What Is a Temporary License Plate in Vermont?
Vermont issues several short-term permits that allow a vehicle to be used on the road until permanent registration is obtained. The most common is the temporary dealer license plate, which is attached at the time of sale, as well as an electronic temporary license plate printed by a private buyer through myDMV.
The Vermont DMV issues temporary registrations at their offices. Licensed dealers issue temporary license plates and transit plates at the dealership. Private sellers direct buyers to the DMV online or in-person queue.
The physical form depends on the class: a paper license plate or dealer sticker, a printed sheet from myDMV, or a metal transit plate for interstate moves.
What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Vermont?
| Class | Official Name | Trigger | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dealer | Temporary license plate on sold or traded vehicles | Dealer sale to a buyer in Vermont | Licensed Dealer |
| DMV in-office | Temporary registration | Title not yet available at registration | Vermont DMV |
| Private sale online | Electronic temporary license plate and registration | Private sale, non-dealer | Vermont DMV via myDMV |
| Intrastate | Intrastate transit permit | Private sale, movement within Vermont | Vermont DMV |
| Interstate | Transit registration permit | Dealer sale in Vermont to an out-of-state buyer | Licensed Dealer |
| Transporter | Transporter registration plate | Commercial vehicle transport | Vermont DMV |
No class is subject to renewal or extension. 23 V.S.A. § 461 requires the buyer to destroy the temporary license plate after expiration.
When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Vermont?
- A dealer sale triggers the issuance of a temporary license plate under 23 V.S.A. § 458, allowing the buyer to operate the vehicle until permanent plates are received.
- A private purchase within Vermont requires either an electronic temporary license plate or an intrastate transit permit from the DMV.
- An out-of-state buyer purchasing from a Vermont dealer receives a transit registration permit under 23 V.S.A. § 463.
- A registered transporter moving repossessed or dealer-owned vehicles uses a transporter plate under 23 V.S.A. § 491.
- A buyer whose title is delayed when visiting a DMV office receives a temporary registration under 23 V.S.A. § 312.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Vermont?
- Gather the bill of sale, assigned title (or proof of purchase if the title is pending), proof of insurance, and valid photo ID.
- Choose your path: a licensed dealer handles it at the point of sale; private buyers use myDMV online or visit a DMV office; transit plate applicants apply in person.
- Submit the application and required documents through the chosen channel.
- Pay the applicable fee described in the next section.
- Receive the permit: dealers immediately provide the plate or sticker; myDMV generates a printable temporary license plate; DMV offices issue the plate at the counter.
Transit plate applicants use form VD-032 at any DMV location.
How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Vermont?
| Class | Fee | Automation / Additional | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary dealer license plate | Standard registration fee | None | Buyer (deposited with dealer) |
| Temporary registration | Registration fee + title fee | None | Buyer |
| Electronic temporary license plate | $6.00 | None | Buyer |
| Intrastate transit permit | $8.00 | None | Buyer |
| Transit registration permit | $8.00 | None | Dealer collects from buyer |
| Transporter plate | $148.00 per year | None | Transporter |
Dealers collect the full registration fee at sale and remit it to the Commissioner. A separate processing fee in the dealer queue does not apply.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Vermont?
Partially. Only the electronic temporary license plate and registration are available online, and only for private sales.
The myDMV portal accepts applications under 23 V.S.A. § 518. The buyer submits ownership details, confirms insurance compliance, and pays a $6.00 processing fee. The temporary license plate is printed immediately.
Dealer-issued plates are processed at the dealership, not online. Transit plates and temporary registrations require an in-person DMV visit.
Use myDMV for private purchases; all other cases require a dealer or DMV office route.
How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Vermont?
| Class | Validity Period | Mileage / Geographic Restriction | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary dealer license plate | 60 days | None | Unavailable |
| Temporary registration | 60 days | None | Unavailable |
| Electronic temporary license plate | 60 days | None | Unavailable |
| Intrastate transit permit | 10 days | Within Vermont only | Unavailable |
| Transit registration permit | 30 days | Vermont to destination state | Unavailable |
| Transporter plate | Annually, expires last day of February | None | Annual renewal |
Operation after expiration is considered a violation of 23 V.S.A. § 301. The Judicial Bureau treats it as a traffic violation with a civil penalty up to $1,000.00.