How to Get and Renew Your Vermont Driver License

What you need to know about Vermont driver licenses

Vermont issues driver licenses through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and the process depends on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expiring one, or moving to Vermont from another state. You will need to visit a DMV office in person for most transactions — Vermont does not issue licenses by mail or online. The state offers a standard license valid for five years, and a REAL ID-compliant license (also called a "federal compliant" license) that works for domestic air travel and federal building access.

The main difference between a standard and REAL ID license is the documents required upfront. A REAL ID license takes longer to process because Vermont must verify your identity through federal databases, but both types are issued at the same DMV office and cost the same amount.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Vermont DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of Vermont residency, and your Social Security number to get or renew a license.
A standard Vermont driver license is valid for five years and costs the same as a REAL ID license, which is required for domestic air travel starting in 2025.
If you are moving to Vermont from another state, you have 30 days to exchange your out-of-state license for a Vermont one.
Vermont DMV offices are located in Montpelier, Rutland, St. Johnsbury, and White River Junction, and you can check wait times online before you go.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any DMV office with your identity documents.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Vermont requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or an out-of-state driver license. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy with a raised seal, not a photocopy.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with a Vermont address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, you can bring a letter from your employer, a bank statement, or a government document showing your Vermont address. You will also need to provide your Social Security number — bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return that shows it.

Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one, even if it is expired. If you are renewing a Vermont license, bring the license itself or your renewal notice.

Getting your first Vermont driver license

If you have never held a driver license in any state, you will need to pass a written test and a road test. The written test covers Vermont traffic laws and road signs, and you can study using the Vermont DMV handbook, which is free online at the DMV website. The road test is conducted by a DMV examiner and takes about 20 minutes; you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

You can take the written test at any DMV office. After you pass, you will receive a learner's permit valid for one year, which allows you to drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. Once you pass the road test, you receive your driver license on the spot. If you fail either test, you can retake it after waiting a set period — check the DMV website for current wait times between attempts.

Renewing your Vermont driver license

Vermont sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew in person at any DMV office or by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. To renew by mail, follow the instructions on your renewal notice and send it with a check or money order to the Vermont DMV. Mail renewal takes about two weeks.

If you renew in person, bring your current license and proof of residency. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you receive your new license when ready. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must retake the written and road tests as if getting a license for the first time.

Moving to Vermont from another state

Vermont law requires you to exchange your out-of-state license for a Vermont one within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Vermont residency, and proof of identity to any DMV office. You do not need to retake the written or road test — Vermont honors valid licenses from other states. Your new Vermont license will have the same expiration date as your out-of-state license, so you will not lose time on your current license term.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to pass Vermont's written and road tests before receiving a license. If you are unsure whether your license is still valid, bring it to the DMV and staff can check its status.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your Vermont license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any DMV office. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. If your license was stolen, you do not need to report it to police first, though you may want to for your records. A replacement license costs the same as a new license and is issued on the spot.

If your license was damaged but still readable, the DMV may allow you to keep it and issue a replacement without charging a fee — ask the staff member when you arrive. If you need a replacement urgently and cannot visit an office, you can call the DMV to ask about mailing options, though this is not the standard process.

REAL ID compliance and federal requirements

Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Vermont driver license will not be accepted for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings. You will need either a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of federal ID like a passport. Vermont's REAL ID license looks the same as a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner.

To get a REAL ID license, bring the same documents as a standard license, plus additional proof of identity and residency. The REAL ID process takes longer because Vermont must verify your information through federal databases, so plan for a longer wait at the DMV. The cost is the same as a standard license. If you already have a valid passport or passport card, you do not need a REAL ID license for air travel.

Vermont DMV office locations and hours

Vermont has four DMV offices: Montpelier (the main office), Rutland, St. Johnsbury, and White River Junction. Each office handles all license services. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during business hours and some offer limited Saturday hours. You can find current hours and check real-time wait times on the Vermont DMV website before you visit.

The Montpelier office typically has longer wait times than the regional offices. If you live near Rutland, St. Johnsbury, or White River Junction, visiting a regional office may be faster. You do not need an appointment at any office — service is first-come, first-served.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Vermont driver license cost?

The cost varies depending on the type and length of license. A standard five-year license costs one amount, and a REAL ID license costs the same. Vermont also offers licenses valid for shorter periods at lower cost. Check the DMV website or call your local office for exact current prices, as fees change periodically.

Can I renew my license online or by phone?

No. Vermont requires you to renew in person at a DMV office or by mail if your license is not expired and your address has not changed. You cannot renew online or by phone. If you need to change your address or have other changes, you must visit an office in person.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test after waiting a set number of days. The current wait period is listed on the Vermont DMV website. You do not need to retake the written test if you already passed it. Each road test attempt costs the same fee.

Do I need a REAL ID license if I have a passport?

No. A valid U.S. passport or passport card works for domestic air travel and federal building access, so you do not need a REAL ID license. However, if you prefer to use your driver license for these purposes, you will need to get a REAL ID-compliant one after May 7, 2025.

What happens if I move within Vermont?

You do not need to get a new license if you move within Vermont. However, you should update your address with the DMV. You can do this by mail using a change-of-address form from the DMV website, or in person at any DMV office. Updating your address does not cost anything.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.