Selling your car in Vermont? Whether you’re in Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland, or the Green Mountains, this guide will walk you through the necessary steps to legally and safely sell your vehicle in the state.
Sell a Car in Vermont – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before you sell your car, make sure you have the following paperwork:
- Vermont Certificate of Title: Must be in your name and include the buyer’s and seller’s signatures. If there’s a lien, it must be released before selling.
- Valid Identification: A Vermont driver’s license or other government-issued ID is typically used.
- Odometer Disclosure Statement: Required for vehicles under 10 years old.
- Bill of Sale (VT-005): Required by the Vermont DMV to document the sale.
- Lien Release (if applicable): Issued by your lender if there was a loan on the vehicle.
Vermont DMV Forms You May Need
Here are some key documents you may need:
- Form VT-005 – Bill of Sale (required)
- Form TA-VT-04 – Odometer Disclosure Statement
- Form TA-VT-04R – Replacement Title Application (if the original is lost)
You can download all forms from the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles website.
Sell Your Car in Vermont — Fast & Easy
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Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
Getting your car ready can impact how fast it sells and how much you get. A clean, well-kept vehicle makes a better first impression and draws more interest.
That said, not everyone has the time or resources to clean, fix, or prepare a vehicle. If you’re in a hurry to sell or simply don’t want to deal with the extra effort, you can always sell your car as-is. Contact us, and we’ll make you an offer. No prep work is required.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
Do your research before accepting an offer:
- Use Our Free Appraisal Tool: Get an instant offer in under 2 minutes.
- Use KBB, Edmunds, or NADA Guides: Assess market value by inputting your car’s details.
- Browse Local Listings: Compare prices in South Burlington, Barre, St. Albans, Brattleboro, and Middlebury.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
Sellers in Vermont typically have three main options:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Fastest & Easiest): We offer a fair, no-pressure quote and handle all the paperwork.
- Trade-In at a Dealership: Convenient if you’re buying another car but might result in a lower price.
- Private Sale: Could net you more money, but involves more time, effort, and risk.
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we take care of everything so you don’t have to.
Step 5: Get Paid
Don’t take chances with sketchy buyers or payment delays. We provide secure same-day payment and ensure all paperwork is completed properly.
You get paid, we handle the rest.
What Affects Car Values in Vermont? Local Market Insights to Know
In Vermont, seasonal weather and road conditions impact buyer preferences:
- AWD and 4WD vehicles are highly desirable in winter and mountainous regions.
- Fuel-efficient sedans and hybrids are popular in more urban areas.
- Well-maintained vehicles that resist rust fetch better prices due to Vermont’s snowy, salted roads.
- In Vermont’s southern cities and more populated areas, fuel-efficient sedans, hybrids, and electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly popular. Hybrid registrations surged 35% in 2024, reaching 10% market share as EV and plug-in hybrid adoption grow rapidly.
- In Q1 2025, hybrids and EVs combined accounted for more than 12% of new vehicle sales the highest rates in New England.
Local demand and weather conditions help shape your car’s value.
Ready to Sell Your Car in Vermont?
Ken Ganley Buying Center makes it simple, fast, and safe.
Start with a free online quote or call us at 330-427-3656.
We help car owners across Vermont sell confidently and easily.
Need help selling your car in Vermont? Here are some quick answers
What documents do I need to sell my car in Vermont?
To sell your car in Vermont, you need several key documents. While Vermont does not require a title, the DMV recommends obtaining one if you are selling the vehicle to a buyer who plans to register it out of state, as most states require a valid title for registration. However, if you do have a Vermont title, it must be properly signed by both seller and buyer. Most importantly, Form VT-005 (Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement) is required for all vehicle transactions in Vermont. You’ll also need valid identification (Vermont driver’s license or government-issued ID), and if your vehicle has a lien, you must obtain a lien release from your lender before completing the sale. For vehicles under 10 years old, odometer disclosure is mandatory and can be completed on Form VT-005.
Is a bill of sale required in Vermont?
Yes, Form VT-005 (Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement) is mandatory for all vehicle sales in Vermont. Whether you are buying or selling a vehicle in Vermont, a Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form VT-005) is required for all transactions. This single form serves as both the bill of sale and odometer disclosure statement, streamlining the documentation process. The form must include detailed information about both the seller and buyer, complete vehicle description including VIN, sale price, and signatures from both parties. You can download this form from the Vermont DMV website or pick it up at any DMV location or town clerk office.
Do I need to notarize the title when selling my car in Vermont?
No, Vermont does not require notarization to transfer a title. This makes Vermont one of the more seller-friendly states in terms of paperwork requirements. You simply need to sign the title properly and have the buyer sign as well. However, remember that Vermont has unique title requirements – titles are not required for vehicles over 15 years old, but are recommended if the buyer plans to register the vehicle in another state. The lack of notarization requirement helps expedite the sale process and reduces additional costs and complications for sellers.
What happens to the license plates when I sell my car in Vermont?
In Vermont, license plates stay with the seller, not the vehicle. The license plates stay with you when you sell your vehicle, so you should remove them once you’ve completed the sale. The seller must remove their license plates before handing the vehicle over to the buyer. If you do not do so, you may be liable for any violations after the buyer has taken possession of the vehicle. After removing the plates, you have several options: transfer them to another vehicle you own using Form VD-119 (Motor Vehicle Registration, Tax and Title Application), return them to the DMV, or cancel the registration. This plate retention policy protects sellers from future liability associated with the vehicle.
Can I sell my car without a title in Vermont?
Vermont has unique title requirements that differ from most states. For vehicles 15 years old or newer, a title is typically required, but Vermont’s system is more flexible than other states. If you’ve lost your title, you must apply for a replacement using Form TA-VT-04R (Replacement Title Application) before completing the sale. If you have lost or misplaced your Vermont title, you may request a replacement online, visit your local DMV office, or mail the Replacement Title Application (VT-004). However, for older vehicles (over 15 years), Vermont may not require a title, making the bill of sale (Form VT-005) the primary documentation. Always check with the Vermont DMV about your specific vehicle’s requirements.
Who pays the sales tax when I sell my car in Vermont?
The buyer is responsible for paying sales tax when they register the vehicle with the Vermont DMV. Vermont’s sales tax rate is 6% of the purchase price or the vehicle’s book value, whichever is higher. Unlike some states that have family exemptions or reduced rates for certain transactions, Vermont applies standard sales tax rates to most vehicle transfers. As the seller, you don’t need to collect or remit the sales tax – this is handled during the buyer’s registration process. However, you should ensure the sale price is accurately reported on Form VT-005, as this affects the tax calculation.
How long do I have to complete the paperwork after selling my car?
While Vermont doesn’t specify a strict deadline for sellers to complete their portion of the paperwork, it’s recommended to handle all documentation immediately upon sale. The buyer typically has 30 days to register the vehicle with the Vermont DMV. As the seller, you should remove your license plates immediately and complete Form VT-005 during the transaction. If you’re transferring your plates to another vehicle, you should complete Form VD-119 promptly. Prompt completion of paperwork protects you from liability issues and ensures a smooth transition for the buyer.
What should I do if there's still a lien on my vehicle in Vermont?
If your vehicle has an active lien, you cannot complete the sale until the lien is properly satisfied and released. First, contact your lender to get the exact payoff amount and instructions for lien release. If you previously had a loan on your vehicle that you have since paid off, please include a lien release from your lender with your replacement title request. You have two main options: pay off the loan before the sale using your own funds, or work with the buyer to complete the transaction at the lender’s location where the loan can be paid off and the lien released simultaneously. The lender must provide official documentation showing the lien has been satisfied before you can transfer ownership to the buyer. Keep all lien release paperwork as it may be needed for the title transfer or future reference.