Vermont driver's license renewal basics
Vermont allows you to renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your Vermont license is valid for eight years if you are under 21, or five years if you are 21 or older. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $70 for a five-year license or $112 for an eight-year license, plus a $5 online processing fee.
- You can renew online only if your current license is not suspended or revoked, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice from Vermont DMV, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks to process.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is suspended, your address changed, or you need a new photo for any reason.
- Vermont does not require a Real ID upgrade for domestic flights or federal buildings until May 2025, but you can get one now if you plan ahead.
Online renewal through the Vermont DMV website
Go to the Vermont DMV online renewal portal at dmv.vermont.gov. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against Vermont's records and ask you to confirm your address and emergency contact details.
Online renewal works only if your license is currently valid and not suspended. You also cannot use online renewal if you have moved, because the system will not let you change your address without visiting an office. If your photo is more than eight years old or you straightforward want a new one, you must renew in person.
The fee is $70 for a five-year renewal or $112 for an eight-year renewal, plus a $5 online processing fee. You pay by debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal using your renewal notice
Vermont DMV mails renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form and instructions for mailing in your renewal. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address printed on the notice.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time Vermont DMV receives your envelope. You can renew by mail only if your address has not changed and your license is not suspended. If you have moved or need a new photo, you must renew in person.
If you did not receive a renewal notice or lost it, you can request a new one by calling the Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000 or visiting dmv.vermont.gov. Do not mail in a renewal without the official form, because the DMV may reject it and delay your license.
In-person renewal at a Vermont DMV office
Visit any Vermont DMV office with your current license, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return.
In-person renewal is required if your address has changed, your license is suspended or revoked, or you want a new photo. You will also need to renew in person if you are changing your name or gender marker. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot.
Vermont DMV offices are located in Montpelier, Rutland, Saint Johnsbury, and White River Junction. You can walk in during business hours, but wait times vary. Check dmv.vermont.gov for current hours and locations before you go. The in-person renewal fee is the same as online or mail renewal: $70 for five years or $112 for eight years.
Real ID and REAL ID-compliant licenses in Vermont
Vermont offers Real ID-compliant licenses, which are required for domestic flights and entry to federal buildings starting May 7, 2025. Your current Vermont license is not Real ID-compliant unless it has a gold star in the upper right corner. You do not have to upgrade now, but if you fly or enter federal buildings after May 2025, you will need either a Real ID license or a passport.
To get a Real ID license, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of citizenship or lawful status. Proof of citizenship can be a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. The fee is the same as a standard license renewal.
Processing a Real ID license takes longer than a standard renewal because the DMV must verify your citizenship documents. Your new license will be mailed within 10 to 14 business days. If you need a Real ID before your license expires, you can renew early by visiting an office in person.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew your license online or by mail if it is suspended or revoked. You must visit a DMV office in person. The office will tell you whether you can renew or whether you must clear the suspension first.
Suspensions in Vermont are usually caused by unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to pay child support. Revocations are more serious and are typically the result of DUI convictions or accumulating too many points. If your license is revoked, you may be required to complete a driver improvement course or wait a set period before you can renew.
Call the Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take before you can renew. Do not wait until your license expires to address a suspension, because driving on a suspended license is illegal and carries criminal penalties.
Address changes and updating your information
If you have moved since your license was issued, you must update your address when you renew. You cannot change your address online; you must either renew by mail using your renewal notice (which allows you to write in a new address) or visit a DMV office in person.
If you need to change your address before your license expires and you do not want to renew yet, you can visit a DMV office to request an address change without renewing. This is useful if you have recently moved and your license is not due to expire for several years. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
Changing your name or gender marker on your license also requires an in-person visit. Bring your current license and a certified copy of your name change order (if applicable) or a birth certificate showing your updated gender marker. The DMV will take a new photo and issue an updated license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Vermont license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest if your address has not changed. If you have moved out of state, you must renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your new address.
What happens if my license expires before my renewal arrives?
Your license is valid for a grace period after expiration while your renewal is in the mail. However, you should not drive on an expired license. If your renewal is delayed, visit a DMV office to request a temporary license or expedited processing.
Do I need to take a new written or road test to renew?
No. Standard renewal does not require a test. You take a test only if your license was suspended for medical reasons or if the DMV has reason to believe you are unsafe to drive.
How much does a Vermont license renewal cost?
A five-year renewal costs $70, and an eight-year renewal costs $112. Online renewal adds a $5 processing fee. In-person and mail renewal have no additional fees.
Can I renew my license early?
Yes. Vermont allows renewal up to one year before your expiration date. Early renewal is useful if you are about to travel or if you want to upgrade to a Real ID license.