Vermont License Plate Lookup

To legally drive in Vermont, you must first register your vehicle with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Upon registration, you will receive two vehicle license plates, a validation sticker with the expiry date (to be placed on the rear plate), and a registration card. If you are buying a new or used car from a dealership, you will need a temporary license plate to drive the vehicle until your permanent plates are issued. When purchasing a vehicle from a private seller, you must apply for a restricted permit valid for three days.

Farm Fact!

Vermont is one of the few states that allows you to register a car with a farm plate if you are a farmer. These special plates offer certain benefits and reduced registration fees for vehicles used primarily for agricultural purposes. This highlights Vermont’s strong agricultural heritage and support for the farming community.

Where Is My Vermont License Plate Number?

Vermont license plates must be placed on the front and rear of your vehicle. If you need to lookup your vehicle’s license plates without having physical access to the vehicle, you can find it on your registration card.

You can look up your license plate number in your Vermont Registration Card.

Getting a License Plate in Vermont

Getting your license plates requires that you register your vehicle with the Vermont DMV first. If you recently moved to Vermont from another state, you must do so within 60 days of your move. You may need also to show proof that you’re the rightful owner of the vehicle (via its certificate of title, for example).

You can register your car through various channels: online, over the phone, by mail or in person.

You may also need to provide the following items:

• Your state’s identification card or driver’s license
• Your insurance information for the state the vehicle will be driven
• A sales tax payment
• Documents proving the vehicle passed emissions regulations and a safety inspection
• The car’s registration application

While waiting, you can apply for temporary license plates so that you can drive around. These plates are valid for 60 days. Temporary plate applications can be done via the DMV’s website.

Types of Vehicle License Plates in Vermont

There are a few types of license plates you can apply for:

• Standard plates: The license plate number is written in white characters on a green background and the state tree on the top left of the plate. Specific vehicles will also have their classification listed.
• Low number plates: These plates are highly sought after in the state. They feature a set of characters between the numbers 101 and 9999. Vermont residents are even able to apply to keep plate numbers used by their families through a special application process.
• Specialized plates: These cater to people affiliated with particular organizations or institutions (e.g., military veterans, members of the Lions Club, etc.). There are also specialty plates for causes like the Vermont Building Bright Futures, which aims to support child care facilities in the state.
• Vanity plates: Personalized plates must abide by specific terms and conditions as specified by the DMV. They also carry an annual fee charge of $48 on top of the annual registration fee.