SR22 State

How to get your license reinstated in Vermont

Checked against official Vermont sources · Last reviewed October 5, 2026

Getting a suspended Vermont license back means meeting every requirement on your reinstatement notice and paying the reinstatement fee. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles reinstatement. You can't drive again until DMV sends you written notice that your license is reinstated. [1][2]

SR-22 required?
Yes
Base reinstatement fee
$96
Keep SR-22 for
1 year

Step by step

  1. Check what you need to reinstate

    Your reinstatement notice lists your specific requirements, and you must meet all of them. You can also check your license status online through myDMV. [2]

    myDMV online services ↗

  2. Serve the full suspension

    For many suspensions, such as a points suspension or a first alcohol offense, DMV requires you to serve the full suspension term. If unpaid traffic tickets are part of the problem, those fines are handled by the Vermont Judicial Bureau, not DMV. [2]

  3. Have your insurer file an SR-22, if required

    DUI, a civil alcohol suspension, driving while suspended, leaving the scene of a crash, an unpaid crash judgment, and some uninsured crashes call for an SR-22. Only an insurance company can file it, not an agent, and the coverage follows you in any vehicle you drive. Under state law it usually lasts 1 year, starting from your reinstatement eligibility date if you were suspended. DMV's Insurance page still says three years, so confirm your period with DMV. [1][3][4]

  4. Pay the reinstatement fee

    Reinstating a suspended license costs $96. Pay online through myDMV, by mail to Vermont DMV, 120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603-0001, or in person at the Montpelier office only. Don't mail cash. [2][5]

    myDMV online services ↗

  5. Wait for written notice before you drive

    Don't drive until DMV sends you written notice that your license is reinstated. After that, keep your SR-22 coverage in force. Any lapse suspends your license again until valid coverage is back on file. [1][2]

After a DUI or alcohol suspension

  1. Request a hearing within 7 days, if you want one

    You have 7 days after the date of your notice of civil suspension to request a hearing. Sign the form that comes with the notice and mail or deliver it to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. If you miss the deadline, you give up the hearing and the suspension takes effect. [6]

  2. Complete IDRP and file an SR-22

    For a first or second civil or criminal alcohol suspension, DMV requires you to pay the reinstatement fee (plus a refusal fee if a civil suspension involved a test refusal), file an SR-22, and complete the Impaired Driver Rehabilitation Program (IDRP). After a first offense you must also serve the full term. After a third offense, DMV lists the fees and an SR-22. The SR-22 lasts 1 year after a first DUI and 3 years after a second or later DUI, counted from your reinstatement eligibility date. [2][4]

  3. Get an interlock restricted license, if offered or required

    After a first offense, a restricted license with an ignition interlock is optional. After a second civil or criminal offense it is required for 18 months from reinstatement, and after a third for 3 years. Start by calling DMV at 802-828-2061. Your application must include your license, proof of an approved interlock installation, and proof of financial responsibility. Drug-related suspensions don't qualify, and the restricted license costs $125. [2][5][7]

    Ignition Interlock Device ↗

Not legal advice. Rules change; confirm your own requirements with The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. Your insurance company files the SR-22. before you drive.

SR-22 rules in Vermont · If your SR-22 lapses · Reinstatement in other states

Sources

  1. Vermont DMV - Insurance (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  2. Vermont DMV - License Suspensions & Related Programs (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  3. 23 V.S.A. 801 - Proof of financial responsibility required (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  4. 23 V.S.A. 809 - Waiver of proof of financial responsibility (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  5. Vermont DMV - License Fees (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  6. 23 V.S.A. 1205 - Civil suspension; summary procedure (statute, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
  7. Vermont DMV - Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program (official agency page, accessed Oct 6, 2026)

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