How to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Vermont

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Want to sell a vehicle? Buying one? Or, perhaps you’re gifting or inheriting it?

You’ll need to complete a title transfer to pass ownership if the vehicle is 15 years or newer.

The two parties exchange the title, file the appropriate paperwork, and pay any necessary fees. This process doesn’t take long, given you’re prepared. Or if both parties go to the DMV (recommended).

Below, you’ll learn how the Vermont title transfer process works for private transactions. Plus, learn the alternative title transfers and how you’ll bring a vehicle from out of the state.

Vermont Auto Title Transfers: How It’s Done

It’s recommended that both parties go to the DMV, as this clears any confusion and potential issues when passing ownership of the vehicle. However, you’re welcome to exchange the title on your own time and later visit the DMV to complete the process.

You will visit a Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles office (see our directory).

Here is what you’ll do to complete a title transfer in Vermont (including the seller and buyer):

  1. Retrieve the vehicle’s title or request a duplicate title
    1. Buyers: You may need a lien release from the current owner
    2. Sellers: Provide a lien release to the buyer if needed
  2. Fill in the Vermont certificate of title – including:
    1. Full legal name and address of the buyer and current owner
    2. Date of sale (month, day, and year)
    3. Vehicle mileage, condition, and purchase price
  3. Complete and submit a Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement (VT-005)
  4. Complete and submit a Registration/Title/Tax Application (VD-119)
  5. Bring any necessary documents:
    1. Proof of identification
    2. Proof of VT residency
  6. Pay the taxes and fees
    1. Title: $35
    2. Tax: 6% of vehicle cost

You should register your vehicle after titling it to avoid any complications. See our Vermont vehicle registration guide to learn how the process is done. If you haven’t got it yet, do consider adding or dropping auto insurance. Or, shopping around for a new policy as you may find new discounts.

Alternative Title Transfers in Vermont

Vermont wants to know when titles are transferred outside of private sales, whether buying from a car lot or passing the vehicle & title around family and friends. See each section below for the alternative title transfer process you require.

Buying from Dealerships

Dealerships will process your title & registration, sending documents to their appropriate locations. If they don’t, request the forms and deliver them to an VT DMV. The DMV will process your information and you’ll be soon on your way.

If your dealer doesn’t provide this service:

Retrieve the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin. Then, file a Bill of Sale and Odometer Statement (VT-005) and the registration application (VD-119) if registering. Then, pay your taxes and fees.

Out-of-State Vehicles

You’ll need to update your vehicle’s title when you become a resident of Vermont.

To do this, you’ll:

  • Submit your out-of-state title
  • Submit a Registration/Title/Tax (VD-119) if titling and registering
  • Show proof of your ID and Vermont residency
  • Submit your vehicle’s Odometer Disclosure and VIN
  • Pay your titling fees and taxes

Inheriting a Vehicle

Inheriting a vehicle passes vehicle ownership to those the deceased deemed appropriate. To do so, the new owner typically will bring the title, death certificate, and proof of ID/residency to the DMV. They’ll complete and submit a VIN inspection and then pay their fees.

See Vermont’s guide to registering when the owner is deceased via the Death Information Bulletin.

Gifted/Donated Vehicles

The gifting or donating process is largely the same as a private transfer of ownership. Except, you’ll likely mark the vehicle’s value at “$0” and file extra paperwork if it’s a donation (via the VT-013 form).