Utah Vehicle Registration

Vehicle Registration for New Residents in Utah

New residents to Utah have 60 days to transfer their vehicle titles and registrations. To register a vehicle in Utah, new residents need to gather the following documents:

• A completed Vehicle Application for Utah Title (Form TC-656)
• Current out-of-state vehicle registration certificate
• Bill of sale
• Current Utah driver's license
• Proof of ownership
• Proof of Utah car insurance

Next, new residents should check if their vehicle requires a safety and emissions inspection, depending on their residence county. The car must be taken to an inspection station for the necessary tests, and proof of passing these inspections should be obtained.

If a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection is needed, a DMV employee must complete a Certificate of Inspection (Form TC-661). After gathering all necessary documents and completing any required inspections, new residents must visit their local DMV office to submit them.

Once the application is processed, the DMV will mail the license plates and decals to the new resident, indicating the expiration details.

Registration of Vehicles Purchased from a Dealership in Utah

The registration process is typically more streamlined when purchasing a vehicle from a dealership in Utah than when buying from a private party. The dealer is responsible for registering the vehicle within 45 days of the sale and providing a temporary permit, which allows the buyer to drive the vehicle while the registration is being processed.

The registration process begins with completing the vehicle purchase from the dealership, followed by receiving a temporary permit from the dealer. Next, the buyer must obtain Utah car insurance and complete any required safety and/or emissions inspections.

Depending on the vehicle type and the county, an emissions or safety inspection may also be necessary, which the dealer might handle as part of the sale. Once the registration is processed, the buyer usually receives the license plates and registration certificate by mail.

Buyers should be aware of the possibility of encountering unlicensed dealers, known as "curbstoners," who sell cars without complying with state or federal laws. These individuals often sell vehicles parked along the street or vacant lots, prefer cash transactions, and may not have the title in their name.

Registration of Vehicles Purchased from a Private Party in Utah

Registering a vehicle purchased from a private party in Utah involves several steps for both the buyer and the seller. The process begins with the seller's responsibilities, where the seller must provide the buyer with a negotiable title that matches the vehicle's VIN, make, and model.

Next, the seller must complete the transfer of title section on the back of the title, including the buyer's name, address, purchase price, and odometer reading.

On the other hand, the buyer's responsibilities start with verifying that the title is legitimate and that the VIN on the title matches the vehicle's VIN. Next, the buyer must obtain the required insurance coverage for the car before driving it. The buyer should accurately complete the Application for Registration and Title.

After gathering the necessary documents below, the buyer should submit them to a local Utah DMV:

• Completed application
• Bill of sale (if applicable)
• Proof of insurance
• VIN inspection
• Emissions/safety inspection certificates (if required)

The buyer must then pay the required registration fees and taxes, which vary depending on the vehicle. Once the registration is processed, the DMV will issue a new title in the buyer's name.

Verifying the legitimacy of the seller is crucial to avoid potential issues with vehicle title transfer and to ensure the vehicle has not been previously wrecked or tampered with.

Vehicle Registration Requirements for Out-of-State Residents in Utah

Vehicle registration requirements for out-of-state residents in Utah mandate that individuals register their vehicles within 60 days of establishing residency. Non-residents temporarily in Utah for public, charitable, educational, or religious service can register their cars in Utah but are not required to do so.

However, non-resident students who pay non-resident tuition are generally exempt from registering their vehicles in Utah. Non-residents who use their watercraft in Utah for more than 60 days per year must register the watercraft in Utah.

To register a vehicle in Utah, out-of-state residents typically need the following documents:

• Completed Application to Register/Title (Form TC-656)
• Proof of ownership (title, bill of sale)
• Proof of Utah car insurance
• Out-of-state vehicle registration and license plates
• VIN inspection certificate (Form TC-661)
• Emissions/safety inspection certificate (if applicable)

After gathering all necessary documents, out-of-state residents must submit these to the Utah DMV online, by mail, or in person. The final step involves paying the required registration fees and taxes, which vary depending on the vehicle and other factors.

Once processed, the DMV will issue Utah license plates and a registration certificate.

Vehicle Registration for Non-Resident Military Personnel in Utah

Active-duty military servicemen stationed in Utah but maintaining legal residence in another state have flexible options for vehicle registration. They can either continue to register their vehicles in their home state or choose to register in Utah.

To begin the registration process in Utah, non-resident military personnel need to gather specific documentation. This includes a Military Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) to verify their state of residence and military orders or documentation on military letterhead to verify their assignment location in Utah.

Once the required documents are collected, the next step is to submit them along with the vehicle registration application to the Utah DMV. Certain inspections, such as safety and emissions inspections, may be waived or have special provisions for military personnel, making the process more straightforward.

Upon completion of the registration process, they will receive Utah license plates and a registration certificate. Registering the vehicle in Utah can be convenient and may offer potential tax benefits, especially for those planning an extended stay in the state.

Importantly, spouses and dependents of non-resident active-duty military personnel are also eligible for the same registration options and potential tax exemptions as the service member, as per the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA).

Utah License Plates

Utah offers a variety of license plates, including standard-issue plates, special group plates, and exempt plates. Among the standard-issue plates, the most common is the "In God We Trust" plate, which features a white background with blue lettering and a mountain range graphic.

The "Ski Utah!" plate showcases a skier on a mountain with a red background and white lettering, while the "Delicate Arch" plate depicts a Delicate Arch with a blue background and white lettering. These options provide Utah residents with a choice of designs to personalize their vehicles while adhering to state regulations.

Utah also provides special group plates for various organizations, universities, sports teams, and causes. These plates feature unique designs and support specific groups or initiatives, including:

• University Plates
• Military Plates
• Professional Sports Plates
• Environmental Plates
• Awareness Plates

Certain vehicles are exempt from standard registration fees and may qualify for exempt plates, including:

• Government vehicles
• Disabled veteran plates
• Purple Heart plates
• Antique vehicle plates
• Special equipment plates

Most standard issue and special group plates can be personalized with custom letters and numbers for an additional fee.

License plates can be ordered or replaced online through the Utah Motor Vehicle Portal, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Personalized plates may require an additional application and longer processing time.

For more details about Utah license plates, including specific designs, eligibility requirements, and fees, visit the License Plates for Vehicles page on the Utah DMV official website.

How To Obtain Vanity License Plates in Utah?

To obtain vanity license plates in Utah, individuals can apply online through the Motor Vehicle Portal or by completing and signing Form TC-817 or Application for Personalized and Replacement License Plates. This form allows owners to submit up to three requested combinations of letters and numbers.

The type of plate requested determines the number of characters allowed:

• Standard Life Elevated Skier and Life Elevated Arches plates: Up to seven characters.
• Special group plates and In God We Trust plates: Up to five characters.
• Motorcycle plates: Up to five characters.

Characters can include letters (A through Z) or numbers (0 through 9), but no special punctuation marks or symbols are permitted. The letter "O" will be displayed as the number zero.

If approved, the plate will be issued; otherwise, the application fee will be refunded. The cost of personalized plates varies by type, and an additional $10 annual fee is due each year upon registration renewal.

Uniform Age-Based Fee

This is a one-time fee that applies when a vehicle is first registered in Utah. The fee decreases as the vehicle gets older:

• Model Year 2024-2022: $150
• Model Year 2021-2019: $110
• Model Year 2018-2016: $70
• Model Year 2015-2013: $40
• Model Year 2012-2010: $25
• Model Year 2009 and older: $15

Registration Fee

• Passenger Vehicles (under 12,000 lbs): $43 (2023) / $71.25 (2024)
• Motorcycles: $20
• Trailers (under 1,000 lbs): $10
• Other vehicles (trucks, RVs, etc.): Fees vary depending on weight and type.

Additional Fees

• Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Fee: $60 (hybrid) or $120 (electric)
• Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fee: $15
• Heavy Vehicle Fee: Varies depending on weight
• Personalized License Plate Fee: $58 (initial) + $10 (annual renewal)
• Driver Education Fee: $3
• Uninsured Motorist Identification Fee: $1

Payment Methods

The Utah DMV offers multiple payment methods to accommodate various preferences when registering a vehicle. Payments can be made conveniently online using major credit or debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

For those who prefer traditional methods, payments can be mailed using a personal check or money order made payable to the "Utah State Tax Commission." If a vehicle owner chooses to visit a DMV office in person for registration, they can pay with cash, check, or card.

Regardless of the chosen method, vehicle owners should ensure they have sufficient funds to cover the total registration cost, which includes fees, taxes, and any applicable penalties.

Renew via Automatic Renewal

Automatic renewal in Utah ensures that vehicle owners never miss their registration renewal. To sign up for automatic registration renewal, individuals can either visit the Utah Motor Vehicle Portal or complete a TC-505 Automatic Registration Renewal Application and submit it to the DMV.

In addition to the form, provide bank account details and ensure all inspections are completed, if applicable. Standard registration renewal fees and any applicable inspection fees will be charged.

On the specified date, the DMV will verify the inspection requirements and process the payment. Once the renewal is processed, the DMV will email a receipt and confirmation, and the decal and registration will be mailed to the address on file.

Renew by Renewal Express

Renewal Express makes renewing vehicle registration in Utah simple and convenient. This online method allows vehicle owners to renew their registration from almost any location, which ensures a fast and hassle-free experience.

Cars, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, and watercraft are eligible for online renewal through this application.

Renew by On The Spot Station Program

The On The Spot Station Program in Utah offers a convenient way to renew vehicle registrations. Many inspection stations participating in this program can complete both the required vehicle inspections and the registration renewal simultaneously. This allows vehicle owners to handle everything in one visit, saving time and effort.

To find participating locations, refer to the Station Map provided by the program.

Renew by Mail

To renew vehicle registration in Utah by postal mail, vehicle owners must send the necessary renewal items to the specified address. This includes the applicable inspection certificates and payment of all associated registration fees.

Include a check or money order for the total renewal fee, payable to the "Utah State Tax Commission." The renewal notice will indicate the exact amount due.

Mail all the requirements to:

Renew by Local Offices

A vehicle registration renewal in Utah can be completed at a local DMV office, either through the drive-through or in the lobby. To enhance service efficiency, using the appointment scheduler before visiting one of the larger offices is recommended. This helps reduce both transaction time and wait time.

By entering vehicle information in advance when scheduling an appointment and selecting "title and registration" as the service choice, the DMV aims to make visits as quick and efficient as possible, valuing the time of all customers.