Vermont kei truck registration guide

1. 1

   Clear federal import at the port

   Import a vehicle at least 25 years old and retain CBP Form 7501, NHTSA HS-7 (Box 1), EPA Form 3520-1, the Japanese title or export certificate, and a certified English translation.

2. 2

   Prepare Vermont title documents

   Assemble your import paperwork, bill of sale, and translation for the Vermont DMV. Because the kei provisions are new, bring a copy of the S.326 kei section in case counter staff have not processed one before.

3. 3

   Apply for a Vermont title and registration

   Submit your application through the Vermont DMV. Expect VIN verification, since Japanese chassis numbers are shorter than a 17-character US VIN.

4. 4

   Insure the vehicle

   Carry Vermont liability coverage meeting state minimums before operating on public roads.

5. 5

   Confirm equipment

   Ensure lighting, brakes, mirrors, and other required equipment are functional and compliant before driving.

• Vermont S.326 — as passed by the Senate (full text)
  Official sourcelegislature.vermont.gov

  Official bill text of the omnibus motor vehicle act containing the kei vehicle definitions and registration direction.

• Vermont S.326 — kei truck language draft
  Official sourcelegislature.vermont.gov

  Legislative drafting document for the kei truck provisions, useful for the exact statutory definitions.

• Vermont S.326 — bill status and history
  Official sourcelegislature.vermont.gov

  Official status page showing passage dates, signature, and effective dates.

• Vermont DMV — Registration & titling
  Official sourcedmv.vermont.gov

  State DMV portal for title applications, VIN verification, and registration requirements.

Are kei trucks legal to register in Vermont?

Yes, as of July 1, 2026. S.326 defines kei vehicles and kei trucks in Vermont law and directs the DMV to register qualifying vehicles. Gov. Phil Scott signed the bill on June 16, 2026.

What exactly changed?

Vermont previously had no statutory definition of a kei vehicle, and owners had inconsistent results depending on which DMV office they used. S.326 created the definition and directed the DMV to register qualifying vehicles, replacing counter-by-counter discretion with a statutory pathway.

Can I drive it like a normal vehicle?

S.326 allows qualifying kei vehicles to be registered and operated in a manner comparable to pleasure cars or farm trucks. Because the law is new, confirm any road-class or speed conditions with the Vermont DMV before relying on a specific route.

Does the law cover kei cars and vans, or only trucks?

The bill defines both 'kei vehicle' and 'kei truck,' which is broader than a truck-only provision. Check the statutory definitions against your specific vehicle, since eligibility turns on how the vehicle meets those definitions.

Do I still need federal import paperwork?

Yes. S.326 addresses Vermont titling and registration only. You must still clear CBP, NHTSA, and EPA at import — normally via the 25-year age exemption — before applying for a Vermont title.

Will the DMV know what to do?

Possibly not immediately. The kei section took effect July 1, 2026, so counter practice is very new. Bring the statutory language with you and expect a longer process than a routine registration in the early months.

The kei provisions of S.326 took effect July 1, 2026 and DMV implementation is still new. Confirm current procedure with the Vermont DMV before purchasing. This page is informational only and not legal advice.