Vermont residents can obtain temporary car registration and license plates that are valid for 60 days through the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles while they wait for the permanent registration to process.

Temporary registration permits and license plates may be requested online for $6 if you’ve already scheduled a registration appointment in person.
The Vermont DMV will sometimes issue temporary registration documents in person if there is a delay in your Vermont registration process.
Newly purchased cars can be driven without plates in Vermont as long as you’ve received a temporary Intransit permit from the dealership where you bought it.

How to get Vermont temporary license plates online

Vermont drivers can apply for a temporary license plate and new registration permit online via

dmv.vermont.gov

. The online process incurs a $6 fee.

To apply for temporary registration online, you must first show that:

You own the car for which you're obtaining temporary registration and plates

The car is properly insured by providing

proof of insurance

You have submitted (or will submit within 24 hours) a completed registration application and fees, or you have made an appointment with a DMV office to process the application

Be ready with a printer: If approved, you’ll need to print your temporary registration certificate and license plate on the spot. You won’t be able to print once you leave the print screen.

MORE:

What is vehicle registration?

How to get Vermont temporary license plates in person

Ideally, you’ll be given permanent plates when you

in person at your local DMV. However, you may receive a temporary Vermont license plate at this time if:

You do not have the

current car title

with you and the car can’t be retitled

You do not have the car with you and its vehicle identification number (VIN) hasn't been verified

You don't have the vehicle's

odometer disclosure statement

(if required)

MORE:

How to get a replacement Vermont title

"I’m earning

awesome rewards

every week, just for driving safe!”

Limitations on temporary plates in Vermont

Temporary registration permits and license plates in Vermont are valid for 60 days from the date they are issued, allowing car owners to legally drive their vehicles even if they have yet to officially register the car.

No extensions: You will not be able to obtain another temporary registration and plate if you fail to complete the official registration process before they expire.

Likewise, Vermont will not grant temporary plates if you are:

Transferring expired plates

Making registration changes involving the

bill of sale

, vehicle title, or signature

Intransit permits for newly purchased cars in Vermont

In Vermont, you can legally drive a

new car

without plates if you have an Intransit permit/plate. This permit only allows you to drive the car to a specific predetermined destination and has a corresponding validity period:

In-state Intransit permits: Valid for 10 days and allow you to drive the new car within Vermont.

Interstate Intransit permits: Valid for 30 days and let you drive your new vehicle to a place outside of Vermont.

No extensions: You cannot renew an Intransit permit or obtain a second one for the same vehicle.