Registering and titling a vehicle in Utah: new residents, purchases and renewals

How vehicle titles, registration and plates work in Utah: the Tax Commission's DMV, moving here with an out-of-state title, buying from a dealer or private party, VIN and emissions inspections, insurance and renewals.

Guide · Utah · Vehicle registration · Titles · updated October 29, 2026

In Utah, vehicle titles and registration are issued by the Motor Vehicle Division (DMV), a division of the Utah State Tax Commission. The DMV titles and registers passenger vehicles, trucks, trailers, motorcycles, motor homes, off-highway vehicles, boats and snowmobiles. It does not issue driver licenses; those come from the separate Driver License Division (see the Utah driver license guide). Many vehicle tasks can be done online through the DMV's Motor Vehicle Portal (MVP).

Moving to Utah with a vehicle

The DMV says every title situation is different, but the usual steps to transfer an out-of-state title are:

1. Gather ownership documents. At a minimum, bring the original out-of-state title or out-of-state registration. Either should be enough to get started at the DMV and to get a temporary permit while you collect anything else, such as an emissions inspection.
2. Check for a lien on the vehicle.
3. Check inspection requirements (see below). A VIN inspection is required for every vehicle titled in Utah for the first time, unless it is new and was bought from an in-state dealer or manufacturer.
4. Visit a DMV office. A new title or registration for an out-of-state title is done in person or by virtual appointment, and you can book ahead.

The person-to-person online transfer (UPP) cannot be used for vehicles with an out-of-state title. The DMV pages used for this guide do not state a deadline for new residents to register.

Buying a vehicle

From a dealer. The DMV says Utah dealers are licensed and bonded, and buying from one may save you some of the paperwork and titling hassle of a private sale.

From a private party. The seller is responsible for giving you the ownership document, such as the Utah title or a completed duplicate title application (Form TC-123). The original title, a duplicate title application or a bill of sale (Form TC-843) should be enough to get started and to get a temporary permit. If the vehicle already has a Utah title, you can use UPP (Utah Person to Person) on the MVP to apply for the title, registration and a temporary permit online. You upload your ownership documents, and all taxes and fees are due when you apply. UPP does not work for records that are suspended or awaiting information from the previous owner, for vehicles branded Non-Repairable, or for vehicles with a Notice to Obtain a Salvage Brand.

The DMV site has a page for reporting an unlicensed dealer (a "curbstoner"). The DMV's fee estimator on the MVP shows what a title transfer and registration will cost.

Inspections

• Emissions. Emissions tests apply to vehicles registered in Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, Weber and Cache counties. In Salt Lake and Davis counties, for example, vehicles less than six years old are tested every two years, in even or odd years to match their model year; for 2026 the DMV's table also lists model years 1996 through 2020 as requiring a test, and 1995 and older as not required. Electric vehicles, motorcycles and new vehicles with a manufacturer's certificate of origin are among the exemptions. The DMV's inspections page has each county's table.
• VIN inspection. As noted above, a VIN inspection is required the first time a vehicle is titled in Utah, with an exception for new vehicles from in-state dealers. For cars, trucks, off-highway vehicles and motorcycles, an inspection certificate showing the correct VIN is accepted.
• Safety inspection. Since January 1, 2018, all commercial vehicles need an annual safety inspection. The DMV says it is not a prerequisite for registration, but the certificate must be kept in the vehicle.

Insurance

Utah law requires a current insurance policy with no-fault, bodily injury and property damage liability coverage on every vehicle for its whole registration period. You must carry proof of insurance and show it to law enforcement when asked; electronic proof on a phone is allowed. Utah compares its registration records with insurance policy data. If no policy is found, the owner gets a letter asking for proof. If a person is convicted, or found at a Department of Public Safety hearing, to have driven without insurance, the DMV may suspend the vehicle's registration. Reinstating it costs $100 unless you can prove the vehicle was insured on the date the registration was revoked. Driving without insurance is a Class B misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $400 for a first offense.

Renewing your registration

You can renew up to 60 days before your registration expires, and the expiration month normally stays the same. The DMV lists these options:

• Online through Renewal Express, with your VIN and a PIN. You can look up your PIN, emissions requirement and cost through the MVP's renewal information tool.
• On the SPOT stations: many inspection stations can do your inspection and renew your registration in one visit.
• Automatic renewal: sign up on the MVP or with Form TC-505. The DMV emails a notice, checks your inspection and takes payment from your bank account.
• By mail: send your renewal items, any required inspection certificates and a check payable to the Utah State Tax Commission to Motor Vehicle Division, P.O. Box 30412, Salt Lake City, UT 84130.
• Drive-through windows in South Valley, Farmington, Ogden and Hurricane, or any local DMV office.

If your registration has been expired for more than six months, you must renew in person through the appointment scheduler. If you have moved, update your address on the MVP before renewing online. The DMV says this also makes sure the right inspection requirements and fees are applied.

License plates

To move plates between your vehicles, bring the plate and the vehicle information to a DMV office: the VIN, current plate number, mailing address and owner details. The DMV notes that transferring plates does not transfer any leftover registration. You can choose a plate design and personalize it online, and track a plate's delivery with the "Where is your license plate?" tool.

Getting help

The DMV's phone lines are 801-297-7780 in the Salt Lake City area and 800-DMV-UTAH (800-368-8824) toll-free, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. The DMV offers in-person appointments in Ogden, Farmington, Taylorsville, South Valley (Draper), Provo and Hurricane. See also the Utah DMV visit guide and the Utah office list.