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 before making an application to the DMV.
Sample Vermont License Plate

Types of License Plates in Vermont
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:
Motorcycle
Tractor Truck
Semi-Trailer
Trailer
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:
Standard license plates
Specialty license plates
Disability license plates
Personalized license plates
Temporary plates are offered to those who have to transport their vehicle from the point of purchase to the DMV office for registration.
Vehicles Requiring License Plates in Vermont
In addition to passenger cars, vans, and trucks, if you own any of the following vehicles, you are required to have them registered with the DMV:
Agricultural vehicles
All-terrain vehicles
Antique vehicles
Vehicles for farm use only
Farm tractor
Homemade vehicles
Logging trucks
Motor-driven cycles
Motorcycles
School buses
Street rods
Tractors
Trailers
Trucks
Applying for License Plates in Vermont
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 who have just moved to Vermont have 60 days to register any out-of-state vehicle.
Applications for license plates must be made in person to the DMV.
Specialty License Plates in Vermont
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:
Organizations:
American Legion Plates
Freemasons Plates
Lions Club International Plates
Rotary International Plates
Safety/Service Organizations:
Amateur Radio Operator Plates
EMT Plates
National Ski Patrol Plates
Professional Firefighters Plates
Special Fund:
Building Bright Futures Plates
Conservation Style Plates
Military:
Ex-POW Plates
Veteran of War Plates
Purple Heart Plates
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 in Vermont
Personalized license plates allow you to choose a custom plate number. When submitting an application, you must follow the DMC’s guidelines:
Can only use a combination of letters, numbers, or spaces
Limit of two numbers in combination with letters
“0” is the same as “O”
No special characters allowed
Not permitted to start with the letter Z
Single letter plates can be registered (except, “I”, “J”, “O”, “Z”)
Other guidelines state that personalized plates must not have any profanity or indecent suggestions. Nor can they resemble services provided, like police, security, etc.
Disability License Plates in Vermont
People with permanent or temporary disabilities can apply for disability license plates or placards.
The license plates are provided for those with permanent disabilities and for vehicles required to transport people with disabilities.
The placards must be clearly displayed on the rearview mirror to avoid ticketing when parking in designated disability parking spaces.
Transferring License Plates in Vermont
If you buy a new vehicle, you can transfer your old plates. All you have to do is pay a transfer fee while registering your new vehicle.
License plates may not be transferred to a new owner.
Surrendering License Plates in Vermont
License plates must be surrendered if:
You move to another state or out of the country
You no longer need your plates (you sell your vehicle and don’t purchase a replacement)
Your plates are damaged and you have applied for replacements
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 some portion of the registration fees is unused.
Replacement License Plates in Vermont
Replacement license plates can be obtained from the DMV if your original plates have been:
Lost
Stolen
Damaged
Worn out
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.
Renewing License Plates in Vermont
All vehicles operating on Vermont roads and highways should have up-to-date license plates and decals. The plates should be renewed before their registration expires.
License plate renewals can be completed in person, by mail, or online.
Failure to renew your stickers in time can results in additional fees from the DMV.
Summary of Fees for License Plates in Vermont
Costs for license plate registration and renewal varies by vehicle type and plate type. Here are a few of the fees that are applicable:
Vehicle Registration Fee:
Gas/Diesel Vehicle: $91 for 1 year and $167 for 2 years
Electric Vehicle: $89 for 1 year and $163 for 2 years
All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs): $45 for 1 year and $90 for 2 years
Replacement Fee:
Single Plate: $15
Set of 2 Plates: $29
Transfer Fee:
Car/Motorcycle/Truck/Trailer: $30
ATV: $12
Specialty Plates Fee: For example
Safety/Service Organization Plate: $21 one-time fee
Building Bright Futures: $29 annually
Conservation Plate: $32 annually
Sample Plates: $22
Personalized License Plates:
Vanity Plate: $58 annually
Contact your local DMV office in Vermont to obtain a complete list of fees and required payments for registration of your vehicle.
Looking Up License Plates in Vermont
If you want to see whether a license plate is available for personalization, use the search bar above.
You can also obtain information about a vehicle, such as:
Vehicle history
Submitted reports
Media (photos, videos, etc.)
For example, you may be able to obtain information about a vehicle being stolen or damaged in the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vermont have 2 license plates?
Yes, Vermont has 2 license plates for all passenger vehicles, including cars, trucks, and vans. These vehicles are required to have both front and rear license plates. However, some vehicles, such as motorcycles and trailers are only required to have a rear plate.
What does the Vermont license plate say?
Standard license plates in Vermont feature a green background and white lettering. They say “Vermont” across the top of the plate and “Green Mountain State” at the bottom.
Does Vermont do vehicle inspections?
Yes, Vermont does vehicle inspections on a statewide basis and not just in certain counties. All motor vehicles registered in Vermont must undergo an annual inspection at one of the 1,100 official inspection stations that are authorized to perform this service.
How much are inspection stickers in Vermont?
Vehicle inspection costs in Vermont typically range anywhere from $35 to $50. This includes a $6 fee that the inspection station pays to the state.
Are “Vermont Strong” plates still legal?
Vermont Strong plates are still legal. There is no end date for the law that authorized certain motor vehicles to display the Vermont Strong plate covering the standard front license plate. Vermont Strong are commemorative plates that were introduced to benefit people affected by the July 2023 floods in the state. There are two designs carrying the slogans “We Are Vermont Strong ’23” and “We Are Vermont Strong and Tough Too ‘23). The Vermont Strong plate must be displayed on the front of the vehicle.