How to Sell a Car Privately in Vermont
Selling your car yourself in Vermont comes down to a signed title, the right paperwork, and a few steps people often miss. This guide summarizes what the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles and state law say, so you and the buyer can finish the transfer cleanly.
Transferring the title
- All owners listed on the title must sign as sellers in the assignment section on the back, and the new owner's name goes on the 'transferred to' line. dmv.vermont.gov
- The buyer submits the assigned title with the Registration, Tax and Title Application (Form VD-119), the bill of sale, and fees. dmv.vermont.gov
- Vehicles with a Salvage-branded title need VIN verification. dmv.vermont.gov
Bill of sale
- The state's Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form VT-005) transfers ownership and records the current mileage. dmv.vermont.gov
- For a used vehicle that was never titled, the bill of sale must show make, year, VIN, purchase price, mileage, the seller's signature and the date of sale. dmv.vermont.gov
Odometer disclosure
- An odometer disclosure is required for model year 2011 or newer vehicles. dmv.vermont.gov
- It can be made on Form VT-005 or by both buyer and seller signing the back of the title, with the current reading entered. dmv.vermont.gov
License plates
- A seller should not leave the plates on the car. dmv.vermont.gov
- Returning plates to the DMV is not required, but they can be mailed to 120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603-0001. dmv.vermont.gov
- Date validation stickers are no longer required on plates since Act 41 of 2023. dmv.vermont.gov
Inspections and emissions
- A vehicle without a valid Vermont inspection sticker must be inspected within 15 days of registration. dmv.vermont.gov
- Driving during that window without a sticker is allowed only if the car is in good mechanical condition and meets Vermont Safety Inspection Standards. dmv.vermont.gov
Taxes and fees the buyer pays
- The buyer pays Purchase and Use Tax of 6% of the purchase price or the J.D. Power clean trade-in value, whichever is greater, at registration or titling. dmv.vermont.gov
- Autos and trucks under 10,100 pounds have no maximum tax. dmv.vermont.gov
- The title fee is $42.00, and a one-year gas car registration is $91.00 as an example. dmv.vermont.gov
- A mailed application must include a J.D. Power printout dated within the last seven days. dmv.vermont.gov
Loans and liens
- All liens listed on the previous title must be released. dmv.vermont.gov
- If the buyer finances the car, the title is mailed to the lienholder within three weeks of registration processing. dmv.vermont.gov
- Form VT-008 releases a lien, and a lender's lien release is needed for a replacement title after payoff. dmv.vermont.gov
Easy-to-miss rules in this state
- If NMVTIS shows an active title and the buyer cannot obtain the previous title, the buyer must complete the Vermont Title Bond process (Form VT-020). dmv.vermont.gov
- The Affidavit of Non-Titled Vehicle (Form VT-025) must be signed before a notary, and applies only when there is no NMVTIS record and the vehicle was never registered in Vermont. dmv.vermont.gov
- A tax credit may apply if the vehicle is sold within three months of its registration date. dmv.vermont.gov
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Vermont?
The state's Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form VT-005) transfers ownership and records the current mileage. For a used vehicle that was never titled, the bill of sale must show make, year, VIN, purchase price, mileage, the seller's signature and the date of sale.
Is an odometer disclosure required when selling a car in Vermont?
An odometer disclosure is required for model year 2011 or newer vehicles. It can be made on Form VT-005 or by both buyer and seller signing the back of the title, with the current reading entered.
What happens to the license plates when I sell my car in Vermont?
A seller should not leave the plates on the car. Returning plates to the DMV is not required, but they can be mailed to 120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603-0001.
Official Vermont resources
- Vermont DMV: Private sale of a used car
- Vermont DMV: Registration, new
- Vermont DMV: Title
- Vermont DMV: Tax
- Vermont DMV: License plates
- Vermont DMV: Form VD-119i instructions
Next steps
Once you know the rules, create a free listing and print a QR code sign for the car window. For the general process, see our step-by-step private sale guide, the paperwork checklist, and how to get paid safely. Need paperwork? Use our free bill of sale generator.