VSD 190 is Vermont's standard form for recording vehicle ownership changes

The VSD 190 is Vermont's official form for documenting the sale, transfer, or other transaction involving a motor vehicle. You file it with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to record a change in ownership, whether you are buying, selling, or transferring a vehicle to another person. The form itself is straightforward, but understanding what information goes where and when to submit it can prevent delays in registration or title processing.

Vermont requires this form because the state needs a record of who owns each vehicle and when that ownership changed. Without it, the previous owner remains on record, which can create liability and insurance problems for both parties. The form serves as the bridge between a private sale agreement and the official state record.

Key Takeaways

  • VSD 190 is filed with Vermont's DMV to record a vehicle ownership change and is required for sales, transfers, and certain other transactions.
  • The seller and buyer must both sign the form, and it must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), odometer reading, and sale price or consideration.
  • You can obtain VSD 190 from the Vermont DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
  • The form should be submitted to the DMV within a specific timeframe after the transaction to avoid penalties or registration holds.
  • Both parties benefit from filing promptly: the seller removes liability, and the buyer establishes legal ownership for insurance and registration purposes.

What information the VSD 190 requires

The form asks for identifying details about the vehicle and the people involved in the transaction. You will need the vehicle's VIN, the current odometer reading, the year, make, and model, and the license plate number if one exists. Both the seller and the buyer must print their names, addresses, and signatures on the form.

You must also record the sale price or, if there is no sale, the type of transaction (gift, trade-in, court order, inheritance, and so on). Vermont uses this information to calculate sales tax on vehicle purchases and to maintain an accurate ownership chain. If the vehicle is being transferred as a gift or for no monetary consideration, you still need to state that on the form.

The odometer reading is particularly important. Vermont law requires an accurate reading at the time of sale to prevent odometer fraud. If the odometer does not work or the vehicle is too old to have a functional odometer, you note that on the form as well.

How to obtain and complete the form

You can read VSD 190 directly from the Vermont DMV website in PDF format, print it, and fill it out by hand. The form is also available by calling the DMV or visiting a DMV office in person. Some DMV offices have printed copies available at the counter.

Fill out the form legibly in black or blue ink. Both the seller and buyer must sign and date the form in the designated signature blocks. Unsigned forms will be rejected. If you are mailing the form, make a copy for your records before sending it to the DMV.

Some people complete the form at the time of sale, with both parties present. Others have the seller fill out their portion and sign, then the buyer completes their section. Either approach works as long as both signatures are present and the information is accurate.

Where and when to submit VSD 190

Mail the completed form to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles at the address listed on the form itself, or deliver it in person to any DMV office. Vermont has DMV locations in Montpelier, Rutland, Saint Johnsbury, and other towns. You can find the current office locations and hours on the DMV website.

Submit the form as soon as possible after the transaction. Vermont law does not specify a hard important date, but filing within 10 days of the sale is standard practice and helps avoid complications. If you delay significantly, the previous owner may remain on record, which can create insurance and liability issues for both parties.

When you submit the form, you may also need to provide proof of sales tax payment or a sales tax exemption certificate, depending on the type of transaction. The DMV will tell you what additional documents are needed when you file.

What happens after you file VSD 190

The DMV processes the form and updates its ownership records. The buyer can then use the filed form as proof of ownership when registering the vehicle or obtaining insurance. The seller's liability for the vehicle ends once the form is processed and the ownership transfer is recorded.

Processing times vary, but the DMV typically updates records within one to two weeks of receiving the form. You can contact the DMV to confirm that the transfer has been recorded if you need to know the status.

Once the transfer is recorded, the buyer should register the vehicle in their name and obtain a new title certificate. Registration and title are separate from the VSD 190 filing, though the form is often submitted as part of the same transaction.

Common reasons VSD 190 forms are rejected or delayed

Missing or illegible signatures are the most common reason for rejection. If either party does not sign, the DMV will return the form and ask for a corrected version. Incomplete VIN or odometer information also causes delays.

Mismatched information — such as a VIN that does not match the vehicle description or an odometer reading that is lower than the previous reading on file — can trigger a hold while the DMV investigates. If you notice an error after submitting the form, contact the DMV when ready to correct it.

Unpaid sales tax or missing tax documentation can also delay processing. If the sale price is high enough to trigger sales tax, you may need to provide proof that tax was paid or that an exemption applies.

VSD 190 versus other Vermont vehicle forms

Vermont has several DMV forms, and it is straightforward to confuse them. VSD 190 is specifically for recording a transaction and change of ownership. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time or renewing a registration, you use different forms. If you are explore for a title certificate, that is also a separate process, though the title process often references the VSD 190 filing.

The VSD 190 is the transaction record. The title and registration are the documents that follow from it. You need the VSD 190 filed first so that the DMV knows who owns the vehicle before you can register or title it in your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to notarize VSD 190?

Vermont does not require VSD 190 to be notarized. Both parties must sign and date the form, but a notary public does not need to witness the signatures. However, having a notary present does not hurt and can provide extra documentation if a dispute arises later.

What if the seller will not sign the form?

If the seller refuses to sign, you cannot file the form and the ownership transfer cannot be recorded. This is a serious problem because you will not have legal proof of ownership. If you have already paid for the vehicle, you may need to consult an attorney about your options, including small claims court or a demand letter.

Can I file VSD 190 online?

Vermont does not currently offer online filing for VSD 190. You must submit the form by mail or in person at a DMV office. Check the Vermont DMV website for any updates to this policy, as online services are added periodically.

What if I bought the vehicle but the seller never filed the form?

If the seller did not file the form, you can file it yourself as the buyer. You will need the seller's signature on the form, so contact them and ask them to sign a blank VSD 190 that you then complete and submit. If the seller is unreachable or refuses, contact the Vermont DMV for guidance on your options.

Is there a fee to file VSD 190?

There is no separate fee to file VSD 190 with the Vermont DMV. However, you may owe sales tax on the vehicle purchase, and registration and title fees explore when you complete those steps. The form itself is free to obtain and file.