Vermont

Title Fee

$42.00

Who must title a vehicle in Vermont?

Most motor vehicles, trailers, motorboats, ATVs, and snowmobiles must be titled.
Exempt: US government vehicles, manufactured homes, motorcycles <20 kW, trailers ≤1,500 lbs. unladen, tractors ≤6,099 lbs. laden, road making appliances, canoes/kayaks/manually propelled vessels with ≤10 hp motor.

Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), any DMV location.
Application: Registration Tax & Title Application (VD-119), Motorboat Registration/Title (VD-037), Title Application (VD-038).
Fee: $42.00 (vehicles), $27.00 (motorboats/snowmobiles).

What documents are needed as proof of ownership?

New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title.
Non-title states: Registration certificate.
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs + US import/emission compliance, possibly dealer ID/security agreement, certified English translation.

How are special titles or brands handled?

Bonded Title: For insufficient proof, notarized bond = 1.5x average trade-in value, VIN verification, and fees; clear title after 3 years.
Distinctive Title: For vehicles from states/countries not naming lienholders; legend “This Vehicle may be Subject to an Undisclosed Lien.”
Brands: Salvage, Antique, Bond Posted, Classic, Collision, Crushed, Dismantled (Parts Only), Duplicate, Exceed Mechanical Limits, Hail, Junk, Kit, Logging, Manufacturer Buy Back, Non-Repairable/Repaired, Not Actual, Off Road, Rebuilt, Recovered Theft, Refurbished, Replica, Safety Defect, Salvage-Other, Salvage Retention, Salvage-Stolen, State Assigned VIN, Street Rod, Test Vehicle, Totaled, Warranty Return, and more. Out-of-state brands are carried forward.
Salvage: Required for total loss/salvage acquired vehicles; must be titled as salvage within 15 days.
Rebuilt: Rebuilt salvage vehicles must pass inspection, VIN verification, and submit bills of sale for major parts; title branded “Rebuilt.”
Junk: Surrender title for cancellation if vehicle destroyed/unfit for use; “crushed” must be endorsed if crushed.

How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?

Duplicate: Application (VD-038), $42.00 fee; only lienholder may apply if lien is active.
Correction: Submit original title + correction; no fee for DMV error.

Other notes:

Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN/HIN inspection required for foreign/impounded/salvage vehicles, or vehicles with US Gov’t release.

Are electronic signatures accepted?

What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?

Purchase & Use Tax: 6.0% of purchase price or book value (whichever is greater); credit for trade-in; minimum value applies.Exemptions: Gifts, immediate family, certain business transfers, vehicles for disabled, new residents (credit for tax paid in another state), and more.
Sales & Use Tax: 6.0% on ATVs, motorboats, snowmobiles not subject to P&U tax; credit for trade-in and taxes paid to another state.
- Property Tax: None for vehicles; applies to manufactured homes.

How are liens recorded and perfected?

Submit title app with lienholder info, date of security agreement, and fee; max two lienholders on title.
Perfected if delivered within 20 days; otherwise, as of delivery.
Add lien: Title Changes/Adding a Lien (VT-019) + fee.

How are liens released or assigned?

Lienholder must release within 12 business days of demand (30 days max); on title or Release of Lien (VT-008).
Assignment: Lienholder releases on title; new lienholder listed on VT-019.

How does repossession work in VT?

Lienholder may repossess if peaceful; must obtain “Repo” title before transfer.
Submit Affidavit of Repossession (VT-011), assigned title, bill of sale, and title app; applies to out-of-state lienholders.

Other notes:

Artisan liens: Possession required, 3 months unpaid, certified mail to owner, public auction, DMV lien search, bill of sale/affidavit to purchaser.

Enforcement Agency:

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles120 State St, Montpelier, VT 05603
802.828.2000 | VT DMV

Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:

Key Regulations:

Insurance required: $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 minimum; higher for for-hire, buses, TNCs.
Proof required at inspection and must be carried.
Annual safety/emissions inspection required.
Two plates for most vehicles; one for motorcycles, trailers, ATVs. Plates transferable.
- Title records kept 5 years; registration 3 years.