New to Vermont? How to Exchange Your Foreign Driver's License in 2025

Welcome to the Green Mountain State! As you settle into your new life in Vermont, one of the most important practical steps you'll take is obtaining a local driver's license. While you can drive with a valid foreign license as a visitor, state law requires you to get a Vermont license once you establish residency.

The process of transferring a foreign license at the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can seem complex, but this guide will break it down into simple, actionable steps. We will cover residency rules, crucial reciprocity agreements that can save you time and effort, all the necessary documentation, and the tests you will need to take to drive legally in your new home state.

Step 1: Understand Residency and Reciprocity

The first thing to determine is how Vermont's laws apply to your specific situation, which largely depends on your country of origin.

Establishing Vermont Residency

If you move to Vermont with the intention of making it your home, you have 60 days from the date you establish residency to obtain a Vermont driver's license. Continuing to drive on your foreign license beyond this period is not permitted once you become a resident.

Reciprocity Agreements: The Key to Waiving the Road Test

This is the most critical piece of information for many international newcomers. A reciprocity agreement means the Vermont DMV has an understanding with another country to recognize its licensing standards, which significantly simplifies the process for you.

• Countries with Reciprocity: Vermont has driver's license reciprocity agreements with Canada, France, Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan.
• What This Means for You: If you hold a valid, unexpired non-commercial driver's license from one of these five countries, the state will waive the driving skills test (road test).
• What is NOT Waived: You will still be required to pass the vision screening and the written knowledge test. This is a key point: reciprocity in Vermont does not exempt you from the written exam.
• All Other Countries: If your driver's license is from any country not on this list, you must complete the entire licensing process as if you were a brand-new driver. This includes passing the vision, knowledge, and full on-road driving skills tests.

Step 2: Assemble Your Essential Documents

The Vermont DMV has very strict documentation requirements. All documents must be originals or certified copies. No photocopies will be accepted.

Required Documentation Checklist:

1. Your Valid Foreign Driver's License: You must be prepared to surrender your physical, valid license from your home country.
   • Certified Translation: If your license is not in English, you MUST provide a certified translation. An International Driving Permit (IDP) can serve this purpose but must be accompanied by your actual license.
2. Proof of Identity and Lawful Presence: This is a crucial step. For non-U.S. citizens, you will typically need a combination of the following:
   • A valid, unexpired Foreign Passport.
   • A valid, unexpired U.S. Visa and your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
   • A valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
3. Proof of Social Security Number: You must present your original Social Security card or other acceptable proof (like a W-2 form). If you are not eligible for a Social Security Number, you must provide a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) confirming your ineligibility.
4. Two Proofs of Vermont Residency: You must provide two separate documents from different sources that show your name and current physical Vermont address (PO Boxes are not accepted). Examples include:
   • Utility bills (electric, gas, water) that are less than 60 days old.
   • A current, signed lease or rental agreement.
   • Bank or credit card statements mailed to your VT address.
   • A recent payroll stub.
5. Completed Application Form (VL-021): You can get this "Application for License/Permit" form at the DMV or download it from their website to fill out in advance.

Step 3: The Licensing and Testing Process

With your documents in hand, you must make an appointment to visit a DMV office.

For Reciprocal Countries (Canada, France, Germany, S. Korea, Taiwan):

1. Make a DMV Appointment: Schedule your visit online.
2. Present Documents: Provide all the required documentation from the checklist above.
3. Pass the Vision Test: An examiner will check your eyesight to ensure it meets state safety standards.
4. Pass the Written Knowledge Test: You must pass the multiple-choice test on Vermont traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The Vermont Driver's Manual is your essential study guide.
5. Surrender License and Pay Fees: Once you pass the tests, you will surrender your foreign license and pay the required fees.
6. Receive Your License: You will receive a temporary paper license, and your permanent photo license will be mailed to you.

For All Other (Non-Reciprocal) Countries:

1. Apply for a Learner's Permit: You must first pass the vision test and the written knowledge test. Upon passing, you will be issued a Vermont Learner's Permit.
2. Schedule a Road Test: With your permit, you can now schedule your on-road driving skills test for a future date.
3. Pass the Road Test: You must successfully pass the practical road test, which includes maneuvers like parallel parking, a three-point turn, and hill parking.
4. Get Your License: After passing the road test, you will surrender your learner's permit and foreign license, pay the fees, and be issued your full Vermont driver's license.

By meticulously gathering your documents and understanding the process for your specific situation, you can confidently navigate the steps to becoming a legally licensed driver in your new home state.