by Armando Martinez
License Plates
In Vermont, license plates are issued to the vehicle owner. The seller will be required to remove their license plates once the sale is completed. The buyer will be able to transfer license plates from another vehicle registered in the state of Vermont, if they choose to, otherwise new license plates will be issued during the registration process.
Any motor vehicle that is operated on any highway is required to display license plates. Plate letters and numbers must always be clearly visible.
The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues license plates either in pairs or alone. You must attach a license plate to the back of your vehicle. If you are issued a second plate, attach it to the front. All license plates have a decal showing the month and year your vehicle registration expires.
For more information regarding license plates, please visit the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles License Plates web page.
Buying a Car in Vermont
When buying a car in Vermont, you'll need to take the following steps:
1. Obtain a signed title from the seller that includes the odometer reading, purchase price, and date of sale. If your seller does not have their Vermont title, they’ll need to apply for a replacement title through the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles.
2. Visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and provide the title, proof of insurance, and payment for any required fees and taxes.
3. Obtain a temporary registration if needed, which is valid for 10 days and costs $20.
4. If you have Vermont license plates from a previous vehicle, you can transfer them to your new vehicle if your registration is current. You can complete form VD-119, pay a $25 plate transfer fee and walk in to your local VT DMV branch. Otherwise, new license plates will be issued when you register your vehicle.
Selling a Car in Vermont
When selling a car in Vermont, you'll need to take the following steps:
1. Sign over the title to the buyer and include the odometer reading, purchase price, and date of sale.
2. Provide the buyer with a bill of sale for their records.
3. Remove the license plates from the vehicle and return them to the DMV, or transfer them to a new vehicle if you have one
4. You’ll need to cancel your registration with the DMV. You may be eligible for a refund. You can find more information at the Vermont DMV Cancel home page.
Registration Fees and Taxes
When registering your vehicle in Vermont, you'll need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of ownership (title)
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for any required fees and taxes
- Driver’s license or government issued ID
Fees for registering a vehicle in Vermont include:
- Registration and license plates fee: $76 for passenger cars
- Title fee: $35
- Sales tax: 6% of the purchase price
It's important to note that these fees are subject to change, so be sure to check with your local DMV office for the most up-to-date information.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and successful transaction when buying or selling a car in Vermont. Don't forget to obtain a signed title, provide a bill of sale, and return or transfer license plates as needed. And remember, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact your local DMV office for assistance visit the Vermont DMV website.
This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.
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