by Armando Martinez
Step 1: Obtain a Bill of Sale
The first step in registering your vehicle is to obtain a Bill of Sale. This document includes information like the car's make and model, year, VIN (vehicle identification number), purchase price and names and addresses of buyer and seller. Keep this document for your records because it will be used when registering your vehicle at DMV later on.
Step 2: Obtain the Car Title
The next step is to obtain the title to your vehicle. You can do this by visiting your local DMV office and paying the appropriate fees, or you may be able to get it through mail if you're out of state or otherwise unable to visit in person. If your seller does not have their title, they can obtain a duplicate title through the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles or through the state in which the vehicle is titled.
You'll need to make sure that all fields are properly filled out on the title, including:
- Your name and address (this must match what's on file with Vermont)
- The year, make and model of your car/truck/motorcycle/etc., along with its VIN number (which should also match those listed on other documents)
Step 3: Obtain Insurance
To register your vehicle in Vermont, you must have liability insurance. Vermont law requires all drivers to carry coverage for bodily injury and property damage. You can use the same insurance that covers your car in Vermont or get one online or over the phone with just a few pieces of information.
Step 4: Complete the Registration Application
To complete the registration application, you'll need to find the form online or at your local DMV office. You'll also need:
- The car's make, model and year
- The VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number) on the vehicle's title or registration card
- Your personal information (name, address and phone number) as well as insurance details.
Step 5: Get an Emissions Test
If your vehicle is being registered for the first time or has been out of state for more than six months, it must be inspected at an authorized emissions testing station. You can find authorized stations at http://www.airquality.vermont.gov/. Bring your vehicle's registration and title (if applicable) along with proof of insurance to the station where they will perform an inspection on your vehicle and issue you a certificate stating that it meets state standards before registering it with us here at DMV headquarters!
Step 6: Pay the Registration Fee
The registration fee varies depending on the vehicle's weight, model year and type. You can pay the registration fee at the DMV when you submit your application. Additionally, you can purchase temporary registration online in order to operate your vehicle legally until you receive your license plate and registration. You can find more information on the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles website or at https://mydmvtempplate.vermont.gov/.
Step 7: Get License Plates
Once you've registered your vehicle, you'll need to get license plates for it. You can do this at the DMV or by mail. If you choose to go to the DMV, be prepared for long lines and crowds--it can take up to two hours just to get through all of the paperwork!
If you don't want to wait around at an overcrowded office building all day, consider sending in an application with payment instead; this will save time since there isn't much foot traffic in Vermont's DMV offices anyway. However, expect a longer wait time (upwards of four weeks).
Step 8: Submit the Registration
The last step is to submit the registration application. You’ll have 3 days from the date you purchased your vehicle to complete this process. For more information on this process https://mydmvtempplate.vermont.gov/. This can be done in person, by mail, or online. If you choose to do it in person at a DMV office, bring:
- Bill of Sale (if applicable)
- Title (if applicable) and/or Lien Release Form (if applicable)
- Proof of insurance and VIN verification form
You must also submit proof that your vehicle passed an emissions test and safety inspection within 30 days before or after registering it with Vermont's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Step 9: Keep Your Registration Updated
The final step is to make sure your registration and license plates are up-to-date. You can renew both online or in person at any DMV office. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you'll receive a new sticker that needs to be placed on the bottom right corner of your license plate after it's been processed by a clerk.
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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