VT Car Registration
Want to drive your car around Vermont? Well, of course you will need a driver’s license to drive, but to operate a vehicle of your own in the state, vehicle registration is required. The first thing you want to do is determine the type of vehicle registration required for your specific vehicle, as cars and trucks are registered differently from commercial vehicles, boats, motorcycles, and other special vehicles including custom and classic vehicles.First Time Registration in VT
If one of the following pertains to you, you will need to complete first time registration with the Vermont DMV, which must be completed in office.- Just moved to Vermont
- Just purchased the vehicle you are registering
- Just received the vehicle you are registering as a gift
- Never registered the vehicle before, regardless of length of ownership
Vehicle Insurance
An auto insurance policy is required before registration is issued on your vehicle. Without auto insurance, or another form of financial responsibility, the state of Vermont will not grant you the registration you need to operate the vehicle, meaning that you will have to settle for not driving your vehicle until insurance is purchased.Just any auto insurance isn’t going to pass either. You must at least have the minimum liability coverage that is requested by the state, with higher and fuller coverage policies also available. If you are using self-insurance, you must ensure that the surety bond is paid in full to the DMV before your registration is approved.
Getting Your Registration Paperwork Together
To register your vehicle in VT, you will require the appropriate paperwork so that the VT DMV is able to process your request in a timely and accurate manner. If you are purchasing your new vehicle from a car dealership, that dealership will most times complete all the paperwork, even submitting to the DMV for you, while those who purchase or receive the vehicle privately are required to complete the process themselves.If you are responsible for the registration process yourself, the following documents must be completed and submitted before your request is processed:
- Vehicle Title
- Proof of required auto insurance policy
- Registration/Title application
- Personalized tag application if desired
- VIN and Emissions inspection certification for required vehicles
If there are special requirements for your vehicle’s registration, the DMV can give you the details, so it is pertinent that you contact the Vermont DMV before you begin the registration process.