Do you need to present your driving record to an auto insurance company?
Maybe the court or a potential employee is asking for one.
Or maybe you’re just curious about what’s on it.
Whatever the case, you’ll need to get your hand on your driving record.
And if you don’t know where to get it, we have the answers for you.
Today, we’ll give you a complete guide on how to get a Vermont driving record.
More than that, we’ll also run through the different types of records and how to improve yours, as well as look at the Vermont point system.
So are you ready?
Let’s go!
Types of Driving Records in Vermont
Vermont only offers two kinds of driving records — a 3-year operating record and a complete operating record.
Both are certified. That means the DMV confirms the accuracy of their contents.
Regardless of which one you request, you’ll find the following information:
- If you’ve committed any traffic violations (and any convictions)
- If you were involved in any accidents
- Any driver’s license suspensions, disqualifications, or revocations
- The current points on your license (these expire after two years)
- If you failed to appear in court
- Any restrictions to your driving privileges (for example, it shows if you must be wearing glasses while driving)
So, what’s the difference between the two?
The amount of information they show (or how far back the record goes).
As its name implies, a 3-year operating record only shows information that happened within the last three years. A complete operating record shows everything since you got your driver’s license.
How to Get Your Driving Record in Vermont
You can secure a copy of your Vermont driving record in two ways:
- In Person
- By Mail
While other states offer an online service, Vermont doesn’t (at the moment). However, if you really want to use an online channel and don’t mind receiving a non-certified copy, you can use a third-party provider.
For now, let’s focus on the services the DMV offers.
Don’t worry — neither process is complicated.
How to Obtain Your VT Driving Record In Person
In-person requests are easy, but you must set aside time for it. After all, it involves going to a specific DMV office.
Here’s what you have to do:
- Download a copy of the Vermont DMV Record Request (Form VG-116) and fill out all the necessary information.
- Make an appointment to visit the DMV office in Montpelier. You can do this through the Online Scheduling System.
| NOTE: Only the Montpelier office issues driving records, so you can’t go anywhere else. |
- On your visit, ensure you bring the following:
- The completed request form
- Proof of identity
| NOTE: If you’re requesting someone else’s record, you must provide notarized documentation that the record owner authorizes you to do so. |
- Pay the appropriate fee:
- 3-Year Operating Record: $14
- Complete Operating Record: $20
- Get a copy of your Vermont driving record.
That wasn’t so hard, right?
How to Obtain Your VT Driving Record By Mail
Say you don’t have time to travel to Montpelier…
Or maybe you just don’t have time in general — even if the DMV office is nearby.
Thankfully, another option is to request your driving record by mail.
However, if you’re working on a short timeline (like you need your driving history immediately), you may have to request it in person. This is because mail-in requests take longer to arrive.
But if this works for you, here’s what you need to do:
- Prepare the following documents:
- A completed Vermont DMV Record Request (Form VG-116)
- Written authorization from the record owner (if you’re requesting someone else’s driving history)
- Proof of the following information — Your identity and birthdate, lawful status in the U.S., residence in Vermont, and Social Security details
- Prepare payment — a check or money order payable to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. The amount depends on what record you want:
- 3-Year Operating Record: $14
- Complete Operating Record: $20
- Put everything in one envelope and send it to this address:
The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
120 State Street
Montpelier, Vermont 05603-0001
- Wait for your driving record to arrive by mail.
It’s a lot more convenient — but will take some time before you can get your hands on your Vermont driving record.
How to Improve Your Vermont Driving Record
Okay, so now you have your driving record.
But what if you don’t like what you see (you’ve accumulated quite a lot of points already)?
Unfortunately, there is no point reduction program in Vermont. So once the points get on your driver’s license, the only way to get them off is to wait for them to expire after two years.
So the next best thing is to ensure you don’t add any more points to your license. And with that, we can help!
Here are some strategies you can consider:
- Don’t go over the speed limit. Violating these signs will add a lot of points to your record — from 2 to 10, depending on how many miles you went over the limit.
- Be mindful of traffic signs and signals. Warning signs can help you avoid accidents, and regulatory ones prevent traffic violations.
- Remove all distractions. Do not text while driving in Vermont — a conviction may add 5 points to your license. However, distracted driving isn’t only about cell phone use. Eating in your car, putting on makeup, and fiddling with your GPS also take your attention off the road.
- Know how to share the road with other vehicles. You can’t expect to be the only vehicle on the road at all times. Knowing how to deal with school buses, emergency vehicles, and motorcycles is crucial to your safety — and your point count.
- Learn more about Vermont’s Point System. Different violations have different points. Knowing this helps determine what brings you closer to a possible license suspension.
Understanding the Vermont Point System
As we mentioned, different violations result in a different number of points.
For example, if you exceed the allowable speed limit, you get more points the faster you go. Let’s detail this for you:
- Going over the limit by less than 10 mph – 2 points
- Going over the limit by more than 10 mph – 3
- Going over the limit by more than 20 mph – 5
- Going over the limit by more than 30 mph – 10
Other violations resulting in points are as follows:
| 2-Point Violations | |||
| * Driving without a license * Violating a municipal regulation | * Failure to yield the right-of-way * Making an improper turn * Cellphone violation | * Failing to signal * Committing a railroad crossing violation * Disobeying a traffic signal | * Lighting violation * Driving without insurance * Other unlisted violation |
| 3-Point Violations | 4-Point Violations | 5-Point Violations | 10-Point Violations |
| * Illegal passing * Tailgating | * Failure to obey a police officer * Failure to yield to a pedestrian * Cell phone violation in school or work zone | * Failure to yield to emergency vehicles * Illegal passing of school bus * Texting and driving * A 2nd cell phone violation in a school zone | * Negligent operation * Joyriding * Not stopping for an accident * Eluding a police officer |
Too many points on your driver’s license typically lead to a license suspension.
But what is too much?
Within two years, here are the possible penalties:
- 10 points: 10-day suspension
- 15 points: 30-day suspension
- 20 points: 90-day suspension
For every 5 points above 20, your license suspension lengthens by 30 days.
The thresholds for drivers with a Junior Driver’s License are stricter. For example, any speeding violation that results in 3 points or more leads to a 90-day suspension. The same applies if you accumulated 6 points on your license.
The Wrap Up
And that is how to get a Vermont driving record.
Sure, it would be nice to be able to get one through an online service.
But that wasn’t so hard, right?
Now you know the two ways you can request a copy — not to mention the record types available.
Regularly checking your Vermont driving record is an excellent way to ensure you don’t lose your driving privileges without warning.
Plus, there’s no better way to improve your record than to be a safe driver.
So stay safe!