Buying and Selling Vehicles
To help avoid a bad experience when purchasing an automobile, you should take great care, use common sense, and read pertinent articles in this section. You’ll find information on purchasing from a licensed dealer or a private party, consignment sales, Utah’s Lemon Law, odometer fraud, and more.
Before you purchase a used vehicle, watch the following video for information, and check the vehicle history at vehiclehistory.gov.
If you need additional information please search our site, contact the DMV, or view this information about avoiding fraudulent activity.
For more information, see:
Important Points to Remember
The vehicle title information that is entered on UPP, using a combination of VIN & Title Number or VIN & Owner Name, must match exactly with the motor vehicle information recorded with the State of Utah.
The following type of motor vehicle records cannot be processed on MVP:
- Vehicle records that are in suspend, or that are pending information from the previous owner.
- Vehicles with a brand of Non-Repairable.
- Vehicles with a Notice to Obtain a Salvage Brand.
- Vehicles with an Out of State title.
New Title and Registration
If you just purchased a vehicle and need to title and register the vehicle, you may need to schedule an appointment with the DMV. To find out if you need an appointment visit our Online Services page.
Steps For Title Transfers
Check Ownership Documents
Though every title situation is unique, you should at least have the original title, duplicate title application, or a bill of sale from the previous owner. Any of these should be sufficient to get you started at the DMV, and should allow you to at least obtain a temporary permit while you gather any additional documents such as emissions inspection (if required).Temporary PermitHere is a list of vehicles that require titles.
For commonly asked questions please check out our Title FAQs.For more specific information about acceptable ownership documentation, see:
Check if there is a lien on the vehicle. For more information about liens please review our lien page.
For information about being a responsible buyer please check out the Responsibilities of Buyer and Seller page.
Check Vehicle History
- You can check with a third party website to get the full vehicle history using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- You can check out more information about avoiding potential motor vehicle fraud at Motor Vehicle Fraud Alerts.
- For more information about buying from a dealer please check out Buying a Vehicle from a Dealer.
- For more information about buying from a private party please check out Buying a Vehicle from a Private Party.
- Check whether inspections are required on your vehicle by visiting Vehicle Inspections.
- Estimate the cost of title and registering the vehicle using our Fee Estimator.
Fee EstimatorGet a New Title and Registration
Different forms are required for title transfers depending on your situation. Please choose from the three types below:
You can estimate the cost of title and registering the vehicle using our Fee Estimator.
Choose a plate design from our list of plates. After picking your favorite plate you can choose whether or not you want to personalize it.
License Plate ListSign Up for Additional Services
You'll get a postcard in the mail when it's time to renew. If you prefer email, visit Vehicle Email Reminders
Manage Email Reminders to change your email address, if needed.
Sign up for automatic registration renewal on our Motor Vehicle Portal (MVP) or complete a TC-505 Automatic Registration Renewal Application and submit it to the DMV at the address provided on the form.
If you previously signed up for an automatic renewal you can make changes by using our Automatic Vehicle Renewal tool.
Sign up for theft protection via our Watch Your Car program.
Automatic RenewalInsurance Requirements
Check Fulfilment Status
If needed, you can check the Vehicle’s Title Status.
You can also check our License Plate Status tool to track your plate’s progress.
UPP- Utah Person to Person Title Transfers- FAQ
I just bought a used vehicle that is currently titled in Utah. What can I do online?
- Apply for a title
- Apply for a registration
- Obtain a temporary permit
How can I transfer ownership into my name and apply for registration and a permit on the Motor Vehicle Portal (MVP)?
Though every title situation is different from the last, you should at least have the original title or a bill of sale from the previous owner. Either of these should be sufficient to get your title/registration process started on UPP. This should allow you to at least obtain a temporary permit while you round up additional ownership documentation and possible vehicle inspections where required.
Note that all taxes and applicable fees are due at the time of application.
Visit the MVP to start your UPP – Utah Person to Person Online Title Transfer process.
For more specific information, see:
As part of our online application process, you will be asked to upload your ownership documents. If additional documentation is needed, you will receive an email checklist letting you know what documents are required to complete your transaction. Additional documents can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to the following address:
Standard Mail
Utah State Tax Commission
Motor Vehicle Division
P.O. Box 30412
Salt Lake City, UT 84130-8800
Express Delivery
Utah State Tax Commission
Motor Vehicle Division
210 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
I just bought a vehicle, but the seller can’t find the title. What do I do?
It is the seller’s responsibility to provide you with the ownership document to the vehicle (eg: Utah title or completed Utah duplicate title application TC-123). It is very common that a “missing” title is simply being held by the seller’s bank or credit union as collateral for a loan, in which case the seller should contact their bank or credit union. If the title is truly missing, however, the seller will need to complete the application for Utah duplicate title.
If the previous title was a Utah title, the seller may complete Form TC-123, Application for Duplicate Utah Title in place of the original title, which not only requests a duplicate title, but also allows the seller to transfer that duplicate title to you.
However, if the previous title was from out-of-state, the seller is responsible for obtaining a duplicate title from that state. In cases like these, online application is not available. You may take a bill of sale to the DMV, pay your title and registration fees, and obtain a temporary permit so that you may use the vehicle while you wait for the title. Out-of-state titles cannot be processed on UPP and will require an office visit in order to obtain a temporary permit and transfer ownership into your name.
I just bought a vehicle. How much sales tax will I need to pay?
Sales and use tax is based on the purchase price. Utah does not have a sales tax exemption for family-to-family vehicle purchases. Sales tax is due on the vehicle sales between family members. The purchase price you claim on documents you provide when registering your vehicle must state the price you actually paid. Your documents will be reviewed for accuracy by the Tax Commission. If you fraudulently underreport the purchase price, you will receive an audit for the additional tax, penalty, and interest. A fraud penalty will likely be assessed at 100% of the tax or $500, whichever is greater.
I just bought a vehicle. How much do I need to pay in taxes and fees?
To estimate the taxes and fees for your particular vehicle, please visit our Fee Estimator- Calculate the Cost of Your Title and Registration tool. You can also call the DMV at (801) 297-7780 or 1-800-DMV-UTAH (800-368-8824).
I’m trying to sell a vehicle, but I can’t find the title. How do I replace a lost title?
You may request a duplicate title online using our Motor Vehicle Portal (MVP), or by completing Form TC-123, Application for Duplicate Utah Title. A $6.00 title fee will be assessed, and the duplicate title should be received in about a week after completing the application.
If you are selling the vehicle to a Utah resident who will be titling and/or registering the vehicle in Utah, you may simply give the completed Form TC-123 Application for Duplicate Utah Title to the buyer in place of the Utah title. If you do, make sure that you have signed both Part 1 and Part 2 of the form. It is highly recommended that a bill of sale accompany the Application for Duplicate Utah Title.
What is the difference between “and” & “or” on a title?
“And” and “or” represent the relationship between owners on a title. “And” requires that both owners must sign to transfer or change a title, while “or” requires that only one owner sign to transfer or change a title.
Do I need an odometer disclosure when titling a vehicle?
Make sure that the odometer disclosure section on the Utah Title, or the Utah Duplicate Title Application, has been completed if the vehicle is less than 20 years old. You may also use a properly completed bill of sale filled out and signed by the owner and the buyer.
What happens if I do not submit my documents or finish the ownership transfer process?
The Division will not complete the processing of your request for Title and/or Registration. We may cancel this transaction if it remains in a pending status more than 120 days. Fees you paid toward this transaction may be non-refundable.