Private-party transfer in Vermont: closing the sale without surprises
Steps for buyer and seller, documents, payment and state-specific plate conditions.
A private sale calls for checking the title, payment, plate and applicable state procedures. This guide is written for both sides of the table, with Vermont's rules.
The place and the moment
Ask the titling office (At a Vermont DMV office (by appointment) or by mail to the DMV at 120 State Street, Montpelier, with form VD-119. If you buy from a Vermont dealer, the dealer usually handles registration and title for you. If you have just moved to Vermont from another state, you have 60 days from the move to register your car here (23 V.S.A. § 301(d))) in advance about accepted signatures, documents, appointments and payments. Where available, coordinate the handover with that office and verify payment with the issuing bank before releasing the car or documents.
Step by step
| # | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm the title is in your name and lien-free. If there is a loan, get the bank's release before listing. | Ask for the VIN and check title, recalls and history before seeing the car. |
| 2 | Allow an independent inspection. Agree in writing how and when it will take place. | Pre-purchase inspection with your own mechanic. |
| 3 | Agree the total price in writing on a bill of sale: VIN, year, make, model, price, date, names, signatures. Two copies. | Same. The bill of sale is your proof of price for the tax. |
| 4 | On the title: your signature, the buyer's name and address, price, date and the applicable odometer disclosure, including exemptions and any required mileage-discrepancy indicators. Odometer statement on VT-005 or on the back of the title, signed by both, for model year 2011 or newer. | Check that the VIN on the title is the car's and that the person signing is the titled owner. |
| 5 | Receive payment: cashier's check verified at the issuing bank, confirmed transfer, or cash inside the bank. | Pay only when the signed title is in your hand. |
| 6 | Handle the seller's plate. Follow the state conditions below for removal, transfer or return. | Confirm the registration, permit and plate you need before driving; do not assume you can use the seller's. |
| 7 | Listed seller-process document: Devolver la tarjeta de registro al DMV con la fecha de venta y el nombre y dirección del comprador (no hay formulario aparte) / Return the registration to the DMV with sale date and buyer's name and address (no separate form). Follow the timing and conditions in the state process below; keep your copy. | Confirm the required documents, fees, taxes and deadline with the agency, including the event that starts the deadline. Bring the applicable insurance or financial-responsibility documents. |
| 8 | Ask your insurer when to cancel or transfer coverage, and first confirm the registration and plate conditions. | Confirm the coverage or proof of financial responsibility required for your transaction and before driving. |
The plate in Vermont
On sale, the registration expires and the seller removes the plates right away. The seller can move them to another of their cars by applying for a transfer within 24 hours; if not, the plates go back to the DMV within 5 days. The buyer cannot use the seller's plates: register the car in your name at the DMV before driving it. The DMV issues a 60-day temporary plate only in certain cases and in person; a Vermont dealer can issue a 60-day temporary plate.
What each one must bring
Seller
- Title (or printout of the electronic one)
- Photo ID
- Lien release, if any
- Devolver la tarjeta de registro al DMV con la fecha de venta y el nombre y dirección del comprador (no hay formulario aparte) / Return the registration to the DMV with sale date and buyer's name and address (no separate form)
- A screwdriver for the plate
Buyer
- State forms (VD-119, VD-119i, VT-005)
- Photo ID
- Insurance card
- Payment for fees and tax
- If out of state: whatever VIN verification the state requires
Three special situations
- Lost title. The seller requests a duplicate before selling. Don't accept "I'll send it later."
- Two owners on the title. If the names are joined by "and," both sign. With "or," one is usually enough.
- The seller is an heir or holds a power of attorney. Extra documentation is needed (estate papers or POA). Confirm at the office before paying.
Keep the records; check the official process
Sources
- Vermont DMV — Title Fees (March 19, 2026)
- Vermont DMV — Registration Fees
- Vermont DMV — Vehicle Title
- Vermont DMV — Registration, New
- Vermont DMV — VD-119i Registration/Tax/Title Instructions (09/2025)
- Vermont DMV — VT-010 Verification of VIN or HIN (06/2023)
- 23 V.S.A. § 2012 — Exempted vehicles
- 23 V.S.A. § 2023 — Transfer by owner
- 23 V.S.A. § 800 — Maintenance of financial responsibility
- 23 V.S.A. § 941 — Uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run motorist coverage
- Vermont DMV — VT-018 Title Informational Bulletin (06/2024)
- Vermont DMV — VD-012 Dealer Appraisal Form
- Vermont DMV — VT-014 Certification of Tax Exemption
- 23 V.S.A. § 301 — Persons required to register
- 23 V.S.A. § 312 — Temporary registration pending issuance of certificate of title
- 23 V.S.A. § 458 — Temporary plate on sold or exchanged vehicles
- 23 V.S.A. § 1222 — Inspection of registered vehicles
- 23 V.S.A. § 2021 — Refusal of certificate
- 32 V.S.A. § 8902 — Definitions (taxable cost and trade-in credits)
- 32 V.S.A. § 8903 — Tax imposed
- 32 V.S.A. § 8907 — Commissioner; computation of taxable costs
- 32 V.S.A. § 8911 — Exceptions
- 23 V.S.A. § 321 — Devolver la tarjeta de registro al DMV con la fecha de venta and el nombre and dirección del comprador (no hay formulario aparte) / Return the registration to the DMV with sale date and buyer's name and address (no separate form)
- 49 CFR Part 580 — Federal odometer disclosure requirements
This guide informs; it is not legal or financial advice, nor an offer, quote or appraisal. Every figure carries its source and date; check it is still current before you decide.