Vermont Title Transfer Guide (2026)
| Titling agency | Vermont DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 60 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6% · Purchase and use tax applies to all vehicle sales |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · |
| Lien release form | VD-007 or Title Lien Section |
Vermont title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (VD-007 or Title Lien Section) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Vermont requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Complete VIN inspection — Vermont requires VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Schedule with Vermont DMV or a licensed inspector.
- 5Buyer files at Vermont DMV — within 60 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Vermont DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 6% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Vermont DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Vermont DMV the same day as the sale.
Vermont lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form VD-007 or the lien release section on the existing Vermont title.
- Owner submits the lien release with the title and title application at a Vermont DMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Vermont title.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Vermont estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Vermont DMV.
Need a Vermont bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Vermont DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Vermont Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Vermont
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Vermont?▾
Vermont requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 60 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Vermont title transfer cost?▾
Vermont charges 6% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Purchase and use tax applies to all vehicle sales The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Vermont?▾
Yes — Vermont requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Vermont DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Vermont?▾
In Vermont, the lender must complete VD-007 or Title Lien Section confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Vermont DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Vermont?▾
Vermont inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Vermont DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: Vermont DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07