How to Get a Vermont License Plate: A Complete Guide for Drivers

Younis ShuaibUpdated September 12th, 2025

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Driving in Vermont can be a beautiful experience, but before you hit the road, your vehicle needs a Vermont license plate. It can feel like a mountain of paperwork stands between you and the open road, but the process isn't that complicated.

This guide gives you a personal roadmap to getting your official green and white plates. Whether you're a new car owner or a new resident, or just had some bad luck with a lost plate, we'll make the process clear and simple.

Who Needs Vermont License Plates and When?

There are a few specific situations that require you to get new plates:

• You bought a car: This is the most common reason for new plates. If you purchased from a dealership, they often manage the registration for you. But if you bought from a private party — say, a neighbor or an online marketplace — the responsibility to get it registered and plated is yours as the new vehicle owner. This also means you'll need to secure Vermont car insurance before you can register the vehicle.
• You're a new Vermonter: Once you officially call Vermont home, a 60-day countdown begins. Before the deadline, you'll need to swap your old out-of-state plates for Vermont plates.
• Your plate is lost, stolen, or unreadable: Maybe you've just realized a plate is missing, or perhaps it's been so damaged in a parking lot mishap that it's impossible to read. Driving with illegible or no license plates is illegal, so getting a replacement is an immediate priority.
• You want to personalize your vehicle: In addition to the standard option, the state offers an array of Vermont specialty plates and vanity plates, offering a way to support a cause or make your car uniquely yours.

No matter your reason, when you need new plates, head to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the hub for all things related to vehicle registration and motor vehicles.

How To Apply for New Vermont License Plates

Applying for a new Vermont license plate requires a few key documents and fees. You have the flexibility to handle this either by mailing in your application or by visiting a DMV office in person.

The centerpiece of your application is Form VD-119, also known as the registration, tax, and title application. This is the state's official record of your vehicle and ownership. Accuracy is important; any mistakes or omissions on this form can cause frustrating delays, so it pays to double-check every entry.

Required Documents for New Plates

Before you start filling out forms, a little preparation goes a long way. Gathering all the necessary paperwork ahead of time helps make for a smooth process.

Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand:

• Proof of Ownership: This is non-negotiable. For a used car, this proof is the original title, which the previous owner must sign over to you. For a brand-new vehicle, you’ll have a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO).
• The Application Itself: Complete Form VD-119.
• Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form VT-005): This form is the official record of the mileage at the time of sale.
• Proof of Identity and Residency: For most Vermonters, a valid state driver’s license neatly covers both requirements.
• Proof of Insurance: You can't legally register a car in the state without auto insurance. Your policy must meet the minimum Vermont car insurance requirements, and your insurance ID card is the standard form of proof.
• Bill of Sale: Think of this as the official receipt for your vehicle. It documents the sale price, essential for calculating taxes.
• Payment: Make sure you're ready to cover the fees, whether by credit card, check, or cash.

Fees Associated With Vermont License Plates

The final cost for your Vermont car plate will depend on your vehicle type and the plate type you select. Typical fees include:

• Registration Fee: This is the main fee, and its cost is tied to the weight and class of your vehicle.
• Title Fee: This flat, one-time charge is for the state to produce a new Vermont title in your name.
• Purchase and Use Tax: This is a 6% tax calculated on the vehicle’s purchase price or its fair market value, whichever is higher.
• Specialty Plate Fees: Choosing custom specialty plates, such as the popular Conservation series, comes with an additional annual fee.

Replacing Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Plates

Losing a plate can be frustrating, but the fix is straightforward. If you believe your plate was stolen, your first step should be to file a report with your local police. This creates an official record and is a crucial step for your own protection.

Next, fill out the Replacement Plate form (VD-016) and submit it to the DMV along with the fee. If you have a single remaining plate that’s damaged, you’re required to surrender it as part of the process. The DMV will then provide a completely new set of plates with a new number.

How to Transfer a License Plate in Vermont

If you sell your old car and get a new one, you don't necessarily have to say goodbye to your plates. In Vermont, transferring plates can save you money.

The state has a few rules for this:

• The new vehicle must be the same vehicle type as the old one (e.g., passenger car to passenger car).
• The registration must be in the exact same name or names.
• The transfer has to happen within 24 hours of selling the old car.

You'll still use Form VD-119. This also means your license plate renewal schedule stays the same.

Compare Vermont Auto Insurance To Protect Your Vehicle

Getting your Vermont license plate is only one part of ownership. You also need auto insurance to protect your purchase.

Finding cheap car insurance in Vermont means comparing companies. EverQuote makes the process easy with a free quotes comparison tool. Check it out today and start to save.

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