Vermont driver's license renewal by mail or online
Vermont lets you renew your driver's license by mail or online if you meet a few basic conditions. You do not need to visit a DMV office for a standard renewal unless your license has been expired for more than four years, you need a new photo, or you are changing your name or address.
The online option is the fastest route. You go to the Vermont DMV website, enter your license number and date of birth, answer security questions, pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card, and receive a temporary digital license when ready. Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The mail-in option takes longer but works the same way: you fill out the renewal form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the DMV address listed on the form.
Both methods require that your current license is still valid or expired no more than four years ago. If your license has been expired longer than that, or if you lost it or it was stolen, you will need to visit a DMV office in person and bring proof of identity and residency.
Key Takeaways
- Vermont offers online renewal through the DMV website, which is the fastest option and gives you a temporary digital license right away.
- Mail-in renewal is also available if you prefer not to go online, but takes 7 to 10 business days for your new card to arrive.
- You can renew by mail or online only if your license expired within the last four years and you are not changing your name, address, or photo.
- The renewal fee for a standard four-year license is $70; an eight-year license costs $140.
- If your license has been expired more than four years, you must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity and residency.
What documents and information you need
For online renewal, you need your current Vermont driver's license number and your date of birth. You will also need a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The DMV will ask you security questions based on your driving record to confirm your identity before processing the renewal.
For mail-in renewal, you need the renewal form itself, which you can get from the Vermont DMV website or by calling 802-828-2000. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a check or money order for the renewal fee made out to the Vermont DMV. Do not send cash. Include your current license with your mailed form so the DMV can match it to your record.
If you are renewing by mail and your address has changed since your license was issued, include a separate piece of mail showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works. The DMV uses this to update your record before your new card is mailed out.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Vermont offers two renewal periods: four years or eight years. A four-year renewal costs $70. An eight-year renewal costs $140. Both are paid at the time of renewal, whether you renew online or by mail.
Your new license will be valid for the period you choose. If you are over 65, you can renew for four years at a reduced rate of $35. Military members on active duty can renew for eight years at no cost if they provide proof of active duty status.
Your renewal takes effect on the date you complete it — either the date you submit online or the date the DMV receives your mailed form. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can use it for identification and driving during the processing period.
When you must visit a DMV office in person
You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than four years. In that case, you must visit a Vermont DMV office with proof of identity and proof of residency. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
You also must visit in person if you are changing your name or address and do not have a document showing that change. If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not process a name change by mail without this document.
If you need a new photo on your license, you can request one during an online or mail renewal, but the DMV will send you a form asking you to visit an office or submit a digital photo. Check the DMV website for the photo requirements before you submit.
How long renewal takes and when to start
Online renewal is the fastest: you receive a temporary digital license on screen when ready after payment, and your physical card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in renewal takes longer because the DMV must receive your form, process it, and mail your new card back to you — typically 3 to 4 weeks total.
You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date. If you renew online, your new card will arrive before your old one expires, so you will have both for a short time.
If your license expires while you are waiting for your renewal to process, you can still drive legally as long as you have proof that you submitted your renewal. Keep your confirmation email or receipt from your online renewal, or keep a copy of your mailed form with the DMV's postmark. Police will accept this as proof that renewal is in progress.
Temporary digital license and what it covers
When you renew online, the DMV gives you a temporary digital license that appears on your phone when ready after you pay. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and covers driving and most forms of identification while you wait for your physical card.
The digital license shows your name, date of birth, license number, and expiration date. You can show it to a police officer during a traffic stop, and it satisfies the requirement to carry your license while driving. However, some businesses and government offices may not accept a digital license for age verification or other purposes — if you need a physical card for a specific reason, ask before you rely on the digital version.
After 30 days, your digital license expires, but your physical card should have arrived by then. If it has not, contact the Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000 to check the status of your renewal.
Renewing a license that was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring proof of identity and residency, and be prepared to show that the reason for the suspension or revocation has been resolved.
For a suspension due to unpaid traffic fines or child support, you will need proof that the debt has been paid or a payment plan has been set up. For a revocation due to a DUI or serious violation, you may need to complete a driver improvement course or other requirements before the DMV will reinstate your license. The DMV office can tell you what documents you need when you call or visit.
Contact the Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000 or visit a local office to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privileges before you attempt to renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Vermont license if I now live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal works the same way. For mail-in renewal, send your form and payment to the Vermont DMV address on the form. You do not need to update your address to an out-of-state address unless you want to — your Vermont license remains valid even if you live elsewhere.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
You cannot renew a lost or stolen license by mail or online. You must visit a Vermont DMV office in person with proof of identity and residency. The DMV will issue you a replacement license with a new number. Bring a U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID for identity, and a utility bill or bank statement for residency.
Do I need to take a new written or road test to renew?
No. Standard renewal does not require any test. You renew based on your current license record. If your license was suspended or revoked, or if you are renewing after a long lapse, the DMV may require a written test — call 802-828-2000 to ask about your specific situation.
What happens if my renewal is denied?
The DMV will mail you a notice explaining why your renewal was not processed. Common reasons include an unpaid traffic fine, an outstanding child support debt, or a medical condition flagged in your record. The notice will tell you what you need to do to resolve the issue and resubmit your renewal.
Can I change my name on my license during renewal?
You can request a name change during online or mail renewal only if you have a legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you do not have the document yet, visit a DMV office in person with the document and your current license to change your name.