§ 2013. When certificate required; issuance of exempt vehicle title upon request

(a)(1) Except as provided in section 2012 of this title, the provisions of this chapter shall apply to and a title must be obtained for all motor vehicles at the time of first registration or when a change of registration is required under the provisions of section 321 of this title by reason of a sale for consideration.

(2) In addition, a Vermont resident may apply at any time to the Commissioner to obtain an "exempt vehicle title" for a vehicle that is more than 25 years old. Such titles shall be in a form prescribed by the Commissioner and shall include a legend indicating that the title is issued under the authority of this subdivision. The Commissioner shall issue an exempt vehicle title if the applicant pays the applicable fee and fulfills the requirements of this section, and if the Commissioner is satisfied that:

(A) the applicant is the owner of the vehicle;

(B) the applicant is a Vermont resident; and

(C) the vehicle is not subject to any liens or encumbrances.

(3) Prior to issuing an exempt vehicle title pursuant to subdivision (2) of this subsection, the Commissioner shall require all of the following:

(A) The applicant to furnish one of the following proofs of ownership, in order of preference:

(i) a previous Vermont or out-of-state title indicating the applicant's ownership;

(ii) an original or a certified copy of a previous Vermont or out-of-state registration indicating the applicant's ownership;

(iii) sufficient evidence of ownership as determined by the Commissioner, including bills of sale or original receipts for major components of homebuilt vehicles; or

(iv) a notarized affidavit certifying that the applicant is the owner of the vehicle and is unable to produce the proofs listed in subdivisions (i)-(iii) of this subdivision (3)(A) despite reasonable efforts to do so.

(B) A notarized affidavit certifying:

(i) the date the applicant purchased or otherwise took ownership of the vehicle;

(ii) the name and address of the seller or transferor, if known;

(iii) that the applicant is a Vermont resident; and

(iv) that the vehicle is not subject to any liens or encumbrances.

(C) Assignment of a new vehicle identification number pursuant to section 2003 of this title, if the vehicle does not have one.

(b) The Commissioner shall not require an application for a certificate of title upon the renewal of the registration of a vehicle.

(c) The Commissioner shall note on the face of the registration of each vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued a statement to that effect. (Added 1969, No. 297 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1971; amended 1971, No. 54, § 2, eff. April 14, 1971; 1995, No. 112 (Adj. Sess.), § 14, eff. Sept. 1, 1996; 2015, No. 50, § 33a, eff. Jan. 1, 2016.)