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How to get a driver's license in Vermont as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Vermont needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Visitors may drive on a valid home-country license for up to one year from arrival; an International Driving Permit must accompany a license not in English.
Deadline after moving
Not stated in official sources
License exchange without tests
1 countries
License without immigration status
Yes
No SSN?
Present your Social Security card or an SSA letter; if not eligible, bring SSA documentation that you do not have an SSN.

Driving on a foreign license

Visitors may drive on a valid home-country license for up to one year from arrival; an International Driving Permit must accompany a license not in English.

Exchanging a foreign license

  • Taiwan

Applicants 18+ with an unexpired Taiwan license may have the knowledge and skills tests waived; vision exam and a notarized translation issued by Taiwan's Directorate General of Highways are required.

Foreign motorists from Taiwan (Republic of China) who apply for a Vermont Class D Driver's License may be eligible dmv.vermont.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Foreign passport and visa
  • Permanent Resident Card (I-551)

License regardless of immigration status

Driver Privilege Card (DPC): a Vermont license or permit that is not REAL ID compliant, available to any Vermont resident without proof of lawful status or U.S. citizenship.

Issuance of the DPC does not require proof of lawful status or US citizenship. dmv.vermont.gov

Social Security number

Present your Social Security card or an SSA letter; if not eligible, bring SSA documentation that you do not have an SSN.

You must present your Social Security card or a letter from the Social Security Administration dmv.vermont.gov

Proof of residency

Two documents with your name and current Vermont residential address (property tax bill, utility bill, signed lease).

The individual must present two documents with the individual’s name and current Vermont residential address dmv.vermont.gov

Step by step

  1. Gather identity, lawful status (or none for a Driver Privilege Card), SSN proof and two Vermont residency documents.
  2. Visit a Vermont DMV office in person.
  3. Pass the knowledge test and vision screening to get a learner's permit.
  4. Practice driving with your permit.
  5. Schedule the road test in advance, using a registered, inspected and insured vehicle.
  6. Pass the road test and pay the license fee; a temporary receipt is valid until the card arrives by mail.

Fees

Learner's permit $24 (2 years); road test $23; license $39 (2 years) or $62 (4 years).

Learner's Permit | 2 Years | $24.00 | N/A | $24.00 dmv.vermont.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in Vermont

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.