Vermont Driver's Privilege Card: Who Can Get One and Its Limits

What is the Vermont Driver's Privilege Card?

A DPC is a driving credential. The law names three kinds: an operator's privilege card, a junior operator's privilege card and a learner's privilege card. Privilege cards have been part of 23 V.S.A. § 603 since January 1, 2014.
You must be a Vermont resident: a person who lives in Vermont and intends to make it your main home, permanently or for an indefinite number of years. People who live in Vermont for a set period and purpose, such as students, seasonal migrant workers and people on a fixed-term contract, do not count as residents under Title 23.

Who can get a privilege card under the law

A foreign citizen who cannot show legal presence

Under 23 V.S.A. § 603(e), this person can get a privilege card if all other license or permit requirements are met. The person must give reliable proof of Vermont residence and of name, date of birth and place of birth.

A person with lawful presence who does not meet the REAL ID Act

Under 23 V.S.A. § 603(f), a person who can show lawful presence but does not meet the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005 can also get a privilege card.

DPC, REAL ID or EDL: choosing a Vermont card

The Vermont DMV lets you choose between a DPC and a REAL ID driver's license. A REAL ID needs proof of lawful status, so the choice is open only to people who can show it. An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is also REAL ID compliant, but it costs more and needs proof of U.S. citizenship. Vermont has a one-credential policy: you hold one DMV-issued ID, such as a driver's license or a REAL ID non-driver ID, not both.

Which documents does Vermont accept for a privilege card?

• Name, date of birth and place of birth: the law says the DMV must accept any two or more of these: a valid foreign passport (an entry form or stamp is not needed), a valid consular ID, and a certified birth, marriage, adoption or divorce record, translated if necessary.
• Consular ID: the law names Mexico and Guatemala, plus any other government with comparable security standards, as the Commissioner decides.
• Vermont residence, first option: two pieces of mail you received in the last 30 days with your current name and Vermont home address, plus one document from the second option.
• Vermont residence, second option: two documents with your name and Vermont home address, such as a vehicle title or registration, a bank statement, an insurance card or bill, a school transcript, a federal or state tax document, or a medical bill.
• Your home address must be a street or highway address. A P.O. box can be your mailing address only.
• Bring originals. The DMV does not accept photocopies or faxes, and DMV staff decide if a document is authentic, valid and acceptable.

Social Security number and the DMV document groups

The law lets the Commissioner prescribe documents and adopt rules for privilege cards. The DMV identity page lists four document groups: identity and date of birth, Social Security, Vermont residency, and lawful status. Only the lawful status group is marked "Required for Real ID & EDL only". For the Social Security group, the DMV asks for your Social Security card or a letter from the Social Security Administration that says you cannot get a Social Security number. Ask the DMV which documents apply to a privilege card before your visit. The guide to permit documents for REAL ID or a privilege card explains the four groups.

What a privilege card cannot be used for

The "non-Real ID" text on the card matters most for air travel. Since May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 or older needs a REAL ID driver's license or ID card, or another TSA-acceptable form of ID, for domestic flights and to enter certain federal facilities. You do not need a REAL ID if you have a valid U.S. passport or passport card. You need one if you have no passport or passport card and you fly within the U.S. or visit military bases or secure federal facilities.

Does a privilege card let me drive?

Yes. Under 23 V.S.A. § 603(i), a privilege card applicant or holder follows the same Title 23 rules as other license, junior license and permit holders. You must meet all other licensing requirements and pay the same exam fees: $39 for the learner's permit knowledge test and $23 for the road test. Vermont does not issue a license or permit while your license or driving privilege is suspended, revoked or canceled in any jurisdiction.
Practice the rules for every permit driver, such as the insurance rule for a learner's permit holder. Adults can read the steps in the guide to a first Vermont license at 18 or older.

1. 1
   Gather identity documents

   Choose two or more originals from the identity list above, such as a valid foreign passport and a consular ID or a certified birth record.

2. 2
   Gather proof of Vermont residence

   Bring two pieces of mail from the last 30 days plus one document from the residence list, or two documents from that list. Each must show your name and street address.

3. 3
   Check the DMV list

   Read the DMV identity, Social Security and residency pages at dmv.vermont.gov. Form VL-011 compares the card types and has a document checklist for each one.

4. 4
   Practice for the test

   Study practice questions, such as who can supervise a permit driver, before you take the knowledge test.

How long does a privilege card last?

A privilege card expires at midnight on the eve of your second birthday after the date of issue. An operator's privilege card can last until the fourth birthday if you pay the four-year fee. When you renew or replace a non-REAL ID card, you must give all required documents again.

Vermont Driver's Privilege Card: common questions