Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Vermont driver's license in person at any Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes. Mail renewal, when available, takes two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your process.

For either method, bring your current driver's license and proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work. If your address has changed since your last license, bring proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you're renewing in person, you'll also need to pass a vision screening at the DMV office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license is expired by more than two years, or unless the DMV has a specific reason to require it.

Key Takeaways

  • Vermont lets you renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have no medical or legal holds on your record, though you'll still need to visit a DMV office for your next renewal after that.
  • In-person renewal at any DMV office requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and a vision screening, but no written or road test.
  • If your address changed, bring a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address.
  • Your renewed license is valid for four years from the date of renewal, and the DMV will mail it to you within two weeks of approval.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available only if your license is currently valid (not expired), you have no medical suspensions, and you have no outstanding warrants or court holds. You cannot renew by mail if you need to update your name, address, or other personal information on the license itself — those changes require an in-person visit.

To renew by mail, contact the Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000 or visit the DMV website to request a mail renewal form. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (currently $70 for a four-year license), and mail everything to the address listed on the form. The DMV will process your process and mail your new license to the address on file.

Mail renewal does not include a vision screening. If you have vision correction requirements on your current license, those carry forward to your new one. If your vision has changed significantly, you should renew in person instead so the DMV can conduct a new screening.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Walk into any Vermont DMV office during business hours with your documents. You do not need an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The DMV offices in Montpelier, Rutland, and St. Johnsbury tend to have shorter waits on weekday mornings.

At the office, you'll complete an process form, pass a vision screening, and have your photo taken. The DMV staff will collect your fee and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives.

If you need to change your name, address, or other information on the license, an in-person visit is required. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal, plus any documents that support the change — a marriage certificate for a name change, or a lease for an address change.

Renewal fees and what your new license covers

A four-year renewal license costs $70. Vermont does not offer shorter renewal periods. If you renew before your current license expires, your new license will be valid for four years from the renewal date, not from the expiration date of your old one.

Your renewed license allows you to drive in all 50 states and is accepted as a form of identification for most purposes. Vermont licenses are Real ID compliant, which means they can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings without a passport. If your current license is not Real ID compliant (it will say so on the card), your renewed license will be.

If your license is expired

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail and you cannot use the standard renewal process. You'll need to visit a DMV office and retake the written knowledge test and the road test, as if you were getting a license for the first time. Bring the same documents as for a standard renewal, plus proof that you've completed a driver education course if you're under 18.

If your license expired within the last two years, you can still renew in person without retaking the tests. Bring your expired license along with your other documents. The DMV will process it as a standard renewal.

Updating your information during renewal

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your license and issue a new one with your current name.

If you've moved, bring proof of your new address. The DMV will update your address on the license. If you're renewing by mail and your address has changed, you must renew in person instead, because the DMV needs to verify your new address before issuing a license.

If you need to change your gender marker on your license, Vermont allows this without a court order or medical documentation. Tell the DMV staff during your in-person visit, and they will update your license.

What happens after you renew

Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks of approval. The DMV will send it to the address on file, so make sure your address is current before you renew. If you don't receive it within three weeks, call the DMV at 802-828-2000 to check the status.

You can drive legally on your old license until your new one arrives. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or turn it in at a DMV office — Vermont does not require you to do this, but it's a good practice to avoid confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Vermont does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a DMV office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online, but you still need to mail in a paper form and payment.

What if I lost my current license?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot use mail renewal. Visit a DMV office in person with your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The DMV will issue a replacement license on the spot, and you'll pay the standard renewal fee.

Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?

Yes, if you renew in person. The DMV takes a new photo at the office. If you renew by mail, your photo from your current license is used on the new one, so you won't have a new photo taken.

Can I renew early?

Yes, you can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Your new license will be valid for four years from the date you renew, not from the expiration date of your old one. Early renewal is useful if you're planning a trip and want a fresh license, or if you want to update your photo or information.

What if I have a medical condition that affects my driving?

If you have a medical condition, the DMV may place restrictions on your license or require periodic medical evaluations. If you're aware of a condition, tell the DMV staff during your in-person renewal. They will let you know whether any restrictions explore and what documentation you may need to provide.