Overview
What Vermont does penalize is driving on that expired registration. It's a civil traffic violation the moment the sticker lapses - no grace period - carrying a fine of up to $5 if you're cited within 14 days, jumping to roughly $70 (per the Judicial Bureau's waiver schedule) after that. The lesson: renewing late costs nothing extra, but getting caught driving on it does.
01 - Official fees
Vermont renewal cost fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal (1 year, car/truck) | $91.00 | identical to a first-time fee - no penalty |
| Renewal (2 years, car/truck) | $167.00 | |
| Renewal (1 year, motorcycle) | $58.00 | |
| BEV infrastructure fee | $89.00/yr | on top of base fee |
| PHEV infrastructure fee | $44.50/yr | on top of base fee |
| Civil fine - expired ≤14 days, if driven | up to $5.00 | |
| Civil fine - expired 15+ days, if driven | ≈$70.00 |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with the Vermont DMV - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to renew Vermont registration
- 1
Wait for your renewal notice (mailed roughly 6 weeks ahead) or gather your plate number.
- 2
Confirm you have a current inspection sticker, or plan to get one before the plate is renewed if it's due.
- 3
Renew online at the Vermont DMV site, by mail, in person, or at a participating town clerk.
- 4
Choose a 1-year or 2-year term and pay the base fee plus any EV infrastructure fee.
- 5
Your new sticker or plate arrives immediately in person, or by mail for online/mail renewals.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Vermont vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Vermont renewal cost FAQ
Does Vermont charge a late fee if I renew my registration late?
No. Renewing costs the same $91/$167 whether you're on time or years late - Vermont has no administrative late-renewal surcharge, and you can renew up to three years after expiration.
So is it fine to just let my registration lapse and renew whenever?
Renewing itself is free of penalty, but you can't legally drive on an expired registration even one day past the date - there's no grace period. Get caught, and it's a civil fine: up to $5 within 14 days of expiration, roughly $70 after that.
How early can I renew before my registration expires?
Up to 60 days before the expiration date. Renewal notices typically arrive about six weeks ahead, giving most drivers a comfortable window.
Can I switch from a 1-year to a 2-year registration at renewal?
Yes - the term is your choice each time you renew, regardless of what you picked previously. The 2-year option averages a few dollars cheaper per year.
What if my registration lapsed for over three years?
Past the three-year mark, a straightforward renewal may no longer apply and the DMV can require you to register the vehicle as new, including a fresh title and tax review - check with the DMV directly if you're that far past expiration.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.