Title & Proof of Ownership
Utah titles all motor vehicles, mopeds, trailers, semitrailers, manufactured homes, mobile homes, OHVs, vessels, outboard motors, and roadable aircraft unless exempt. Park model RVs and campers manufactured before 2015 are titled at the owner’s option.
Title-Required and Exempt Units
Title Required
Motor vehicles, mopeds, trailers, semitrailers, manufactured homes, mobile homes, OHVs, vessels, outboard motors, and roadable aircraft.
Optional Title
Park model RVs and campers manufactured prior to 2015 may be titled at the owner’s option.
Title Exempt
Vehicles/vessels/outboard motors owned or leased by the federal government, noncommercial trailers 750 lbs. or less unladen, certain noncommercial single-axle trailers, OHVs manufactured before 1988 unless a motorcycle or street-legal ATV, vessels and outboard motors manufactured before 1985, USCG-documented vessels, canoes, inflatable vessels with an outboard motor of 25 hp or less, lifeboats, sailboards, vessels exempt from registration, outboard motors 25 hp or less, electric-assisted bicycles, motor-assisted scooters, electric personal assistive mobility devices, special mobile equipment, aircraft, and manufactured homes considered real property.
Manufactured Homes
One title is issued regardless of the number of units. If attached to real property, title must be surrendered within 45 days and a receipt of surrender is issued. If separated from real property, title must be applied for within 45 days.
Application for Title
Application for Utah Title (TC-656), TC-656R for rental agencies, or TC-656V for vessels is submitted to the Utah State Tax Commission, Division of Motor Vehicles, or any DMV office. The Utah Person to Person (UPP) Title Transfer E-Service allows applicants with a Utah title to apply for title and registration and print a temporary permit online after uploading ownership documents.
| Title Item | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Certificate of title | $6.00 |
| Duplicate title | $6.00 using TC-123; no fee for departmental error |
| Title fee with lien release / duplicate | $6.00, plus lien release documentation if applicable |
| E-lien transaction | $2.00 per transaction |
| Temporary permit | $6.00; valid 30 days, or up to 120 days for foreign vehicles pending federal compliance |
| 96-hour in-transit temporary permit | $2.50 for nonresidents to move unregistered vehicle out of Utah |
| Temporary registration permit | $25.00 for single unit plus administrative fee; $50.00 for multiple units |
| Nonresident OHV permit | $30.00 plus online transaction fee; valid 12 months |
| Dealer plate | $12.00 per plate plus handling fee |
| Manufacturer plate | $10.00 per plate plus handling fee |
Make checks payable to Utah State Tax Commission. Quick title service is not available. Allow approximately 7–10 business days to receive title. Vehicle title status may be checked online.
Electronic Signatures
Signatures created through an electronic signature pad or electronic signature service such as Adobe Sign or DocuSign are allowed on all Utah documents, except survivorship affidavits, which must be notarized. Electronic notaries are accepted.
One and the Same
Statement of Facts (TC-569D) may clarify that the signor is one and the same person.
Title Only
Title only is issued. Title-only may be useful for vehicles not being registered, lien-related transactions, or special ownership situations.
NMVTIS
Proof of ownership must be surrendered. Titles are not returned to the issuing state. Utah fully participates in NMVTIS and verifies paper-title information against electronic title records from the issuing state.
Proof of Ownership
New Vehicles
Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.
Used Vehicles
Certificate of Title.
Non-Title Issuing Jurisdiction
Certificate of Registration plus a lien search from the recording office, or Ownership Statement (TC-569A) or bill of sale. Bill of Sale (TC-843) may be used.
Foreign Vehicles
Foreign ownership documents plus Statement of Compliance; Motor Vehicles Not Manufactured For Sale in the United States (TC-706). Certified translation is required for documents not printed in English.
Dealer Sale
Report of sale or transfer by a registered dealer is required if purchased through a Utah dealer.
Insufficient Evidence
For lower-value vehicles, submit printed digital photos of all sides and interior/exterior condition, TC-569A, any bill of sale/release, repair receipts, and, if no Utah record exists, Certificate of Inspection (TC-661). Dealers, storage facilities, lienholders, and financial institutions must also include certified-mail proof. Vehicles valued over $3,000 or incomplete applications may require Insufficient Evidence of Ownership Bond (TC-824) in twice the fair-market value.
Brands, Duplicate, Odometer & VIN/HIN
Special Titles
Utah lists no special titles in the source material.
Title Brands
Brands are shown on the face of title. Equivalent out-of-state brands carry forward. Utah brands include Flood/Restored, Flood/Salvage, Manufacturer Buyback Nonconforming Vehicle, Non-Repairable, Rebuilt/Restored, Reconstructed, and Salvage. Replica is shown in the vehicle model field. Duplicate is shown at the top of a duplicate title.
Duplicate / Corrected Title
Application for Utah Duplicate Title (TC-123) is used when title is lost, stolen, mutilated, or illegible. Fee is $6.00. All signatures are required if owners are joined by “and” or no conjunction. Duplicate may be requested online and is mailed to lienholder if unreleased lien remains.
Odometer Disclosure
Odometer disclosure is required upon transfer. Odometer Disclosure Statement (TC-891) is required for nonconforming titles. Owner’s Odometer Declaration – Dealer Only (TC-893D) may be used by dealers with a case filed with MVED. Owner’s Odometer Declaration (TD-893) may be used by owners when an odometer statement is unavailable from the prior owner. Model year 2010 or older vehicles, trailers/vehicles without odometers, and trucks over 16,000 lbs. GVWR are exempt.
VIN / HIN Inspection
Required for all vehicles/vessels titled or registered for the first time in Utah, except new vehicles sold by Utah licensed dealers/manufacturers and park model RVs. No fee. TC-661 may be used. State-assigned VIN/HIN is required if the VIN/HIN is altered, removed, defaced, missing, or not permanent.
Restored-Modified
Restored-modified is noted on registration for a vehicle restored and modified with modern technology, including emission control and OBD. The notation may be removed on later registration.
Stolen, Salvage, Rebuilt, Reconstructed, Nonrepairable, Dismantled & Abandoned Units
Stolen Vehicle
Owner or lienholder must notify law enforcement where theft occurred. DMV will refuse registration or title transfer until recovery. If insurer pays a stolen claim on an unrecovered vehicle, title must be surrendered within 10 days of settlement and issued in insurer’s name.
Salvage Vehicle
Salvage applies when damage repair cost exceeds fair market value or insurer/other jurisdiction declares salvage. Vehicles with undamaged wholesale value of $2,000 or less are exempt. Insurer, owner-retainer, or dealer in possession must surrender title within required 10-day timing. TC-802N notice may be used when owner retains salvage.
Rebuilt / Restored
Salvage vehicles repaired and restored to operation are titled with Rebuilt/Restored brand. Motor vehicle safety inspection and emissions inspection are required if in an emissions area.
Reconstructed Vehicle
Requires TC-569A, titles to donor vehicles, bills of sale/receipts for parts, Application for Utah Motor Vehicle Identification Number (TC-162), photos, and applicable safety/emissions inspection. VIN must be inspected before and after assigned VIN installation.
Nonrepairable Vehicle
A nonrepairable vehicle has no resale value except parts/scrap, little or no resale value other than as a VIN source, or is substantially burned. It may not be registered, repaired, reconstructed, or restored, and may be sold to a crusher.
Dismantled / Abandoned
Vehicle cannot be dismantled or destroyed until title is submitted for cancellation and dismantle permit is approved. Vessels/outboard motors must surrender title within 15 days after losing their character. Impounded vehicles may be sold at public auction if unclaimed; towers have reporting and certified-mail requirements and may use appropriate insufficient-evidence/tower procedures.
Lien Law
Utah lienholder information is entered on the title application and submitted with the existing title, if any, and title fee. Utah allows only one lienholder on the title. Title showing a lien is sent to the lienholder or held electronically.
Filing and Perfection
Lien is perfected as of the date of creation if documents are filed within 30 days; otherwise, perfection is as of delivery. Lienholder files liens on out-of-state dealer purchases; Utah dealer files liens on Utah dealer sales; owner files on private-party sales, though lienholder may file if owner fails to record the lien.
One Lienholder
Utah does not allow more than one lienholder on title. Confirm payoff and lien status before accepting trade-ins, refinancing, assigning liens, or transferring title.
Lien Expiration
Vehicle liens are valid until a release is submitted. UCC filings are valid for five years, or 30 years for manufactured homes.
E-Lien Program
Lienholders may participate in Utah’s e-lien program by contacting DMV for approval. Vehicle liens may be added and released online. Fee is $2.00 per transaction.
Assignment, Repairman’s Lien, Storage Lien, Release & UCC
Assignment of Lien
Lienholder must submit the assigned title to DMV with assignee name/address and title fee. If the assignment modifies repayment agreement, lienholder must give owner written notice of assignment.
Repairman’s Lien
If a vehicle is left at a garage or gas station after repairs, it may be sold after certified-mail notice to registered owner, work-order customer, and lienholder at least 30 days before sale, plus newspaper advertisement at least 20 days before sale. Purchaser receives Certificate of Sale (TC-839R), returned-mail proof, copy of letter, proof of publication, ad copy, and work order, and must satisfy recorded liens before titling.
Self-Storage Facility Lien
Storage facility lien enforcement cannot begin until occupant has been in default for 30 consecutive days. Written notice is required to occupant and lienholder. Purchaser receives Certificate of Sale (TC-839S), notices/receipts, publication proof if applicable, and storage contract copy.
Release of Lien
Outstanding title with lien properly released, or legal lien release from lienholder, must be submitted with title application and title fee. Dealers taking trade-ins with loan balances must notify lienholder within seven days and pay lienholder within 21 days of sale or within 15 days of receiving payment in full, whichever is earlier.
UCC
Liens on non-titled vehicles/vessels are filed through Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code, 160 East Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, 801.530.4849, fax 801.530.6438, corpucc@utah.gov. Handwritten applications are not accepted. Online filing is available.
Records
Lien records are on file at the Central Office of the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Transfer of Title
Utah transfer is accomplished by assignment of title. A properly endorsed title must be delivered to the purchaser within 48 hours of sale unless the Utah licensed dealer issues a temporary permit and submits title documents within 45 days of sale or delivery.
Dealer and Owner Transfer Rules
Utah licensed dealers that issue temporary permits must submit all title documents to obtain new title and registration in the buyer’s name within 45 days. If no temporary permit is issued, title must be provided to purchaser within 48 hours. Dealers must file Monthly Report of Sale (TC-928) within 10 days after the end of the reporting month for vehicles sold without a temporary permit. Owners may report sold vehicles online, by mail, or in person at any DMV office. Vessel transfers must be reported to DMV within 15 days.
Add / Remove Owner
Title must be assigned according to joint-tenancy rules. Application for title must reflect changes, and at least one owner already on title must sign. Title fee is $6.00, and $4.00 duplicate registration fee may apply. New plates and registration fees are not required.
Damage / Brand Disclosure
Before sale of a salvage/branded/total-loss vehicle, seller must provide Notice of Salvage Vehicle or Branded Title (TC-814) to prospective purchaser, with limited exceptions for salvage auction dealers and insurers. Manufacturer buyback/nonconforming vehicle disclosures must be made in writing and acknowledged by consumer within 30 days of sale, lease, or transfer.
Joint Tenancy
If names are joined by “or” or “and/or,” either owner may sign. If joined by “and” or no conjunction, both signatures are required.
Transfer Upon Death
If no personal representative has been appointed or is pending, Survivorship Affidavit (TC-569C) may transfer a vehicle/vessel if there are no more than four vessels, motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers and estate value does not exceed $100,000. Otherwise, provide certified final decree of distribution and appointment papers.
Transfer on Death
Utah does not have a beneficiary process for title transfer.
Notarization
Notarization of title is not required. Survivorship affidavit must be notarized.
Power of Attorney
A secure Power of Attorney or generic Power of Attorney may appoint an agent to sign title documents. Two parties may be placed on the Power of Attorney.
Limited Assignment Space
If no further assignment space remains, applicant must present a dealer reassignment or bill of sale continuing the chain of ownership. Individuals must title in their own name before transfer.
Repossession
Upon default, the secured party may take possession without judicial process if it proceeds without breach of peace. Utah does not require the recorded lienholder to apply for a repo title before transferring ownership.
Repossession Statement
Repossession Statement (TC-569B) may be submitted with title, application for title, and title fee to transfer the vehicle.
Transporter Plates
Special transporter plates may be purchased by the lienholder to operate the repossessed vehicle for transport to a garage or warehouse or for demonstrating the vehicle for sale.
Out-of-State Repossession
Utah will process an out-of-state repossession if a Repossession Affidavit accompanies the title.
Dealer / Lender Checklist
Confirm lien status, title possession or e-lien status, lien release/assignment authority, repossession statement, odometer disclosure, brand status, and title fee before resale or wholesale transfer.
Registration
All motor vehicles, motorboats, sailboats, campers, snowmobiles, OHVs, trailers, and aircraft must be registered unless exempt. Registration is optional for noncommercial trailers 750 lbs. or less unladen. New residents must register vehicles within 60 days of establishing residency to avoid penalty.
Application for Registration
Application is made to any DMV office. Valid government-issued ID is required for new registrations. Registration must be carried in the vehicle. Aircraft are registered through the Utah Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics, 385.522.3821, aircraftregistration@utah.gov; mailed checks are not accepted and aircraft registrations must be paid online.
- Exempt units include federal vehicles, manufactured homes, implements of husbandry, special mobile equipment, certain single-axle trailers, electric-assisted bicycles, motor-assisted scooters, EPAMDs, canoes, kayaks, and vessels not propelled by motor or sail.
- Vehicles in storage, inoperable, or otherwise out of service and not used on Utah roads, highways, or public lands are not required to be registered.
- If an out-of-state lienholder or leasing company holds the title, Utah will register the vehicle without issuing a Utah title. Upon lien satisfaction, owner must surrender the title within 10 days of receipt and apply for title.
- A foreign vehicle registration may be processed for a vehicle registered in more than one state.
IRP
Utah State Tax Commission, Motor Carrier Services, 210 North 1950 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84134. Phone 801.297.6800 or 888.251.9555; fax 801.297.6899; email utahmotorcarrier@utah.gov. Washington County: 100 South 5300 West, Hurricane, UT 84737, 435.251.9533, fax 435.251.9538, MCSHurricane@utah.gov. IRP payments may be made online.
Nonresidents
Nonresidents operating a motor vehicle in Utah for 90 days during the preceding 365 days must obtain Utah registration and maintain no-fault insurance while the vehicle remains in Utah. Nonresident corporate vehicles may require Utah registration if the business maintains an office/facility in Utah and bases/operates vehicles in intrastate transportation for nonseasonal work.
Watercraft / OHV Nonresidents
Nonresident watercraft used in Utah more than 60 days per year must be registered in Utah. Nonresidents must pay an aquatic invasive species fee to launch a motorized boat. Nonresident OHV or snowmobile users must purchase a nonresident OHV permit and complete Utah OHV education before operation. Nonresident plated street-legal ATVs may operate with reciprocity.
Renewal
Renewal reminders are sent before expiration. Automatic renewal is available. Renewal may be in person, by mail, online, or at various inspection stations for an additional fee.
Expiration
Most registrations expire on the last day of the month one year from date of issue. Fleet vehicles expire quarterly in March, June, September, or December. Dealer plates expire June 30. Aircraft expire December 31.
Military Registration
Nonresident active-duty military may retain valid out-of-state registration. Nonresident military purchasing a Utah vehicle are not exempt from sales/use tax unless they qualify for exclusive-use-outside-Utah exemption and submit TC-721A. Resident active-duty personnel stationed out of state and Utah-based nonresident military may be exempt from property tax with annual LES or command letter. Resident active-duty personnel may also receive emissions deferment if vehicle is owned by the military person.
Special Permits, Inspections & Plates
Temporary Permits
Temporary Permits allow operation pending registration and are valid 30 days, or up to 120 days for foreign vehicles pending federal emissions/safety compliance. Fee is $6.00. Dealer Temporary Permits are valid 45 days and require emissions test. 96-Hour In-Transit Temporary Permits cost $2.50. Temporary Registration Permits cost $25.00 for a single unit plus administrative fee or $50.00 for multiple units. Moveable Structure Moving Permit is issued by county when moving a manufactured home and requires tax clearance display.
OHV Permits
Nonresident OHV Permits allow nonresidents to operate ATVs or UTVs on Utah public land. Valid 12 months. Fee is $30.00 plus online transaction fee. Utah OHV Education Course must be completed before purchase.
Emission Inspection
Emission inspection is required in Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, Weber, and Cache counties according to county-specific model-year and fuel-type schedules. Many exemptions apply, including new MSO vehicles, 1967 and older vehicles, implements of husbandry, OHVs, electric vehicles, motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, farm vehicles, vintage vehicles, maintenance/construction vehicles, custom vehicles, and roadable aircraft.
Safety Inspection
Safety inspection is required when registering a street-legal ATV, novel vehicle, or roadable aircraft for the first time, or for rebuilt salvage vehicles. Safety inspection certificates must be displayed on registered commercial vehicles, multi-axle combinations, buses/vans for hire, taxicabs, and ground transportation service provider vehicles.
Plates
One plate is issued for all vehicles; intrastate commercial vehicles may request two. Plates may transfer with sale unless personalized/special eligibility rules prevent it. If plate transfer was not part of sale/trade, owner must remove and surrender plate within 20 days or assign it to another vehicle. New residents are not required to surrender out-of-state plates.
Dealer / Manufacturer Plates
Dealer plates are used for demonstration, delivery, and personal use. Submit Application for Special Plates and Decals (TC-142) with $12.00 per plate plus handling fee. Manufacturer plates are used to transport or demonstrate to a dealer/prospective dealer and cost $10.00 per plate plus handling fee. Out-of-state dealer/manufacturer plates may transport a vehicle through Utah or to another dealer.
Fees, Plates & Registration Costs
Utah fees vary by title type, duplicate title, e-lien transaction, registration class, uniform age-based fee, property-tax substitute, permit type, dealer/manufacturer plate, county emissions requirements, and local taxes.
| Common Fee | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Certificate of title | $6.00 |
| Duplicate title | $6.00 |
| E-lien transaction | $2.00 |
| Temporary Permit | $6.00 |
| 96-Hour In-Transit Temporary Permit | $2.50 |
| Temporary Registration Permit | $25.00 single unit plus administrative fee; $50.00 multiple units |
| Nonresident OHV Permit | $30.00 plus online transaction fee |
| Dealer plate | $12.00 per plate plus handling fee |
| Manufacturer plate | $10.00 per plate plus handling fee |
| Sales/use tax | 4.85% plus local tax |
| Uniform age-based fee | Varies by vehicle type and model year |
| Property tax / fee-in-lieu | Applies by vehicle type before registration or renewal |
Dealer Fee Reminder
Dealer estimates should account for title fee, registration fees, uniform age-based fee or property-tax substitute, sales/use tax, local tax, emissions/safety inspection where applicable, temporary permit, e-lien transaction, plate handling, and any county-specific charges.
Taxes
Sales / Use Tax
Utah sales/use tax is 4.85% plus local tax on purchase price. Tax rates change quarterly. Utah licensed dealers collect and remit tax to the Utah Tax Commission. If seller does not collect tax, purchaser pays tax to DMV. Credit is allowed for vehicle-to-vehicle trade if it occurs at the same time and is documented in the same transaction, and credit is allowed for sales/use tax paid to another state.
Nonresident Sales
Sales to nonresidents are exempt when the vehicle or watercraft is delivered by a Utah dealer to an out-of-state location, and dealer retains evidence of Affidavit of Out-of-State Delivery (TC-757). Sales of vehicles/watercraft requiring registration, boat trailers, outboard motors, and OHVs to nonresidents may be exempt if not registered or used in Utah, used in Utah for nonbusiness purposes 30 days or less in a calendar year, or used for business solely to transport the vehicle to the border. TC-721A must be submitted within 45 days of sale.
Tribal Exemptions
Purchase of a vehicle out of state by an enrolled tribal member is exempt if driven into Utah within a reservation boundary. Enrolled tribal members purchasing vehicles in Utah are exempt if vehicle is delivered within the member’s reservation.
Manufactured Homes
New manufactured homes are taxed at 55% of sales price. Used manufactured homes are exempt.
Interstate Carrier Exemption
Sales, leases, or uses of vehicles 26,001 lbs. GVW or more and trailer dollies by an authorized carrier are exempt when Sales and Use Tax Exemption Affidavit for Authorized Interstate Carriers (TC-719) is submitted.
Remote Sellers
Remote sellers with more than 200 sales or more than $100,000 in Utah sales in the current or prior year must collect and remit Utah sales tax.
Property Tax / Uniform Age-Based Fee
Motor vehicles are subject to either a uniform age-based fee or uniform fee-in-lieu of property tax before registration and renewal. New residents may receive credit for current-year property taxes imposed by the state they moved from. Some government and emergency vehicles are exempt.
Rental / OHV Rental Taxes
Counties may impose additional rental taxes, and short-term rentals of off-highway and recreational vehicles in certain counties may be subject to an OHV rental tax. Exemptions should be documented with Exemption Certificate (TC-721).
AFV Credit
Taxpayers may be eligible for credit on qualified heavy-duty AFVs if at least 50% of qualified vehicle miles are driven in Utah.
Official Forms & Resources
Key Utah DMV, Tax Commission, UCC, Motor Carrier Services, Department of Public Safety, title, lien, vessel, OHV, snowmobile, manufactured-home, salvage/rebuilt, abandoned, repossession, registration, permit, tax, inspection, insurance, and dealer resources commonly used for dealer and lender workflows.
General Information
Dealer Workflow
Dealer packets should include TC-656 or applicable title application, assigned title/MCO, Report of Sale, lienholder information, title fee, odometer disclosure, emissions/safety inspection where applicable, tax documentation, TC-814 for salvage/branded vehicles, and temporary permit documentation when issued.
UPP Workflow
The Utah Person to Person Title Transfer E-Service allows applicants with a Utah title to apply for title/registration and print a temporary permit online after uploading ownership documents.
Vessel / Outboard Motor Workflow
Vessels and outboard motors are titled and registered unless exempt by age, propulsion, documentation, or vessel type. Nonresident motorized boats require aquatic invasive species fee before launching in Utah.
OHV / Snowmobile Workflow
OHVs and snowmobiles generally require title/registration unless exempt. Nonresidents must purchase a nonresident OHV permit and complete Utah OHV education before operation in Utah.
Manufactured Homes
Manufactured homes are titled unless considered real property. Title must be surrendered within 45 days of attachment to real property and title must be applied for within 45 days after separation from real property.
Insurance / Motorist Liability
Utah is a compulsory insurance state. No-fault insurance must be maintained on passenger cars and trucks through the registration period. Proof of insurance must be carried in the vehicle. Street-legal ATVs on public roads require liability coverage; ATVs/OHVs not operated on public roads are exempt.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Fees, requirements, forms, taxes, and procedures may change. Always verify current information with the Utah State Tax Commission Division of Motor Vehicles, Utah Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division, Department of Public Safety, Motor Carrier Services, Division of Corporations & Commercial Code, or another applicable agency before submitting paperwork or payment.