Vermont renewal guide
Well Driller License
If this license is up for renewal, this page gives you the fee, the timeline, and the items that usually hold the filing up.
Start here
What matters before you file.
Check the fee, the renewal window, and the documents or insurance records that can slow approval down.
Issuing authority
Renewal period
Every 24 months
Renewal fee
$275.00
Bond requirement
No
Insurance requirement
No
Continuing education
8 hours
Before you renew
Get the filing straight.
- 1
Finish the CE first
Complete the 8 required hours before you start the renewal.
- 2
File with the board
File through Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) and pay the $275.00 renewal fee once the supporting proof is ready.
Renew online - 3
Leave room for processing
Typical processing time is 25 days, so do not wait until the last minute.
Detailed notes
The fine print is here.
Vermont Well Driller License
The Vermont Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) issues Well Driller licenses. Well driller licensing was transferred from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to OPR; licensing is now managed entirely through OPR. The purpose of licensing is to protect public health and the environment by ensuring competent well construction practices.
License Classes
- Water Well Driller: Authorizes drilling of potable water supply wells
- Monitoring Well Driller: Authorizes drilling of wells used for groundwater monitoring and environmental assessment
Requirements
Applicants for both license classes must:
- Pass the Vermont written examination (may be taken orally or by demonstration if failed in writing)
- Pass the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) driller examination or equivalent
- Document participation in at least 5 recent well projects of the relevant type
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
Fees
- Application Fee: $115
- Renewal Fee: $275 (biennial; expires July 31 of odd-numbered years)
Continuing Education
8 hours of approved continuing education are required per biennial renewal cycle. Approved topics include aquifer protection, construction standards, and safety practices.
Renewal Process
- Renewal Period: Biennial — expires July 31 of odd-numbered years
- Renewal Fee: $275
- Continuing Education: 8 hours per cycle
- Well Reporting: All wells drilled must be reported online within 90 days of completion
Penalties for Unlicensed Drilling
Drilling wells without a valid Vermont license violates state environmental protection rules. Violations may result in enforcement action, civil penalties, and required remediation.
*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements directly with the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation.*
Official links
Check the board or agency directly.
Required documents
- exam_results
- proof_of_experience
Source notes
Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) . Verified May 2026. https://sos.vermont.gov/well-drillers/
Rules move. Check Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) again before you pay, renew, or schedule work around this requirement.
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Next steps
Turn it into a handoff.
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Printable checklist
Vermont checklist
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