When buying or selling a vehicle in the state of Vermont, you will need to have a bill of sale (Form VT-005) for Vermont. It is used as both a receipt and to protect both the buyer and seller from any liability related to the vehicle being sold. For example, if the seller incurred a ticket before selling the vehicle, the buyer could use it to prove that they were not the owner of the vehicle at the time.
It includes the relevant details required for registration and titling of the vehicle once it has been purchased. In order for it to be considered legal, it must be signed by both the seller and the buyer. Notarization is not currently required in the state of Vermont.
Another document that you will be required to give the Vermont DMV is an Odometer Disclosure Statement. The state of Vermont has combined their bill of sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement in Form VT-005.
If you are having someone other than yourself register and title your vehicle, they will be required to have a Vermont vehicle power of attorney form. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles does not have its own power of attorney form, so you will need to have one drawn up by an attorney.
Creating a Vermont Bill of Sale
You can use the Vermont DMV’s combined with BOS and odometer disclosure statement (Form VT-005) or create your own. If you are creating your own document, it must contain the following required details:
- The full legal names of both the seller and the buyer
- A description of the vehicle being sold, which must include the make, model, year, VIN, body type, color, and a current odometer reading
- The date of the sale and the amount that the vehicle is being sold for
- The legal address and contact details of both the buyer and the seller
- Signatures of both the buyer and the seller
Registering a Vehicle in Vermont
In Vermont, in order to drive a vehicle on roads, the vehicle must be registered with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicle. The state of Vermont does not specify the amount of time that a person has to register a vehicle, unlike many states. The buyer must have their auto inspected within a 15-day period from the date of purchase. If the vehicle was purchased from a dealership, the dealership will submit the title and registration details on behalf of the buyer.
Where to Register a Vehicle in Vermont
If you are registering a vehicle for the first time, you will need to do so in person or by mail. When registering in person, you will need to first book an appointment at your nearest office.
Alternatively, you can register via post at:
Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
120 State Street
Montpelier, Vermont 05603-0001
Your vehicle must have its registration renewed annually. You can renew your registration in one of the following ways:
- The quickest and easiest way to renew your vehicle’s registration is to renew online. Once you have completed the online renewal process, you will be given a temporary 10-day registration to cover your vehicle until you have received your permanent registration sticker through the mail.
- Renewing by phone – this can be done by calling 866-259-5368. You will need to have your current driver’s license number and a credit card to make payment.
- Renewing by mail – you will need to have signed your renewal notice and send that back with a money order or check for the renewal fee stated on your renewal notice. If you do not have your renewal notice, you may use Form VD-119. Documents must be mailed to Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, PO Box 1308, Williston Vermont 05495-1308.
- Renewing in person – you can renew your registration at one of your local Vermont DMV locations or a participating Town Clerk’s office.
Documents Required for Registering a Vehicle in Vermont
When registering your vehicle for the first time, you will need to submit the following:
- A Vermont BOS/Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form VT-005)
- Current and valid Driver’s License
- A completed Form TA-VD-119 (Title/Registration/Tax Application)
- Title of vehicle, signed over by the seller (for used vehicles only)
- Certificate of Origin from the manufacturer (for new vehicles only)
- For vehicles that are coming from out of state, a copy of the vehicle title will be needed
- If the purchased vehicle is a used vehicle, you will need a VIN Verification (Form VT-010). This must be done by a Vermont law enforcement officer or a designated employee of the DMV that was appointed by Vermont’s Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.
- Vehicles that are registered by someone other than the buyer, or vehicles that are being financed will need a Vermont Vehicle Power of Attorney
- Applications being made through the post will need a price estimate for the vehicle by J.D. Power
- Proof of vehicle insurance that meets Vermont’s minimum requirements:
- Cover of $25,000 for death or injury per individual, per incident
- Cover of $50,000 to cover the total cost of an accident
- Cover of $10,000 to cover property damages per incident
- Funds to cover the required fees
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