Vermont
LegalVT
Kei trucks are street-legal and can be titled and registered for on-road use in Vermont as of September 2026.
Vermont legalised kei vehicles outright. Governor Scott signed S.326 on 16 June 2026 and the kei truck provisions took effect 1 July 2026, defining “kei vehicle” and “kei truck” in statute and directing the DMV to register qualifying vehicles — four wheels, 660cc or less, 130 inches or less long, 78 or less tall, 60 or less wide. Before the law, registration depended on which DMV office you walked into. Several national trackers still list Vermont as prohibited; they are out of date.
Registration Status
Street Legal
Kei Vehicles can be driven on public roads.
Titleable
You can obtain a state title for a kei vehicle.
Registerable
Kei Vehicles can be registered with the state.
Inspection Required
A safety and/or emissions inspection is required.
Recent News & Politics
- S.326 — Omnibus motor vehicle bill defining kei vehicles
Vermont General Assembly ·
Signed by Gov. Phil Scott June 16, 2026; effective July 1, 2026. Defines kei vehicle and kei truck in statute and directs the DMV to register qualifying vehicles as regular motor vehicles — no speed cap, standard inspection.
- Vermont bill aims to ease registration of mini trucks
WCAX (CBS affiliate, Burlington) ·
Active legislation in the Vermont Statehouse aiming to ease mini-truck registration. Coverage from local TV; the bill is moving through committee as of April 2026.
Restrictions
- Must pass state safety inspection
How to Register a kei vehicle in Vermont
- 1
Get insurance
Obtain liability insurance before visiting the DMV. See our insurance directory for companies that cover kei vehicles.
- 2
Pass required inspections
Vermont requires a vehicle inspection. Take your kei vehicle to a licensed inspection station.
- 3
Gather your documents
Bring to the DMV:
- Bill of Lading (proof of shipment)
- Customs Entry Summary (CBP 7501)
- EPA Form 3520-1
- NHTSA/DOT Form HS-7
- Japanese Export Certificate
- Bill of Sale
- Proof of insurance
- Inspection certificate
- 4
Visit the DMV and apply for title
Request a title application for an imported vehicle. The Japanese chassis number will serve as the VIN — clerks may need to enter it manually. If the clerk is unfamiliar with kei vehicles, ask to speak with a supervisor.
- 5
Pay fees and get plates
Pay titling fees, registration fees, and applicable sales tax. You'll receive a state title, registration card, and license plates.
For a detailed walkthrough, see our Title & Registration Guide.
Official Source
Visit your state's DMV/DOT website for the most current information on vehicle registration and titling.
Vermont DMV/DOTVermont DMV/DOTVermont DMV/DOTLast verified: September 2026 · this month
Tips for Vermont
- Bring your import documents (bill of lading, customs entry, export certificate) to the DMV for titling.
- The Japanese chassis number will be used as the VIN — DMV clerks may need to enter it manually.
- Schedule your safety/emissions inspection before visiting the DMV.
Kei rules in nearby states
Legality changes at the state line, and often dramatically. If you are close to a border, or shopping across one, these are Vermont’s neighbours.