What you need to get a Vermont driver license

Vermont issues a standard driver license to residents who pass a written test, vision screening, and road test. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you do need to prove your identity, Vermont residency, and Social Security number (or a letter from Social Security explaining why you cannot provide one).

The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) accepts a limited list of documents to prove who you are. A U.S. passport, passport card, or Enhanced Driver License from another state all work. If you do not have one of those, you can bring a combination of documents — for example, a birth certificate plus a utility bill, or a school ID plus a lease agreement. The DMV website lists all acceptable combinations.

You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card itself works, but so does a W-2, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you cannot obtain a Social Security number, bring a letter from Social Security explaining your situation — Vermont will issue you a license without one, though it will be marked differently.

Key Takeaways

  • Vermont requires proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number; a U.S. passport or combination of documents like a birth certificate and utility bill will satisfy the identity requirement.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test, vision screening, and a road test before the DMV issues your license.
  • The written test covers Vermont traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free DMV manual available on the Vermont DMV website.
  • Road tests are scheduled through the DMV and typically take place at one of Vermont's regional testing locations; wait times vary by location and season.
  • Vermont driver licenses are valid for eight years and cost between $70 and $100 depending on whether you choose a standard or Real ID-compliant license.

The written test and what it covers

The Vermont DMV written test has 30 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; contact your local DMV office to confirm which languages are available in your area.

The DMV publishes a free study manual online that covers everything on the test. Most people study it for a few hours before taking the test. You can take the test as many times as you need; there is no limit on attempts, though you may have to wait a day or two between tries at some locations.

Vision screening and the road test

Before you take the road test, the DMV will check your vision. You must be able to read a standard eye chart from 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the screening and during your road test. If you fail the vision screening, you can retest after visiting an eye doctor and bringing a corrected vision certificate.

The road test itself lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. A DMV examiner will sit in your vehicle while you drive on local roads. They will ask you to perform basic maneuvers — parallel parking, three-point turns, stopping at signs — and will observe how you handle traffic, follow speed limits, and use mirrors and signals. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you fail, you can schedule another test; there is no waiting period between attempts.

Real ID versus standard Vermont license

Vermont offers two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The difference matters if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building. Starting May 7, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a Real ID license or passport to board a domestic flight.

A Real ID license costs about $10 more than a standard license and requires one additional document at the time of process — typically a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your current Vermont address. The Real ID designation appears on the license itself. If you are not sure whether you need Real ID, a standard license is always acceptable for driving; you can upgrade to Real ID later if your plans change.

Cost and how long your license lasts

A standard Vermont driver license costs $70 and is valid for eight years. A Real ID license costs $80. If you are under 21, your license will expire on your 21st birthday, and you will need to renew it then. Renewal is simpler than the original process — you do not need to retake the road test — and can be done by mail, online, or in person.

Vermont also offers a junior operator license for drivers aged 16 to 18 with restrictions on nighttime driving and passenger limits. This license costs less and follows different rules; ask at your local DMV office if you are under 18.

Where to explore and what to bring

Vermont has DMV offices in most towns and cities. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the Vermont DMV website. Some offices are busier than others; calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.

Bring all your documents in one visit. You will need your proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and your current out-of-state license if you have one. You will also need to fill out a short process form, which the DMV provides. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the process.

The DMV will take your photo and fingerprints at the office. Your license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You can request a temporary paper license to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.

If you are moving to Vermont from another state

If you already have a valid driver license from another state, you do not have to take the road test again. You will still need to pass the written test and vision screening, but the road test is waived. This is called a license transfer or reciprocal recognition, and it applies to licenses from all U.S. states and most Canadian provinces.

Bring your current out-of-state license along with your proof of Vermont residency and identity. The process is the same as getting a new license, except you skip the road test appointment. Your new Vermont license will have the same expiration date as your old one, adjusted to Vermont's eight-year cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No, the written test must be taken in person at a DMV office. However, you can study for it online using the free DMV manual. Some offices offer the test in multiple languages; call ahead to confirm.

What if I fail the road test?

You can schedule another road test with no waiting period. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after practicing specific maneuvers.

Do I need a Real ID if I only drive in Vermont?

No. A standard license is fine for driving anywhere. Real ID is only required if you fly domestically or enter certain federal buildings. You can get a standard license now and upgrade to Real ID later if your plans change.

How do I renew my Vermont license?

You can renew by mail, online, or in person. Renewal does not require a new road test or written test. The DMV will mail you a renewal notice before your license expires, and you can start the process 90 days before the expiration date.

What if I lost my Social Security card and cannot get a replacement quickly?

Bring a different document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2, tax return, or bank statement. If you have none of those, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining your situation. Vermont will still issue you a license.