How to transfer a car title in Vermont
For private sellers and buyers in Vermont. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Vermont, every owner signs the back of the title as seller and writes the buyer on the "transferred to" line. The seller and buyer fill out the bill of sale, and the seller keeps the plates. The buyer files Form VD-119 and pays the 6% Purchase and Use Tax.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Vermont?
Seller
- Every owner on the title signs as seller on the back. Write the buyer's name on the "transferred to" line.
- Make sure any loan on the title is released before the sale.
- Fill out a Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement (VT-005) with the buyer. For a 2011 or newer car, fill in the odometer part too.
- Take your plates off the car. You do not have to return them to the DMV.
- A 2009 or older car has no title in Vermont. Give the buyer your registration certificate and a signed bill of sale.
Buyer
- Fill out the Registration, Tax and Title Application (VD-119).
- Bring the signed title, the bill of sale and the application to a DMV office, or mail them in.
- Pay the 6% Purchase and Use Tax on the price or the J.D. Power clean trade-in value, whichever is higher.
- Mailing it in? Add a printed J.D. Power value dated within the last seven days.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles before you go: dmv.vermont.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Vermont?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the back of the title.
Every owner signs. Write the buyer on the "transferred to" line.
dmv.vermont.gov checkedStep 2 · Seller
Fill out the bill of sale.
Form VT-005, with the odometer part for a 2011 or newer car.
dmv.vermont.gov checked
The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles asks for a bill of sale when a car is sold. dmv.vermont.gov checked
Vermont bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Vermont?
Step 1 · Buyer
Fill out Form VD-119.
The Registration, Tax and Title Application.
VD-119 · Vermont Registration, Tax and Title Applicationdmv.vermont.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Pay the tax and fees.
6% of the price or the J.D. Power value, whichever is higher, plus the title fee.
dmv.vermont.gov checked
After Vermont DMV processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Vermont guides
How much does a title transfer cost in Vermont?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $42 | Buyer | dmv.vermont.gov Checked |
| Lien fee, if there is a loan (if it applies) | $14 | Buyer | dmv.vermont.gov Checked |
| Purchase and Use Tax | 6% | Buyer | dmv.vermont.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $42 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Vermont are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Replacement Title Application (VT-004).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
How is the tax worked out?
On the price or the J.D. Power clean trade-in value, whichever is higher.
dmv.vermont.gov checked
Does an old car have a title?
No. For an older car, the seller gives the buyer the registration and a signed bill of sale.
dmv.vermont.gov checked
Do I return my plates?
You do not have to return them, but do not leave them on the car.
dmv.vermont.gov checked
Sources for this page
- dmv.vermont.gov/faq/
i-no-longer-need-my-plates-what-do-i-do-with-them Checked - dmv.vermont.gov/registrations/
new Checked - dmv.vermont.gov/sites/
dmv/ Checkedfiles/ documents/ VD-119i-Registration_Tax_Title_Instructions.pdf - dmv.vermont.gov/sites/
dmv/ Checkedfiles/ documents/ VT-005-Bill_of_Sale_ODS.pdf - dmv.vermont.gov/tax-title/
vehicle-taxation Checked - dmv.vermont.gov/tax-title/
vehicle-title Checked - dmv.vermont.gov/tax-title/
vehicle-title/ Checkedfees
About this page
This page summarizes official Vermont sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.