What You Need to Transfer a Car Title in Utah

In Utah, you’ll need the properly signed title, a completed Application for Utah Title (form TC-656), an odometer disclosure for most 2011 and newer vehicles, any lien release, a bill of sale or purchase price, a VIN inspection for out-of-state titles, and payment for title/tax/registration—generally submitted within 45 days of purchase. In practice, most buyers handle title and registration at the same time, which may also require proof of insurance and, where applicable, an emissions certificate. Below is a clear breakdown of what’s required, where to file, timelines, typical costs, and special-case rules that can affect your paperwork.

Required Documents and Information

For a standard private-party sale of a Utah-titled vehicle, these are the core items you should have ready before you visit or mail the application to the Utah DMV.

• Signed title: The seller signs and assigns the title to the buyer; the buyer signs where required. No notarization is typically required for Utah titles.
• Application for Utah Title (TC-656): Completed and signed by the buyer (lists owner info, purchase date/price, and vehicle details).
• Odometer disclosure: Required for vehicles model year 2011 or newer until they reach 20 years old. Use the title’s disclosure section or form TC-891 if needed.
• Bill of sale/purchase price: Used to calculate sales/use tax; Utah accepts a standard bill of sale (e.g., TC-843) or a seller-signed receipt with price, date, and VIN.
• Lien release: If a lienholder is listed on the title, provide a lien release letter or lienholder signature/stamp on the title.
• VIN inspection (TC-661): Required if the vehicle was last titled/registered out of state, or for certain rebuilt/assembled vehicles.
• Proof of identity: Government-issued ID for in-person transactions; owner information must match what’s on the application.
• Proof of insurance: Required when registering the vehicle; typically provided at the same time as titling.
• Emissions certificate (if required): Needed for registration in certain counties and model years (commonly Cache, Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, Washington, and Weber counties).

Having these items in order helps ensure your transaction is processed without delays, especially if you are combining title transfer and registration in one visit or mailing.

Step-by-Step: How to Transfer a Title After a Private-Party Purchase

The process is straightforward if you follow these steps in order and use the correct forms. Buyers and sellers should review each step together at the time of sale to prevent missing signatures or information.

1. Verify the title: Confirm the VIN on the vehicle matches the title and that all owner(s) listed can legally transfer it. Check for any lienholder on the face of the title.
2. Complete the sale paperwork: Seller signs the title to you; record the odometer reading (if applicable). Prepare a bill of sale with the price, date, VIN, and both parties’ information.
3. Obtain lien release (if applicable): Get a lien release letter or lienholder sign-off if a lien is listed. Do not pay without confirming how the lien will be cleared.
4. Get a VIN inspection (if out-of-state): Arrange a VIN verification (TC-661) by a DMV employee, peace officer, or authorized inspection station if the vehicle’s last title is from another state.
5. Complete the title application (TC-656): Fill out owner information, purchase date/price, and vehicle details. If co-owners, follow the “AND/OR” ownership format on the application.
6. Prepare for registration: Bring proof of Utah insurance and, if required in your county and model year, an emissions certificate. Utah generally does not require routine safety inspections for standard passenger vehicles.
7. Submit within 45 days: File in person at a Utah DMV office or mail your packet (title, TC-656, disclosures, VIN inspection if needed, insurance/emissions for registration, and payment).
8. Pay fees and taxes: Be ready for the title fee, sales/use tax on the purchase price (minus any trade-in credit), registration fees, and plate fees if you need new plates.
9. Get plates or transfer yours: In Utah, plates belong to the owner, not the vehicle. The seller removes their plates; you’ll receive new plates or transfer plates you already own to the new vehicle.

Completing these steps promptly ensures you avoid late penalties, drive legally with valid registration, and receive your new title without complications.

Fees and Taxes You Should Expect

Costs vary by location, vehicle type, and transaction details. The following typical charges apply to most Utah title transfers when combined with registration.

• Title fee: A state title fee is due at transfer (amount set by Utah DMV; check current rate—historically modest).
• Sales/use tax: Based on the purchase price, using the combined state and local tax rate for your address; trade-in credits reduce taxable amount.
• Registration fees: Vary by vehicle type/weight, plate type, and county; may include transportation, corridor, and air-quality surcharges where applicable.
• Plate fee or plate transfer fee: Pay for new plates or transfer plates you already own (if eligible for that vehicle type).
• Emissions test fee (if required): Charged by the testing station in applicable counties and model years.
• Temporary permit (if needed): If you must drive before full registration is complete, you may purchase a temporary permit.

Because tax rates and some fees are local or periodically updated, verify exact amounts with the Utah DMV or your county before you finalize payment.

Deadlines, Plates, and Driving Legally

Utah enforces timelines and plate rules that can affect both buyers and sellers. Keep these compliance points in mind during and after the sale.

• 45-day filing window: Buyers should apply for title and registration within 45 days of purchase to avoid penalties.
• New residents: After establishing Utah residency, you generally must title/register your vehicle within 60 days (VIN inspection required for out-of-state titles).
• License plates: Sellers remove their plates; buyers must obtain new plates or transfer existing owner plates to the acquired vehicle if allowed.
• Insurance: Utah requires active liability insurance to register and operate the vehicle on public roads.
• Emissions compliance: Vehicles in certain counties and model years must pass emissions for registration; check your county’s program.

Meeting these requirements on time helps you avoid fines, ensures your vehicle is legal to drive, and reduces the risk of administrative delays.

Special Situations That Change the Paperwork

Some transfers require additional documents or steps. Plan ahead if your transaction falls into any of the following categories.

• Out-of-state title: Requires a VIN inspection (TC-661). Bring the out-of-state title and complete TC-656. Emissions may be needed for registration in certain counties.
• Lost or damaged title: The seller must obtain a replacement (duplicate) title before transfer, or use Utah-approved alternatives if eligible.
• Active lien: Obtain a formal lien release or lienholder endorsement on the title before you submit the application.
• Gifted vehicles: Use a bill of sale indicating $0 or “gift.” Utah may still assess use tax depending on the relationship and documentation; check current rules.
• Inheritance/estate: Provide probate documents (e.g., Letters Testamentary), or an applicable Utah affidavit when probate isn’t required. Title assignments must follow estate authority.
• Dealer purchases: Licensed dealers typically process title and registration on your behalf within statutory time frames; confirm that temp permits, taxes, and fees are included.
• Name changes or corrections: Include supporting legal documents (e.g., marriage certificate, court order) with the title application.

Bringing the correct supporting documents at the outset ensures your application isn’t delayed or denied due to missing proof of authority or ownership.

Where and How to File

Utah offers multiple ways to submit your title paperwork, depending on your preference and whether you need plates immediately.

• In person: Visit a Utah DMV office for same-day processing and plate issuance (where available). Bring all original documents.
• By mail: Send your completed packet (and payment) to the Utah DMV. This is convenient but may delay plate delivery and adds mailing time.
• Online tools: Use Utah’s Motor Vehicle Portal for certain related tasks (e.g., reporting a vehicle sold), though private title transfers typically require in-person or mail processing.

Choose the method that best fits your timing and needs; in-person filing is fastest if you require plates or need help correcting paperwork.

What Sellers Should Do

Sellers have a few crucial responsibilities that protect them from liability after the vehicle leaves their hands.

• Sign the title to the buyer and provide a bill of sale with the purchase price, date, VIN, and both parties’ details.
• Remove your license plates from the vehicle at the time of sale; plates stay with you in Utah.
• Provide a lien release if a lien is listed on the title.
• Report the sale through Utah’s online portal (sold notice) to reduce liability for future tickets or incidents tied to that vehicle.
• Keep copies of all documents (title assignment, bill of sale, lien release) for your records.

Completing these steps helps prevent future disputes, ensures a clean transfer, and documents the transaction for tax and legal purposes.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoiding a few frequent mistakes can save time and prevent extra trips to the DMV.

• Leaving the purchase price blank or inaccurate, which can stall tax calculation and processing.
• Missing odometer disclosure for 2011+ vehicles that are not yet 20 years old.
• Submitting without a lien release when a lienholder is printed on the title.
• Skipping the VIN inspection for out-of-state titles.
• Waiting beyond 45 days to file, risking penalties and registration issues.

Double-checking each item before you file is the fastest way to ensure your new title and plates arrive without delay.

Summary

To transfer a car title in Utah, bring the properly assigned title, complete the Application for Utah Title (TC-656), include odometer disclosure when required, attach any lien release, and add a bill of sale/purchase price. Out-of-state titles need a VIN inspection, and registration typically requires proof of insurance and, in some counties, an emissions certificate. File within 45 days and be prepared to pay title, tax, and registration fees. Sellers should remove plates, provide a bill of sale, deliver a lien release if needed, and file a sold notice. Following these steps keeps your transfer compliant, timely, and hassle-free.

Is a bill of sale required in Utah?

No, a bill of sale is not legally required in Utah for every transaction, but it is strongly recommended by the Utah DMV for vehicle sales and is a good practice for private sales of other items. A bill of sale serves as proof of ownership transfer and can help with calculating taxes, even if it isn’t a mandatory document for all sales.
 
Why a Bill of Sale is Recommended

• Proof of Transfer: It documents the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. 
• Tax Purposes: For vehicles, it can show the agreed-upon sale price, which is used to calculate the buyer’s sales tax. 
• Seller Protection: It protects the seller from liability for the vehicle after the sale. 
• Buyer Protection: It provides a record of the transaction in case of future disputes. 

For Vehicle Sales in Utah

• Use Form TC-843: Opens in new tabThe Utah DMV provides a specific bill of sale form, TC-843, that private sellers should use. 
• Necessary Information: Opens in new tabThe bill of sale should include the buyer’s and seller’s names and addresses, a full vehicle description including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the sale price, and the date of the sale. 

What to Do

• Use the Recommended Form: For vehicle sales, use the provided Utah DMV Form TC-843. 
• Complete the Document: Fill it out with accurate details and both signatures. 
• Provide to the Buyer: The bill of sale should be given to the buyer for their records. 

Do I have to pay taxes on a gifted car in Utah?

If the vehicle is being gifted, the seller should include a purchase price of “GIFT / $0” on the Bill of Sale. Gifted vehicles are not subject to a sale tax.

How to transfer ownership of a car in Utah?

To transfer a car title in Utah, complete the “Assignment of Title” section on the back of the current title, including the odometer reading, date of sale, and buyer information. Then, the new owner must gather the completed title, a bill of sale (recommended), proof of Utah insurance, a completed title application, and an emissions/safety inspection if required, and submit it to the Utah DMV to pay fees and receive a new title and plates. 
For the Seller

1. Complete the Title: Fill out the assignment of title on the back of the vehicle’s title. 
2. Provide Odometer Reading: Accurately record the mileage at the time of sale. 
3. Gather Ownership Documents: Ensure all information on the title is complete and accurate. 
4. Provide Bill of Sale (Recommended): Although not required in Utah, a bill of sale is recommended as proof of the transaction and to prevent future legal issues. 
5. Remove License Plates: Remove your license plates from the vehicle before transferring ownership. 

For the Buyer

1. Obtain a VIN Inspection: Get a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection to ensure the title matches the vehicle. 
2. Get an Emissions/Safety Inspection: Complete the required emissions test if the vehicle is from certain counties or meets specific criteria. 
3. Secure Utah Insurance: Obtain the necessary Utah liability insurance for the vehicle. 
4. Complete Title Application: Fill out a Utah title application form. 
5. Visit the DMV: Submit the completed title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, inspection certificates, and completed title application to a Utah DMV office. 
6. Pay Fees: Pay the required title transfer fee and applicable sales/use tax. 
7. Register the Vehicle: Receive your new registration and license plates for the vehicle. 

Key Considerations

• Lien Release: If there was a loan on the vehicle, the seller must provide a lien release from the lender. 
• Online Transfer: If the previous owner’s title was a Utah title, you may be able to start the person-to-person title transfer online at Utah.gov. 
• Appointments: Consider making a DMV appointment to reduce your wait time. 
• Out-of-State Vehicles: If the vehicle was purchased out-of-state, you will need a VIN inspection before you can register it in Utah. 

How much is a title transfer in Utah?

The title transfer fee in Utah is $6.00, as listed by the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In addition to the title transfer fee, you will also need to pay state sales and use taxes based on the vehicle’s purchase price and your location within Utah. 
Breakdown of Costs: 

• Title Transfer Fee: $6.00
• Taxes: Sales and use taxes are also due on the purchase price of the vehicle. The total amount will vary depending on the vehicle’s value and your specific city and county’s tax rates.

How to Calculate Your Total Cost:
You can use the Utah DMV’s online Fee Estimator tool to get a personalized estimate of your total title and registration costs.