Learn About Renewing Your Vermont Driver's License

Understanding Vermont Driver's License Renewal Basics

A Vermont driver's license is an official state ID that proves you can legally drive in Vermont and other states. Like all driver's licenses, Vermont licenses expire after a set period of time. When your license gets close to expiring, you'll need to renew it to continue driving legally.

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Vermont driver's licenses typically expire on your birthday. The state issues licenses that are valid for different lengths of time depending on your age and other factors. Most adult drivers receive licenses valid for 5 years. This means if you received your license on March 15, 2019, it would expire on March 15, 2024. Keeping track of your expiration date helps you plan ahead for renewal.

The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all driver's license renewals. This is a state agency, not a private company. You can find their office locations throughout Vermont in larger towns and cities. The DMV processes thousands of renewals each year, so the process is standardized and straightforward.

You have options for how you renew your license. Some renewals can be done online through the Vermont DMV website. Others require an in-person visit to a DMV office. Your specific situation—such as whether your license is expired, what type of license you have, or recent changes to your address—determines which method works for you.

Renewing your license before it expires prevents legal problems. Driving with an expired license can result in fines, tickets, or other consequences. Starting the renewal process 2-3 months before your expiration date gives you plenty of time to complete it without rushing.

Practical Takeaway: Check your current license to find your expiration date. Write it down or set a phone reminder for 3 months before that date. This gives you a clear timeline for beginning your renewal process.

Checking If You Can Renew Online or In Person

Vermont offers online renewal for many drivers, which means you don't have to visit a DMV office. However, not all situations allow for online renewal. Understanding which category you fall into helps you choose the right renewal path.

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You can likely renew online if all of these apply to you: your license is not currently expired, you have a valid Social Security number on file, your address hasn't changed since your last renewal, your name hasn't changed, and you don't need to update your license class or endorsements. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and can be done from your home or anywhere you have internet access.

The Vermont DMV website has an online renewal portal. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system verifies your information and confirms whether online renewal is possible for you. If the system approves your renewal, you can pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7-10 business days.

You must visit a DMV office in person for renewal if any of these apply: your license is already expired, you need to change your address, your name has changed, you want to update your license class or endorsements, you're renewing for the first time after age 21, or you have vision or medical concerns noted on your license. In-person renewals typically take 15-30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

For in-person renewals, you'll need to bring certain documents. These include your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W2 form, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). If your name has changed, bring a legal document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Many Vermont DMV offices allow you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Making an appointment reduces your wait time significantly. During busy seasons—typically spring and fall—appointments may be several weeks out. Planning ahead helps you renew before your license expires.

Practical Takeaway: Visit the Vermont DMV website and use their online tool to check whether online renewal is available for you. If not, note what documents you'll need to gather for an in-person visit. Call your nearest DMV office to ask about appointment availability.

Costs and Payment Information for License Renewal

Vermont driver's license renewal has a set fee. As of 2024, renewing a standard five-year driver's license costs $79. If you're renewing a two-year license (sometimes issued to younger drivers or in certain circumstances), the cost is lower at $51. These fees may change, so check the Vermont DMV website for the most current pricing before you start your renewal.

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The renewal fee covers the cost of producing your new license and mailing it to you. This fee goes to the state and helps fund DMV operations. There are no additional hidden fees or extra charges for standard license renewals.

When you renew online, you can pay with a credit card or debit card. Common cards accepted include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The payment is processed immediately after you submit your application. You'll receive a confirmation number via email that you can save for your records.

For in-person renewals at a DMV office, you can typically pay with cash, credit card, debit card, or check. Ask your local DMV office about their specific payment methods when you call to schedule an appointment. Some smaller offices may have different options than larger ones.

You cannot apply for a waiver or reduction of the renewal fee. All drivers pay the same standard renewal fee unless they qualify for a special license type. For example, military members may have different fees, or drivers renewing specialty license plates might pay different amounts. Ask the DMV about your specific situation if you think you might have different fees.

Keep your payment receipt or confirmation number. If your new license doesn't arrive within 10-14 days, you can contact the DMV with your confirmation number to check the status. This proof of payment helps the DMV locate your application if there are any questions.

Practical Takeaway: Check the Vermont DMV website for current renewal fees for your license type. If renewing online, have a credit or debit card ready. If renewing in person, confirm what payment methods your local DMV office accepts when you schedule your appointment.

What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal

After you complete your renewal—whether online or in person—the Vermont DMV processes your application. Processing times vary slightly between online and in-person renewals.

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If you renewed online, your application goes into the DMV's system for review. Staff members verify that all your information is correct and that you haven't had your license suspended or revoked. This process typically takes 3-5 business days. Once approved, your license is printed and prepared for mailing.

If you renewed in person at a DMV office, some locations can print your temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent plastic license to arrive in the mail. The permanent license is then produced and mailed within a few days.

Your new permanent license will be mailed to the address you provided during renewal. Standard mailing typically takes 7-10 business days from when it ships. You don't need to be home to receive it—the letter can be placed in your mailbox. No signature is required.

Your old license remains valid to drive with until your new one arrives. Once you receive your new license, you can destroy or discard your old one. Some people keep it for a short time as backup identification, but it's no longer needed once the new license arrives.

If you don't receive your new license within 14 days, contact the Vermont DMV. Have your confirmation number or receipt ready. The DMV can check the status of your license and resend it if needed. Occasionally, mail gets delayed or lost, and the DMV can help track down your new license or issue a replacement.

If you renewed in person and received a temporary paper license but your permanent license hasn't arrived within 30 days, contact the DMV immediately. This is unusual, but it happens occasionally and can be resolved quickly with a phone call.

Practical Takeaway: Write down the date you submit your renewal application. Mark your calendar for 14 days later—the expected arrival date for your new license. If it