How to Schedule Your Vermont DMV Appointment

November 5, 2025
6 Min Read

Welcome to the Vermont DMV guide. The most important rule in Vermont is simple: Appointments are 100% mandatory for all in-person services.

The days of walking in are over. You cannot get a learner’s permit, renew your license, or register a car without first booking a time slot online.

The good news is that Vermont uses a single, unified appointment portal for all services. This guide will show you how to use that system, what to book for your specific need, and the exact documents you must bring to get it done in one trip.

3 Golden Rules of the VT DMV

  1. Appointments are Mandatory: Walk-ins are not accepted for any service, including renewals or written tests.
  2. One System for All Services: Vermont uses one portal (vtdmv.cxmflow.com) for everything—Driver’s Licenses, ID Cards, Permit Tests, Road Tests, and Vehicle Registrations.
  3. Book Far in Advance: Appointment slots are in high demand and often fill up weeks or months in advance. Do not wait until the week your license expires.

How to Schedule Your VT DMV Appointment (Step-by-Step)

This is the master guide for all in-person services.

  1. Go to the Official Portal: Navigate to the Vermont DMV Online Appointment Scheduler.
  2. Select Your Service Category: This is the most important step. You must choose the exact service you need from the dropdown menu. (See our “Cheat Sheet” below).
  3. Select Your Location: Choose your preferred DMV branch office from the list.
  4. Pick a Date and Time: A calendar will show you all available slots. (Pro-Tip: If you see “No Appointments Available,” check back first thing in the morning, as new slots are often added daily).
  5. Enter Your Details: Fill in your name, email, and phone number.
  6. Confirm & Save: You will receive a confirmation email. You must save this email, as it contains the link to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

What to Book: A “Cheat Sheet” for DMV Services

The service list can be confusing. Here is exactly what to select based on what you need to do.

(This new section replaces your 5 repetitive sections with one, clear guide)

If you need a… Learner's Permit (Written Test)

  • Service to Select: “Knowledge Test” (This is the official name for the written/permit test).
  • What to Know:
    • You must be at least 15 years old.
    • The test has 20 multiple-choice questions from the VT driver’s manual. You must get 16 correct (80%) to pass.
    • If you fail, you must wait at least one day and book a new appointment.

If you need to… Take Your Driving Test

  • Service to Select: “Road Test” (or “Motorcycle Road Test”).
  • What to Know:
    • You must have held your learner’s permit for the required time (e.g., at least 1 year for teens).
    • You must bring a properly registered and insured vehicle for the test.
    • You must also be accompanied by a licensed driver 25 years or older.

If you need to… Renew Your License or Get a REAL ID

  • Service to Select: “Driver License/ID/CDL (not Exams)” → “Driver’s License (Renewal / Replacement)”
  • What to Know:
    • This is the correct choice for a standard renewal, getting your first REAL ID (the “gold star” license), or replacing a lost license.
    • Check if you can renew online first! (See FAQ below).

If you need to… Register a New Car or Transfer a Title

  • Service to Select: “Registration/Title” → “Registrations (New, Transfer, Out of State)”
  • What to Know:
    • This is the appointment for registering a new car, a private sale, or bringing a car from another state.
    • You must bring the signed-over Title, a Bill of Sale, and proof of Vermont insurance.
  • Pro-Tip: If you just bought a car in a private sale and need to drive it to the DMV for this appointment, you will first need a Vermont temporary tag. This guide explains how to get one.

The Required Documents You MUST Bring (REAL ID List)

For any in-person driver’s license, permit, or ID card service, you must bring the following original documents to get your REAL ID (Secure ID).

  • 1. Proof of Identity & Legal Status (One required):
    • U.S. Passport or U.S. Birth Certificate
    • Permanent Resident Card or other immigration documents
  • 2. Proof of Social Security Number (One required):
    • Social Security Card
    • W-2 or 1099 form (must show full SSN)
  • 3. Proofs of Vermont Residency (TWO required):
    • You must bring TWO recent (within 60 days) documents from different sources with your name and VT address.
    • Examples: Utility bill, bank statement, paystub, lease agreement, or VT vehicle registration.
  • 4. Proof of Name Change (if applicable):
    • Certified Marriage Certificate or court order.

FAQs

Can I renew my Vermont driver’s license online?

Yes! This is the fastest way. If you have a valid, unexpired license, you can use the myDMV Online Portal to renew your license, change your address, or order a replacement. You only need an in-person appointment if you are getting your first REAL ID or have other complex issues.

Why are there no appointments available? This is impossible!

This is the most common complaint. Appointments are in high demand and are often booked 60-90 days in advance. The best strategy is to check the appointment portal right when the DMV opens (e.g., 8:00 AM). This is when new slots from cancellations are often added to the system for the day.

I’m a new resident. What appointment do I book?

You will need to book two separate appointments:
1. First, a “Registration/Title” appointment to register your car. This is a specific process, and you can learn all the steps in our guide to Vermont out-of-state vehicle registration.
2. “Driver License/ID/CDL (not Exams)” to surrender your old license and get your new VT license.It’s highly recommended to get your VT car insurance and registration before your license appointment.

How do I cancel or reschedule my appointment?

Open your confirmation email. There will be a direct link to “Click here to view, reschedule or cancel your appointment.” This is the only way to do it. Do not just call the main DMV number, as they will direct you back to this email.

Conclusion

To get your service done at a Vermont DMV, planning is your most powerful tool. Remember the “Golden Rule”: all in-person services require an appointment, and walk-ins are not accepted.

Use the official vtdmv.cxmflow.com portal to book your service and be sure to select the correct one from the list. If you just need a simple renewal, try the myDMV online portal first to skip the trip entirely.

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