How Much Are Taxes on a Car in Utah?

Expect to pay a combined sales/use tax of roughly 6.10% to 9.05% on a car in Utah, depending on your home address. The statewide rate is 4.85%, and local city/county add-ons make up the rest. Utah also charges an annual age-based “uniform fee” in lieu of vehicle property tax at registration (from $150 for cars 0–2 years old down to $10 for 12+ years). Below is how it works, what affects your taxable price, and how to estimate your exact bill.

What “car taxes” mean in Utah

In Utah, the tax you pay when you buy a vehicle is the sales or use tax, collected when you title and register the car. That rate equals the state 4.85% plus your local city/county rate based on where you live (where the car is garaged). Separately, each year you’ll pay registration fees and an age-based uniform fee instead of an ad valorem property tax.

Sales/use tax rate on vehicle purchases

Utah’s combined rate is the sum of the 4.85% state tax and local taxes tied to your residence. The minimum combined rate in Utah is about 6.10% and the highest is about 9.05%, with most populated areas falling somewhere in between. The tax is due whether you buy from a dealer or a private seller (the DMV collects it as “use tax” on private-party purchases).

Several common items change what portion of the deal is taxable. Keep these in mind when estimating your tax:

• Trade-in credit: If you trade in a vehicle to a dealer, the trade-in value generally reduces the taxable price.
• Dealer discounts: Price discounts reduce the taxable amount.
• Manufacturer rebates: Typically taxable in Utah (they do not reduce the taxable price).
• Add-ons and accessories: Items installed before delivery (e.g., warranties, protection packages, accessories) are usually taxable; government title/registration fees are not.
• Private-party purchases: You’ll still pay the same combined rate as use tax when you title/register the vehicle.

Together, these rules determine the “taxable purchase price” you’ll see on your bill of sale or DMV paperwork.

How to get your exact rate

Your precise rate depends on your home address and the purchase date. The Utah State Tax Commission publishes an official lookup tool and rate charts.

1. Use the Utah Sales & Use Tax Rate Lookup Tool (search “Utah tax rate lookup”) and enter your home address and the transaction date.
2. Confirm the “combined” general sales and use tax rate returned for your location.
3. Apply that rate to your taxable purchase price (after subtracting any eligible trade-in, and adding taxable add-ons).
4. Print or save the rate confirmation in case the DMV or dealer needs it.

Rates can change throughout the year as local options are adopted, so checking close to your purchase date ensures accuracy.

How much you’ll pay: quick estimates

Because local rates vary, the easiest way to estimate is to apply the statewide range to your purchase price. Here are ballpark figures to illustrate the spread across Utah.

• $20,000 vehicle: about $1,220 at 6.10% to $1,810 at 9.05%.
• $30,000 vehicle: about $1,830 at 6.10% to $2,715 at 9.05%.
• $45,000 vehicle: about $2,745 at 6.10% to $4,072 at 9.05%.

If you have a $5,000 trade-in with a dealer, apply the tax rate to $15,000 instead of $20,000 (continuing the first example), which meaningfully lowers the tax due.

Annual taxes and fees at registration

Utah does not charge a traditional property tax on passenger vehicles. Instead, it imposes an annual age-based “uniform fee” when you register the car. The amount declines as the vehicle ages and applies to most passenger vehicles up to 12,000 lbs GVW.

• 0–2 years old: $150
• 3–5 years old: $110
• 6–8 years old: $80
• 9–11 years old: $50
• 12+ years old: $10

This uniform fee is separate from registration, plate, and county surcharges, which vary by vehicle type and location. Electric and alternative-fuel vehicles also have state registration surcharges (or the option to enroll in a road-usage charge program); those are fees, not sales taxes.

Special situations to know

Several common scenarios can change how or when tax is collected, but not the rate itself:

• Private seller: You’ll pay use tax at the DMV using the same combined rate for your address.
• Buying out of state: Utah generally gives credit for legally paid sales tax to another state; you owe Utah use tax up to your home rate when you register here.
• Military and students: Residency rules determine which state’s rate applies; documentation may be required.

If your situation is unusual (fleet purchases, gifts between family members, inherited vehicles), check Utah Tax Commission guidance or ask your local DMV for the correct documentation and tax treatment.

Bottom line

Plan on a Utah car tax between about 6.10% and 9.05% of the taxable purchase price, with the exact rate based on your home address. You’ll also owe an annual age-based uniform fee at registration instead of property tax, plus standard registration fees. Verifying your local sales/use tax rate before you buy prevents surprises at the counter.

Summary

Utah taxes vehicle purchases at the combined state and local sales/use tax rate tied to your residence—4.85% statewide plus local add-ons, typically totaling 6.10% to 9.05%. The tax applies to the vehicle’s taxable price (after trade-in, before rebates), and is collected at registration whether you buy from a dealer or a private seller. Each year thereafter, you’ll pay an age-based uniform fee of $150 (0–2 years) scaling down to $10 (12+ years) in lieu of property tax, along with standard registration fees. For an exact figure, use the Utah Tax Commission’s rate lookup tool with your address and purchase date.