What to Bring to the Vermont DMV for Your Permit Test
Don't get sent home. Here's the complete checklist — documents, fees, forms, and what to leave at home.
Before You Go
- →Call ahead to check if your local office requires an appointment
- →Download and print the DL-180TD form but leave the signature blank
- →Gather two different proofs of residency (e.g., a bill and a bank statement)
- →Make sure your parent/guardian knows they must come with you
- →Bring your Social Security card or a document with your full SSN
- →Study the Vermont Driver's Manual before you go
- →Arrive at least 15 minutes early to get settled
Required Documents
Proof of Identity (Primary Document)
- ✓Valid U.S. Passport
- ✓Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
- ✓Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- ✓Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- ✓Valid foreign passport with valid U.S. visa and I-94
Bring the original document only; photocopies or laminated copies are not accepted for primary identity proof.
Proof of Social Security Number
- ✓Social Security Card
- ✓W-2 Form with full SSN
- ✓Pay stub with full SSN
- ✓SSA-1099 form
- ✓Non-SSA-1099 form with full SSN
Vermont requires proof of your SSN. If you don't have a card, bring a document from the SSA showing your number. You cannot get a permit without proving your SSN unless you are legally ineligible for one.
Proof of Vermont Residency
Bring 2 of these:
- ✓Utility bill (electric, gas, water, sewer) in parent's name
- ✓Bank statement
- ✓Vermont vehicle registration
- ✓Vermont driver's license or ID of parent/guardian
- ✓Lease or mortgage agreement
- ✓School report card or transcript with home address
Vermont requires two different documents to prove you live in the state. Both must show your (or your parent's) name and current Vermont address.
Parental / Guardian Consent (applicants under 18)
- ✓Parent or legal guardian must sign the application form in person at the DMV
- ✓Parent must provide their own valid ID
- ✓If parents are divorced, the custodial parent usually signs, but bring custody papers if unsure
- ✓Legal guardians must bring court-appointed guardianship papers
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian MUST be with you at the DMV to sign the application. They cannot sign it at home and have you bring it in; they must be there in person.
Fees & Payment
$20
This $20 fee covers the learner's permit application and the knowledge test. If you fail the test, there is no extra fee to retake it immediately, but you must wait until the next day.
Accepted payment:
Forms
Application for Driver's License (Form DL-180TD)
Available at: Download from dmv.vermont.gov or pick up at any DMV office
Do not sign the form until you are in front of the DMV clerk. If you sign it early, they will make you fill out a new one.
What NOT to Bring
- ✗Your cell phone (turn it off or leave it in the car)
- ✗Large backpacks or bags (storage is limited)
- ✗Friends or siblings (you need to go alone with your parent)
- ✗Food or drinks
- ✗Your own pen (use the one provided)
- ✗Pets
- ✗Laminated copies of documents
At the Office
- →The knowledge test is computer-based and multiple choice
- →You must pass the vision screening first
- →If you fail the written test, you can retake it the next day for free
- →Once you pass, you'll get a temporary paper permit immediately
- →Your official plastic card will arrive by mail within 2-3 weeks
Official Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) info: dmv.vermont.gov
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