Where the Burlington Driver License Office Is Located and What It Handles

The Burlington driver license office is a Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles location that issues and renews driver licenses, state ID cards, and handles related transactions. The office serves residents in the Burlington area and surrounding Chittenden County. You go there in person to complete most license and ID work — you cannot finish these transactions by mail or online, though you can start some of them before you arrive.

This office handles standard license renewals, new license applications, ID card requests, address changes, and replacement documents if yours is lost or damaged. It does not handle vehicle registration or title work — those are handled at separate DMV locations or online through the Vermont DMV website.

Key Takeaways

  • The Burlington DMV office is located at 120 Cherry Street, Burlington, Vermont 05401, and you must visit in person to get or renew a driver license or state ID.
  • Bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or documentation showing you are not required to have one.
  • Hours and wait times change seasonally, so check the Vermont DMV website or call ahead before you go to avoid a long wait.
  • You can renew your license online through the Vermont DMV website if you meet certain conditions, which may save you a trip to the office.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Bring a valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or current out-of-state driver license all work. You also need proof of residency, which can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Vermont address. The document must be recent, usually within the last 60 days.

You will need to provide your Social Security number or sign a form stating you do not have one. If you are renewing a license you already hold, bring the old license itself. If you are getting a license for the first time or replacing a lost one, bring any documents that show your legal name — a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree if your name has changed.

Bring proof of any name changes if they explore to you. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present, and they will need to bring their own ID and proof of residency.

How to Schedule or Walk In

The Burlington office accepts both walk-in customers and scheduled appointments. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis, but wait times can be long during peak hours and seasons. To avoid waiting, you can schedule an appointment through the Vermont DMV website or by calling the office directly at the number listed on the DMV site.

Appointments are typically available within a few days to a week, depending on the season. Winter months and the weeks before holidays tend to be busier. If you walk in without an appointment, arrive early in the day — wait times are usually shorter in the morning.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and provide your documents. A staff member will review what you brought to make sure everything is there. If something is missing, they will tell you what you need to go get before you can proceed.

Next, you will have your photo taken for your license or ID card. You will also answer questions about your driving history, any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive, and whether you want to register as an organ donor. The staff member will enter your information into the system and show you a summary to confirm it is correct before it is submitted.

You will pay the fee for your license or ID at the end. Fees vary depending on whether you are renewing, getting a new license, or replacing a lost one. The office accepts cash, debit, and credit cards. Your new license or ID will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days in most cases.

Online Renewal as an Alternative

If you are renewing a license you already hold and you meet certain conditions, you can renew online through the Vermont DMV website without visiting the office. You must be at least 21 years old, your license must not be expired by more than five years, and you must not have any medical or legal restrictions on your license.

Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about the same amount of time to process. Your new license will be mailed to you. If you do not meet the conditions for online renewal, you will need to visit the Burlington office in person.

Hours, Contact Information, and What to Expect for Wait Times

The Burlington driver license office is located at 120 Cherry Street, Burlington, Vermont 05401. Hours vary by season and day of the week, so check the Vermont DMV website before you go. The office is typically open Monday through Friday during business hours, but hours may be reduced on certain days or during holidays.

Call the office or check the DMV website for current hours and to ask about wait times before you arrive. During peak times — late morning and early afternoon — wait times can exceed an hour. If you have an appointment, you will typically be seen within 15 to 30 minutes of your scheduled time.

If You Cannot Visit in Person

If you are unable to visit the Burlington office, you may be able to handle some transactions at a different Vermont DMV location. Vermont has offices in Montpelier, Rutland, and other towns. You can also renew your license by mail if you meet the conditions for mail renewal, though this option is more limited than online renewal.

If you are out of state or have a specific situation that prevents you from visiting, contact the Vermont DMV directly through their website to ask about your options. Some transactions truly require an in-person visit, but staff can tell you whether yours does.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my license after my visit?

Your new license or ID card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your visit in most cases. If there is a delay in processing, the office will contact you. You can drive with a temporary paper license issued at the office while you wait for your permanent card to arrive.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

Bring proof of residency and a valid ID to the Burlington office and request a replacement. You will pay a replacement fee, which is lower than the cost of a new license. The process is the same as a renewal — your new card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes, you can renew an expired license at the Burlington office. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online and must visit in person. Bring all the same documents you would bring for a standard renewal.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times are often shorter if you schedule one through the Vermont DMV website. Appointments are usually available within a few days, and walk-in wait times can exceed an hour during busy periods.

What if I moved to Vermont from another state?

Bring your out-of-state driver license, proof of Vermont residency, and your Social Security number or documentation that you do not have one. You will get a Vermont license instead of a renewal. The process is the same as any other new license process.