not issue a temporary license, so if you need to drive before your new card arrives, you may want to choose in-person renewal instead.

Documents and Fees for Vermont License Renewal

The renewal fee in Vermont is $70 for an eight-year license, regardless of which method you choose. This fee covers the license itself and any updates to your record. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order. For online renewal, you must use a debit or credit card.

You will need to provide proof of Vermont residency with any renewal method. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement — the document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and Vermont address. If you have recently moved and your old license still shows your previous address, bring both your old address proof and your new address proof.

Your current driver's license or ID is required for all renewal methods. If you have lost your license, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must renew in person and bring an alternative form of ID such as a passport or state ID card.

Vision Testing and Medical Certification Requirements

Vermont requires a vision test for all in-person renewals. The DMV will conduct a basic vision screening at the office using a standard eye chart. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — the test is performed with your correction in place. You must achieve at least 20/40 vision in each eye to pass.

If you fail the vision test, the DMV will not issue your license until you provide a vision certification from an eye care professional (optometrist or ophthalmologist). This certification must state that your vision meets Vermont's requirements. You can then return to the DMV with the certification to complete your renewal.

Mail and online renewals do not include a vision test. However, if your vision correction status has changed (for example, you now wear glasses when you did not before), you should renew in person so the DMV can test your vision and update your record accordingly.

What to Do If Your License Has Expired

If your Vermont driver's license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of Vermont residency, and your Social Security number. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, and you will still pay the $70 fee.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Vermont, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you could face a fine. For this reason, plan to renew before your expiration date whenever possible. If your license has been expired for more than a few months, the DMV may require additional documentation or a new photograph, so contact your local DMV office before visiting to confirm what you need to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Vermont license if I have moved out of state?

No. Vermont driver's licenses are issued only to Vermont residents. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a license from your new state of residence. You can surrender your Vermont license by mail or in person at a DMV office.

What happens if I renew by mail and the DMV rejects my process?

The DMV will return your documents and explain why your process was rejected — usually because residency proof was outdated or a signature did not match. You can then correct the issue and resubmit, or visit a DMV office in person to complete your renewal. This process adds time, so allow extra weeks if you choose mail renewal.

Do I need to take a written test to renew my license in Vermont?

No. License renewal in Vermont does not include a written knowledge test. You only need to pass the vision screening if you renew in person. A written test is required only if you are obtaining a new license for the first time or upgrading to a different class.

Can I renew my license online if my address has changed?

No. Online and mail renewal are available only if you have no address changes. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a DMV office so the staff can verify your new residency proof and update your record.

How long does my new Vermont license take to arrive if I renew in person?

If your DMV office has a card printer on site, you receive your license the same day. If not, your license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Check the Vermont DMV website to see which offices have in-office printing.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.