Vermont Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
Vermont has a unique approach to vehicle titling that sets it apart from most other states. The Green Mountain State only issues titles for vehicles that are 15 years old or newer — older vehicles receive a transferable registration instead. This distinctive policy has made Vermont a popular destination for out-of-state buyers looking to establish ownership of older vehicles that may lack titles.
The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles processes all title transfers and registrations. Vermont provides an official bill of sale form (VD-119) that can be used for vehicle transactions, though any comprehensive bill of sale is accepted. The state charges a flat 6% purchase and use tax with no additional local taxes, making the total cost predictable regardless of where you live in Vermont.
Vermont does not require emissions testing, and there is no strict deadline for completing a title transfer after purchase. However, you cannot legally drive an unregistered vehicle, so completing the transfer promptly is in your best interest. The state does require annual safety inspections for all registered vehicles.
6%
Purchase & use tax
No Limit
Transfer deadline
No
Notarization required
No
Emissions test
Vermont DMV Requirements
Vermont's vehicle transfer process is managed by the Vermont DMV. Here are the key requirements for a successful private party transfer in the Green Mountain State.
Important: Vermont's 15-Year Title Rule
Vermont only issues titles for vehicles that are 15 years old or newer. If you're purchasing a vehicle older than 15 years, Vermont will issue a transferable registration instead of a title. This registration still serves as valid proof of ownership. If you're an out-of-state buyer, check with your home state's DMV about whether they accept a Vermont registration for titling purposes.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Vehicle Title: The seller must sign the assignment on the back of the title (for vehicles 15 years old or newer) with the buyer's name, sale date, price, and odometer reading
- Bill of Sale (VD-119 or equivalent): A completed bill of sale with vehicle details, VIN, sale price, and both parties' information
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement — must state the mileage and accuracy on the title or bill of sale
- Lien Release: If the vehicle had a loan, a lien release from the lender is required
What the Buyer Must Bring to the Vermont DMV
- Signed Title or Registration: With the seller's signature and completed assignment
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both parties (VD-119 form or equivalent)
- Valid Photo ID: Vermont driver's license or state-issued ID
- Proof of Insurance: Vermont minimum liability coverage
- Payment: Title fee ($35), registration ($76/year), and 6% purchase and use tax
How to Fill Out a Vermont Vehicle Bill of Sale
Follow these six steps to properly complete your Vermont vehicle bill of sale. Our template covers all fields found on the VD-119 form and ensures your document is accepted by the Vermont DMV.
Enter Seller Information
Provide the seller's full legal name exactly as it appears on the Vermont title or registration, current mailing address, and phone number. If there are multiple owners on the title, check the conjunction — "and" requires all owners to sign, while "or" allows any single owner to complete the transfer.
Enter Buyer Information
Provide the buyer's full legal name as it should appear on the new Vermont title or registration, current address, and contact details. Out-of-state buyers can also use this form — Vermont processes title applications from residents and non-residents alike.
Describe the Vehicle
Record the year, make, model, body style, and color. Enter the complete 17-character VIN from the dashboard or driver's door jamb. Verify the VIN matches the title or registration exactly. Note the vehicle's age — if it is older than 15 years, Vermont will issue a transferable registration rather than a title.
Record the Odometer Reading
Document the current odometer mileage and indicate whether the reading is actual, exceeds mechanical limits, or does not reflect the true mileage. This is a federal requirement under NHTSA regulations. Vehicles 20 years old or older and those over 16,000 lbs GVWR are exempt from odometer disclosure requirements.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Vermont calculates the 6% purchase and use tax based on the sale price or the NADA clean retail book value, whichever is higher. If the vehicle is a gift, write "$0 — Gift" and note the relationship between buyer and seller.
Sign and Date
Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. Print at least two copies for each party's records. Vermont does not require notarization. The buyer should visit a Vermont DMV office to complete the title transfer and registration. Vermont has no specific deadline, but you cannot legally drive the vehicle until it is registered and insured.
Vermont Title Transfer Process
After completing the bill of sale and signing the title, the buyer visits a Vermont DMV office to finalize the transfer. Vermont's process is straightforward with no notarization requirements and no emissions testing.
Complete the Sale
Sign the bill of sale (VD-119 or equivalent), sign the title assignment, exchange payment and keys
Get Insurance
Obtain Vermont minimum liability insurance before driving the vehicle
Visit the Vermont DMV
Bring the signed title (or registration for older vehicles), bill of sale, proof of insurance, and photo ID
Pay Fees and Taxes
Title fee ($35), registration ($76/year), and 6% purchase and use tax
Receive Your New Title or Registration
Vermont issues a title (vehicles 15 years or newer) or a transferable registration (older vehicles)
Vermont Vehicle Purchase & Use Tax & Fees
Vermont charges a flat 6% purchase and use tax on all vehicle purchases with no additional local taxes. The tax is calculated on the sale price or the NADA clean retail value, whichever is higher. Here's a complete breakdown of costs:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase and Use Tax | 6% of sale price or NADA value (whichever is higher) |
| Title Transfer Fee | $35 |
| Registration Fee | $76 per year |
| License Plate | Included with registration (or transfer existing plates) |
| Safety Inspection | Required annually (cost varies by shop) |
| Emissions Inspection | Not required (no emissions program) |
| Duplicate Title | $35 (if title is lost) |
Sample Vermont Vehicle Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Vermont-specific vehicle bill of sale. Your completed document will include all fields required by the Vermont DMV, equivalent to the VD-119 form.
STATE OF VERMONT
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Vermont Address]
Town: [Town]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Vermont Address]
Town: [Town]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Vermont Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Vermont vehicle bills of sale, title transfers, and DMV requirements.
Official Vermont Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify requirements, download state forms, and access government information for your Vermont vehicle transaction.
Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
Title transfers, registration, and fee information
Vermont DMV — Title Information
Title requirements, VD-119 form, and transfer process
Vermont Tax Department — Purchase & Use Tax
Vehicle purchase and use tax rates and exemptions
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
Other Vermont Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Vermont? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Vermont Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Vermont Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Vermont Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Vermont Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Vermont General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Vermont ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Vermont Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Vermont Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Vermont Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Vermont-compliant document in minutes. Accepted at all Vermont DMV offices.
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