If you want to obtain license plates in Vermont, you must visit a Department of Motor Vehicles office.
In addition to the standard license plate, it is possible to register specialty styles of plates. If you want personalized license plates with a custom plate number, you should look up available numbers online.
All vehicles being used on roads in Vermont must have license plates. Residents should register their vehicles with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
The DMV will issue two license plates for most vehicles, which are meant to be secured to the front and rear bumpers. The following vehicles are only issued one license plate:
You will also receive registration stickers, which must be clearly visible in the appropriate spots on the rear plate.
The following types of license plates are available for registration in Vermont:
Temporary plates are offered to those who have to transport their vehicle from the point of purchase to the DMV office for registration.
If you own any of the following vehicles, you are required to have them registered with the DMV:
Vehicles being purchased must be registered immediately and must display temporary plates in order to be legally drive on the roads in Vermont.
New residents have 60 days to register any out-of-state vehicle.
Applications for license plates must be made in person.
Specialty license plates allow you to show your support to a charity, organization, group, cause, and more. You can submit an application for specialty plates either online or in person.
The following are a few examples of specialty license plates in Vermont:
All these plates have varying fees, which depend on the plate type. Some plates may require additional documentation to verify eligibility. For example, EMT workers must show proof of employment.
Personalized license plates allow you to choose a custom plate number. When submitting an application, you must following the DMC’s guidelines:
Other guidelines state that personalized plates must not have any profanity or indecent suggestions. Nor can they resemble services provided, like police, security, etc.
People with permanent or temporary disabilities can apply for disability license plates or placards.
The license plates are provided for those with personament disabilities and for vehicles required to transport people with disabilities.
The placards must be displayed visibly in the rear view mirror to avoid ticketing when parking in designated disability parking spaces.
If you buy a new vehicle, you can transfer your old plates. All you have to do is provide payment of a transfer while registering your new vehicle.
License plates may not be transferred to a new owner.
License plates must be surrendered if:
You must send your license plates to the DMV, by mail or in person, along with completed forms to cancel your registration.
You may be required to submit an explanation, and you may also be eligible to receive a refund if there are unused registration fees.
Replacement license plates can be obtained from the DMV if they have been:
You will be required to submit an application form for replacement of damaged, stolen, or lost plates. A replacement fee of $12 per plate is required.
All vehicles should be on the road with up-to-date registered plates and decals. Plates should be renewed before their registration expires.
License plate renewals can be completed:
Failure to renew stickers can results in additional fees from the DMV.
Costs for license plate registration and renewal varies by vehicle type and plate type. Here are a few of the fees required:
Contact a DMV office in Vermont to obtain a complete list of fees and required payments for registration.
If you want to see whether a license plate is available for personalization, use the search bar above.
You can also receive information about a vehicle, such as:
You may be able to receive information that a vehicle was stolen or damaged in the past.
