How to Get a Vermont Temporary Tag Online

November 5, 2025
4 Min Read

When you buy a car in Vermont, you can’t legally drive it without a license plate. Fortunately, the Vermont DMV offers a fast, online solution. You can get an official 60-day temporary tag and print it at home, allowing you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent registration.

This process is handled through the myDMV.vermont.gov portal and costs only $6.

This guide will walk you through which tag you need, the step-by-step online process for a new purchase, and the “real-world” rules you must follow.

Which Vermont Temp Tag Do You Need? (A 2-Minute Guide)

Vermont has two different temporary tags for two very different situations. You must get the right one.

Path A: The 60-Day Temporary Plate (Online)

  • Who is this for? This is the one 99% of people need. It is for a vehicle you just purchased (from a dealer or a private seller) that you intend to register in Vermont.
  • How to get it: Online via the myDMV portal.
  • Cost: $6
  • This is the process we will cover in detail below.

Path B: The 30-Day Transport Plate (In-Person/Mail)

  • Who is this for? This is not for a new purchase. It is a “transport tag” used to move an already-owned but unregistered vehicle (e.g., driving a classic car from a storage unit to a new home, or taking an inoperable car to a mechanic).
  • How to get it: In-person at a DMV office or by mail using Form TA-VT-16.
  • Cost: $5

This guide will now focus on Path A, the 60-day online tag for your new car.

How to Get Your 60-Day Vermont Temp Tag (Online)

This is the official process for a car you just bought from a private seller or a dealer.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Before you log in, you must have:

  • Proof of Ownership: A Bill of Sale (Form VT-005) or a signed-over Title.
  • Proof of Insurance: A valid, current Vermont auto insurance card.
  • A Credit/Debit Card: To pay the $6 fee.

Step 2: Go to the myDMV Portal

Navigate to the official Vermont DMV online portal: https://mydmv.vermont.gov/

Step 3: Start Your Application

  1. On the myDMV homepage, look for the “Online Services” section.
  2. Click on the link for “New Registration” or “Register a Vehicle.”
  3. The system will guide you through a “wizard.” You will select “New Registration” and then “Temporary” when prompted.
  4. You will be asked to enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the seller’s information (from the Bill of Sale), and your own information.
  5. You will also have to provide your Vermont auto insurance policy details.

Step 4: Pay the Fee and Print Your Tag

  1. At the end of the application, you will pay the $6.00 temporary registration fee.
  2. Once your payment is complete, the portal will generate a PDF of your temporary plate and registration certificate.
  3. You must print this document. The certificate is for your glove box, and the “plate” portion must be displayed on your vehicle.

How to Use and Display Your Temporary Tag

Once you have your printed tag, you must follow these rules:

  • Display: The temporary plate must be displayed on the rear of your vehicle where a permanent license plate would go. Many people tape it to the inside of the rear window, which is acceptable.
  • Keep Documents: You must keep the printed registration certificate and your proof of insurance in the vehicle at all times.
  • Validity: The tag is valid for 60 days. This is a hard stop. You must complete your permanent registration within this window.

What’s Next? (Getting Your Permanent Plates) This 60-day tag is designed to give you time to get your permanent registration. To do this, you will need to schedule a DMV appointment for “Vehicle Registration.” You must complete this before your temporary tag expires.

FAQs

Can I get an extension or a second 60-day temp tag?

No. The 60-day tag is a one-time permit. It cannot be renewed or extended for any reason. You must complete your permanent registration (and get a safety inspection, if required) before the 60 days are up.

I bought my car from a dealer. Do they give me the tag?

Yes. A Vermont dealer will use this exact same online system to get a 60-day tag for you. It will be part of your purchase paperwork. You do not need to do it yourself. This guide is primarily for private sales.

I’m a new resident who just moved to Vermont. Do I use this?

No. This 60-day tag is for newly purchased vehicles. If you are a new resident bringing your car from another state, you have a 60-day grace period to use your old, out-of-state plates. During that time, you must get your car registered permanently in Vermont.

Do I need a vehicle inspection to get the 60-day temp tag?

No. The 60-day tag is what allows you to legally drive the car to your permanent registration appointment and get its first Vermont safety inspection.

Conclusion

Getting a temporary tag in Vermont is a simple, 60-day online process that costs just $6. By using the official myDMVportal, you can legally drive your newly purchased vehicle immediately while you gather the final paperwork for your permanent registration.

Remember, the 60-day period is a strict, non-renewable deadline. Be sure to complete your full, permanent registration before it expires.

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