Vermont Setoff Debt Collection Program

What is happening

Beginning October 30, 2026, the DMV will mail Notices of Intent to customers with an unpaid balance owed to the DMV. The notice tells you that the DMV intends to certify your name to the Vermont Setoff Debt Collection Program, which is administered by the Vermont Department of Taxes under 32 V.S.A. § 5933.

What this means for you

If your name is certified, the Department of Taxes may use part of your state income tax refund, property tax credit, and/or renter credit to pay your DMV debt. If your refund or credit is more than what you owe, you will receive the remaining balance.

What to do if you get a notice

• Read the notice carefully. It shows the amount DMV says you owe.
• Pay online: Log in to your myDMV account.
• Pay by phone: Call the DMV Call Center at 802.828.2000. Have your letter with you.
• Pay by check or money order: Mail it with a copy of your letter to the address printed on the notice.

Your right to appeal

You may meet informally with an impartial agency official or file a formal appeal.

Important deadline: You must contact the Vermont Agency of Transportation Hearings Section in writing within 30 days of the date of your notice. If you do not, you cannot contest the setoff later.

• Email: [email protected] (must be sent within 30 days of the notice date)
• Mail: Vermont Agency of Transportation, Attn: Hearings Section, 219 N. Main Street, Barre, VT 05641 (must be postmarked within 30 days of the notice date)

Possible reasons to appeal include that the debt is unfounded, the amount is incorrect, the statute of limitations has expired, the debt was discharged in bankruptcy, or the debt is the obligation of one spouse or civil union partner on a joint return. Whether these apply depends on your situation, and your attorney can advise you.

Think the letter might be a scam?

This notice was sent to you by mail. The DMV does not send text messages or unsolicited emails demanding payment, and the DMV will never ask for your Social Security number, driver's license number, or financial information by text message, email, or unsolicited phone call.

To check that a notice is real, log in to myDMV at mydmv.vermont.gov or call us at 802.828.2000. Do not click a link in a text or email that claims to be from the DMV about this debt. Official State of Vermont websites end in .vermont.gov.

Questions?

Call 802.828.2000.