New Vermont Electric Vehicle License Plates Coming July 1, 2025 – What You Need to Know

Vermont to Introduce Special License Plates for Plug-In Electric Vehicles

Vermont is making it easier for drivers to identify plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) on the road. Beginning July 1, 2025, the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will start issuing special license plates for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (EVs). This new initiative follows the passage of Act No. 165 in 2024 and is part of the state's ongoing efforts to promote electric vehicle safety and adoption.

Keep your eyes out for these new plates, you will be seeing them on the road soon.

What You Need to Know About the New PEV License Plates

Under the new law, all newly registered PEVs will be required to have a special plate indicating that the vehicle is an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. Here's how the transition will work for different vehicle owners:

New PEV Purchasers:

  • If you purchase a PEV after July 1, 2025, you cannot transfer a standard plate to your new electric vehicle unless it is a vanity or special number plate.
  • If your previous plate was a standard plate, you will be issued a new PEV plate.
  • If you have a vanity or special number plate, you may continue using it until the DMV issues a replacement vanity or special PEV plate.

Current PEV Owners:

  • If you already own a PEV when this law takes effect, you can continue using your current plate until you receive a new PEV plate from the DMV.

Special Circumstances:

  • The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles has the authority to reject certain existing plates for transfer or renewal due to space limitations on the new PEV plates.  Examples a current vanity plate that may not comply with the constraints of the new plate.

Why the Change?

This new license plate requirement will help emergency responders, law enforcement, and other drivers quickly identify electric vehicles. It could also play a role in improving public awareness of EV adoption and ensuring fair use of incentives such as designated parking spaces or charging stations in the future.

Stay Informed

At Upper Valley Auto Mart, we are committed to keeping our customers informed about changes that impact Vermont drivers. If you are considering making the switch to a plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicle, we invite you to explore our selection of used PHEVs and EVs for sale near White River Junction, Vermont.

Have questions about this new law or electric vehicle options? Visit us today or check out our inventory online to find the right eco-friendly ride for you!
 Published March 19, 2025