Vermont also has a variety of specialty and vanity plates to choose from, which cost more. Additional taxes and fees apply to both new and renewal registrations.
Let’s get into the details of license plate costs in the state of Vermont.
The Cost of Vermont License Plates
Vermont passenger license plates cost $0 to $48, depending on what type of plates you choose.
Here are the options Vermont offers for passenger vehicle plates:
- Standard passenger plates
- Vanity plates
- Specialty plates
- Disability plates
How much are VT vehicle tags?
How Much are Standard License Plates in Vermont?
In Vermont, the standard passenger vehicle plates are included with the registration fee of $76. So, they’re free…sort of.
You’ll receive regular license plates when:
- Registering a vehicle in your name
- Replacing lost, damaged, or stolen plates
- Trading down from specialty plates to standard plates
For more info on Vermont’s license plate types, visit the official Vermont Department Of Motor Vehicles page.
How much are vanity plates?
How Much are Personalized License Plates in Vermont?
Want to make a statement? Vanity license plates cost $48, in addition to registration. They are also referred to as personalized or prestige plates, allowing you to customize your ride with a unique letter and number combo.
When selecting the lettering for your custom Vermont plate, there are some restrictions:
- You are limited to seven total characters and spaces
- No special characters or punctuation can be used
- Offensive or inappropriate words and phrases are prohibited
- No more than two numbers are allowed in combination with letters
How much are specialty plates?
How Much are Vermont Special License Plates?
Show some team spirit or support a cause with a specialty plate. You can sport a plate that supports your favorite Vermont college, cause, or organization.
Vermont specialty license plates cost between $17 to $26 in addition to the $76 registration fee.
Here are the categories and designs:
Military and veteran license plates
- Disabled Veteran
- Gold Star Family
- Pearl Harbor Survivor
- POW
- Purple Heart
- U.S. Veteran
- Vermont National Guard
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
- Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
In theater plates
Safety and service organizations
- Amateur Radio Operator
- Emergency Medical Services
- National Ski Patrol
- Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont
- Vermont State Firefighters Association
Special fund plates
Organization plates
For more information about specialty license plates, click on any of the above links to view
category details on the official Vermont Department Of Motor Vehicles website.
How much are handicap car tags?
How Much are Vermont Handicap Plates?
Vermont disability plates and placards are “free” (as in, no extra charge over and above the registration fee of $76) for disabled residents.
Eligible applicants can get:
- Removable windshield placards
- Special registration disability plates
To apply for these, take the following steps:
- Get the application form VD-120 from the Vermont DMV
- Have a doctor complete the medical certification section of the application
- Submit to the VT Department Of Motor Vehicle for approval
- Once approved, the DMV will issue disability plates or placards
How much are commercial vehicle plates?
How Much are Commercial License Plates In Vermont?
The cost for commercial license plates in Vermont ranges from $109 to $2,648.50 per year depending on the type and weight of the commercial vehicle.
These plates are required to legally operate commercial vehicles on Vermont roads.
How much are motorcycle plates in Vermont?
How Much are Motorcycle License Plates In Vermont?
Vermont motorcycle registration costs $48. This fee includes the license plate.
How much is a trailer plate in Vermont?
How Much are Trailer License Plates In Vermont?
A trailer license plate costs between $27 and $394 per year in Vermont. Naturally, you only need one license plate for a trailer, and it goes in the rear.
How much are RV plates in Vermont?
How Much are RV Plates In Vermont?
Vermont recreational vehicle (RV) plates are included in the $76 registration fee.
What do I do with old license plates in VT?
What do I do With Old License Plates in Vermont?
When you sell your used car in Vermont, you must dispose of your old plates properly.
Here are the options for old Vermont plates:
- Recycle: remove any stickers and recycle the plate.
- Keep: some choose to save the old plate as memorabilia. Be sure to invalidate any active stickers first.
It’s always a good idea to deface your old license plates before returning or recycling it. This prevents someone else from illegally using it. Always remove registration stickers before disposing of your plate.
License Plate Trivia
Here are some interesting facts about Vermont license plates:
- Vermont requires a front license plate in addition to the rear plate, unlike some states that require a rear plate only.
- Passenger license plates measure 6 by 12 inches and are rectangular—in Vermont and across the US.
- Motorcycle license plates are a bit smaller, measuring 4 by 7 inches.
- The Vermont license plates have seven characters. (Across the US, license plate formats range from 6 to 8 characters.)
Steps to get VT plates
How to Apply for Vermont License Plates?
After you’ve purchased a car from a private seller, you’ll get new license plates when you register the vehicle in your name with the Vermont DMV.
Here are the steps you’ll take:
- Gather the required documents, such as your vehicle title, auto insurance, and driver’s license.
- Visit your local DMV office.
- Submit the Registration, Tax & Title Application
- Pay applicable registration fees, plate fees, and sales taxes.
- Get your new plates and registration certificate from the DMV office.
- Attach your new Vermont plates to the rear and front of your vehicle. Vermont requires two plates.
How do I transfer a title in Vermont?
How Much is a Title Transfer in Vermont?
Transferring a vehicle’s title in Vermont is a two-part process.
- The seller signs over the certificate of title after you pay them for the car.
- You complete the title transfer at the county treasurer’s office. At the same time, you apply for a new title, pay sales taxes and fees, complete the registration process, and apply for new license plates.
When you visit your local Vermont county treasurer, you’ll submit the following:
- A completed Registration, Tax & Title application
- Payment for title transfer fee: $35
- Payment for the registration fee: $76 annually or $140 biennially
- Payment for Vermont sales tax: 6% of vehicle’s purchase price
Read our complete guide to a Vermont title transfer for more info on the subject.
Vermont vehicle registration
How Much is Registration in Vermont?
Here are the taxes and fees you may owe when you register a car in Vermont. Some are due ongoingly, while others are one-time.
To register your vehicle, you must show proof of insurance.
Buy Your Dream Vehicle With PrivateAuto
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Sell Your Car In Vermont
Here’s how you can sell your car in Vermont with a few simple steps:
- Gather the required paperwork for selling a car in Vermont
- Register on PrivateAuto and get verified
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License Plates FAQ
What are Vermont low number plates?
Looking for license plates with a lower number between 1000-9999? The Green Mountain State offers this option for an extra initial fee.
Vermont low number plates cost $100 more than standard registration upon first issue. This reserves you a lower plate number in the available 1000-9999 range. Once issued, renewals are at the regular cost for that vehicle type.
What are Vermont sample plates?
Want to test out how a personalized plate looks before committing? Vermont gives you the option with temporary sample plates. Just fill out and submit a Sample Plate Request to the DMV.
They’ll create the requested plate combo on a temporary registration valid for 30 days at a cost of $35. If you then want to order the permanent personalized plate after previewing the sample, you simply pay the regular registration fee at that time.
What to do about faded Vermont plates?
If the letters and numbers on your Vermont license plate become unclear or difficult to read over time, you may qualify for free replacement plates due to fading. Vermont will replace standard plates without charge if the quality of the plate numbers and letters deteriorates under normal use. To get faded Vermont plates replaced, bring your vehicle to your local DMV inspection station for an assessment.
If fading beyond your control is confirmed, new replacement plates will be issued at no cost. So if your Vermont plates are showing their age, don’t pay for new plates if the fading is from natural deterioration. Get a free replacement set under Vermont’s faded plate policy. Just make sure to have them inspected and confirmed as illegibly faded first.
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Landon Epperly
Contributing Author
Landon Epperly is the Product Manager at PrivateAuto, where he thrives on turning innovative ideas into reality. With a deep passion for cars and boats, Landon combines his love for vehicles with his expertise in product development to enhance the online marketplace experience….