Is it almost time to renew your Vermont-issued driver’s license?
Well, knowing what to do beforehand can make things easier for you.
That’s why we created this all-in-one guide to the Vermont driver’s license renewal process.
We include all options (including one that only became available in 2020) and the steps for each.
Here, you’ll have all the information you need to prepare for your driver’s license renewal.
So, shall we begin?
How to Renew A Driver’s License in Vermont
Like most states, renewing your driver’s license isn’t complicated. However, we know how busy things can get, and it can easily slip through the cracks.
Before you know it, your license is about to expire, and you’re starting to panic (never a good sign).
One way to make things more manageable (besides putting a reminder on your calendar) is knowing your options and what to expect.
So, here they are.
Drivers in Vermont can renew their driver’s licenses in three ways:
- Online
- By Mail
- In Person
Let’s drill down on each.
How to Renew Your VT Driver’s License Online
Before 2020, you only had two renewal options — online wasn’t available.
Fortunately, the DMV upgraded its system to add this SUPER convenient method.
Renewing online can be an excellent time-saver. Imagine — you don’t need to leave your home to complete it.
However, it isn’t for everyone.
Before pursuing this method, see how many of the items below apply to you:
- Your photo in the DMV is less than 4 years old.
- You are not renewing a commercial driver’s license.
- You are not planning on upgrading your driver’s license (either a Driver’s Privilege Card to a REAL ID license or from a non-enhanced to an enhanced one)
So how many did you mark?
If you’re able to check everything, you can renew online.
If not, you have to choose the in-person option.
Now, if you’re eligible, here’s what you have to do:
- Prepare the following information:
- Your last name
- Your birthdate
- Your driver’s license number
- Your Social Security Number, renewal PIN (you can find this on your license or the renewal form), OR Document Discriminator (from section 5 of your driver’s license). NOTE: If you’re changing your address, you need to provide at least 2 of these.
- Go to the Vermont DMV’s page for driver’s license renewal.
- Provide the necessary information to confirm your identity.
- Follow the online prompts.
- Pay the required renewal fee through a credit/debit card:
| Credential | 2-Year Validity | 4-Year Validity |
| Driver’s License | $32 | $51 |
| Driver’s License with Motorcycle | $38 | $63 |
| Driver’s Privilege Card | $32 | $51 |
| Driver’s Privilege Card with Motorcycle | $38 | $63 |
| Enhanced Driver’s License | $62 | $81 |
| Enhanced Driver’s License with Motorcycle | $68 | $93 |
- Print the confirmation receipt sent in your email.
| NOTE: The receipt is a temporary credential while you wait for the official one to arrive via mail. You’ll get it within 7 to 10 business days. |
And just like that, you’ve renewed your Vermont driver’s license!
How to Renew Your VT Driver’s License by Mail
The mail-in renewal has the same eligibility requirements as the online method.
So you must be able to check all the boxes below:
- Your DMV photo was taken within 4 years.
- You are not going to renew a commercial license.
- You are not going to upgrade your Driver’s Privilege Card to a Real ID license or a non-enhanced license to an enhanced one.
Why choose mail renewal instead of online?
Well, some people are not comfortable with online transactions. Still, others might not have a credit/debit card to pay the fees.
However, you should know that for mail-in renewals there’s no receipt you can use as a temporary credential. So if using this method, make sure to do it a few weeks before your license expires.
Here’s what you have to do:
- Fill out the renewal notice (you should receive this around 30 days before your license expires).
| NOTE: If you didn’t get one, download a License Application form (Form VL-021), fill it up, and use that instead. |
- Make a check or money order made payable to VT DMV for the renewal fees (see the fee chart here).
- Put everything in an envelope and send it to this address:
Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
120 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05603-0001
- Wait for your new license to arrive by mail. This should take 7-10 business days.
That was easy!
How to Renew Your VT Driver’s License In-Person
Your last renewal option is to visit a DMV office and complete the process in person.
If you don’t qualify for online or by-mail renewal, this is the method for you.
To renew your Vermont driver’s license in person, do the following steps:
- Go to the Vermont DMV’s Online Scheduling System and make an appointment.
- Present the following during your visit:
- A filled-out renewal notice or License Application form (NOTE: Only the renewal notice is acceptable for commercial licenses).
- Your current Vermont-issued license
- If changing your information (name, address, place of birth, etc), you must also present these documents proving the following information:
- Information change documents (i.e. marriage certificate, new address bills, etc).
- Your identity and birth date
- Your Social Security details
- Your residence in Vermont
- Your lawful status in the U.S. (this requirement only applies to those with REAL IDs and Enhanced Driver’s Licenses)
Click here to see which documents the Vermont DMV accepts.
- Pass the vision screening.
- Have your photo taken (if it is older than 4 years).
- Pay the appropriate renewal fee with cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card:
| Credential | 2-Year Validity | 4-Year Validity |
| Driver’s License | $32 | $51 |
| Driver’s License with Motorcycle | $38 | $63 |
| Driver’s Privilege Card | $32 | $51 |
| Driver’s Privilege Card with Motorcycle | $38 | $63 |
| Enhanced Driver’s License | $62 | $81 |
| Enhanced Driver’s License with Motorcycle | $68 | $93 |
| Commercial Driver’s License | $60 | $90 |
- Receive your new credential.
Sure, this process will take more time — but it’s a process that can’t be avoided. So it’s best to know how to go through it as well.
FAQs About Vermont Driver’s License Renewal
What Do I Need to Renew My License in Vermont?
The required information and documents vary depending on which renewal method you choose. This table summarizes it:
| Online | By Mail | In Person |
| Your last name Your birthdate Your driver’s license number One of these: *Your Social Security number *Your Renewal PIN (you can find this on your license or the renewal form) *Your Document Discriminator (from section 5 of your driver’s license) | A filled-out renewal notice or Form VL-021 Check or money order made payable to VT DMV for the fee | A completed renewal notice or Form VL-021 Your current VT-issued driver’s license If necessary: *Your identity and birth date *Your Social Security details *Your residence in Vermont *Your lawful status in the U.S. (only for REAL IDs and Enhanced Driver’s Licenses) |
How Much is a Vermont License Renewal?
Your renewal fee varies depending on your driver’s license type and your preferred validity. The table below details it all for you.
| Credential | 2-Year Validity | 4-Year Validity |
| Driver’s License | $32 | $51 |
| Driver’s License with Motorcycle | $38 | $63 |
| Driver’s Privilege Card | $32 | $51 |
| Driver’s Privilege Card with Motorcycle | $38 | $63 |
| Enhanced Driver’s License | $62 | $81 |
| Enhanced Driver’s License with Motorcycle | $68 | $93 |
| Commercial Driver’s License | $60 | $90 |
| Commercial Learner’s Permit | $15 | N/A |
| Learner’s Permit | $20 | N/A |
| Motorcycle Learner’s Permit | $20 | N/A |
| Non-Driver ID | $24 | N/A |
| Non-Driver ID with SSI Reduced Fee | $10 | N/A |
| Restricted Driver’s License | $125 | N/A |
How Long Do You Have to Renew Your Driver’s License After It Expires in Vermont?
Vermont has a 14-day grace period after your driver’s license’s expiration. After that, you have to pay renewal penalty fees.
What’s more, if you’re pulled over by law officers, you may face a $162 fine.
A second violation results in the following penalties:
- Fine: Up to $5,000
- Jail Time: Up to 60 days
- Points: 2
If you didn’t renew your VT-issued driver’s license for more than 3 years, you’ll need to retake the knowledge and driving test to renew it.
Do I Need to Make an Appointment to Renew My License in Vermont?
Yes, you must schedule your DMV visit when renewing your license. You can make an online appointment through the Online Scheduling System.
The Wrap Up
And there you have it…
Everything you need to know about the Vermont driver’s license renewal process.
Remember, you don’t have to wait until the last minute before you start the process. It’s less stressful that way (and you’re less likely to make mistakes).
Now that you know your options, go through them and decide which one is available for you.
After that, follow the steps for the specific channel that we outlined here.
Soon enough, you’ll be done with the renewal process.