What is a License Plate Replacement in Vermont?
Replacement involves reissuing one or both Vermont registration plates outside the regular renewal cycle. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles processes each replacement through a special application and fee, separate from the annual or biennial registration renewal.
- Trigger conditions include loss, theft, damage, or fading of the plate, confiscation by law enforcement, or surrendering an out-of-state plate after moving to Vermont. The same license plate replacement application (Form VD-016) covers all these cases.
- Vermont assigns a new plate number when both plates are lost or stolen. If both plates are damaged, the DMV issues a new number unless the owner requests to retain the existing one.
- Most passenger vehicles have two plates (front and rear) according to 23 V.S.A. § 511. One plate costs $15.00; a set of two costs $29.00, making the choice of one or two plates a genuine financial decision.
- Motorcycles, trailers, and ATVs receive one rear plate. The loss of this single plate requires a new number.
When Do You Need to Replace Your Vermont License Plate?
Vermont law requires plates to remain clearly legible at all times. Once a plate fails to meet this standard or goes missing, the owner must act.
- A lost or stolen plate triggers an immediate obligation to notify the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles (23 V.S.A. § 514(a)). The owner may operate the vehicle with one rear plate until the replacement is delivered.
- Vermont does not require a police report to process a replacement. Form VD-016 asks if the plate was lost or stolen but does not require a report for issuance.
- Plates that have faded or peeled due to a manufacturing defect are eligible for free replacement through the Vermont DMV faded plates program. Damage caused by the owner requires the standard fee.
- There is no fixed deadline for when a damaged plate must be replaced, but an unclear plate may result in a fine during any stop.
- New residents must register within 60 days of establishing domicile in Vermont and surrender any out-of-state plates at that time (23 V.S.A. § 301(d)).
How to Get a Replacement License Plate in Vermont
Every channel begins with the replacement plate application (Form VD-016). Gather your current plate number, VIN, and registration expiration date before starting.
- In person: bring the completed VD-016 form, valid photo ID, and damaged plate (if you have it) to any Vermont DMV office. Branches operate in Montpelier, Bennington, Rutland, South Burlington, Springfield, Newport, St. Albans, St. Johnsbury, Dummerston, and White River Junction.
- The DMV verifies the form on-site. Replacement plates are mailed, and the verified application allows the vehicle to be operated with one rear plate in the interim.
- By mail: send the completed VD-016 form with payment to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, 120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603-0001. Write “FADED PLATES” at the top of the form if requesting a free replacement for faded plates.
- Online channel (described in the next section) requires valid registration not expiring within 60 days and a current myDMV account.
Can You Replace Vermont License Plate Online?
Yes, Vermont accepts online replacement orders for most plate types. Log into your account on myDMV and select the replacement option. The portal covers cars, trucks, trailers, motorcycles, and ATVs.
One restriction applies: registration must be valid and not expiring within 60 days. Replacements for faded plates, which are free if caused by manufacturing defects, are excluded from the online channel and must go through mail or an office visit.
Replacement plates are mailed after order processing. For transactions the portal cannot handle, visit any of the ten Vermont DMV offices. The mail-in package requires:
- A completed VD-016 form with appropriate markings.
- Payment by check or money order for the applicable plate fee.
- The damaged plate itself, if you have it and the damage prompted the replacement.
Use the online portal when your registration meets the requirements; otherwise, an office visit avoids mail delays.
How Much is License Plate Replacement in Vermont?
The fee for one plate is set by law at $15.00, but dual plate sets and fee waivers for faded plates alter the total depending on the situation.
- One plate: $15.00. A set of two plates costs $29.00 (23 V.S.A. § 514).
- Municipal and volunteer plates have a lower rate of $11.00 per plate.
- Faded plates caused by defective materials or manufacturing issues are replaced free of charge at the Commissioner’s discretion. Owners wishing to retain the existing number on a faded plate (when the number is not personalized or four digits or less) pay the standard replacement fee.
- Duplicate registration certificates add $20.00 for cars, motorcycles, trucks, and trailers. ATV and snowmobile registration replacements cost $6.00 each (Vermont DMV fee schedule).
- Vermont does not have a county surcharge on replacement transactions. Fees are uniform across the state.