DMV
Title Requirements in Utah
General Information
The following list describes which vehicles are required to be titled in Utah:
- Vehicles – Every vehicle (including motor vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, semi-trailers, and manufactured homes) operated in Utah, regardless of model year, must be titled except non-commercial trailers that have an unladen weight of 750 pounds or less.
- Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) – Every 1988 or newer OHV, including snowmobiles, operated in Utah must be titled. Though no title is issued to an OHV that is 1987 or older, one may be issued at owner's request. Registration requirements may still apply.
- Watercraft – Every 1985 or newer watercraft operated in Utah waters must be titled except canoes and inflatable watercrafts powered by an outboard motor with 25 horsepower or less. (See Boats & Watercraft for more exemptions) Though no title is issued to a watercraft that is 1984 or older, registration requirements may still apply.
- Outboard Motors – Every 1985 or newer outboard motor operated in Utah waters must be titled except those with a manufacturer’s listed horsepower of 25 or less.
- Campers – Every 2015 or newer camper registered in Utah must be titled. Model years of 2014 and older may obtain a title at owner’s request.
- Park Model Recreational Vehicles – Every 2015 or newer park model vehicle must be titled in Utah. Model years of 2014 and older may obtain a title at owner’s request.
- Multistage Vehicles – A title issued on a multistage vehicle will show the VIN, make, model, and body style, for all VINs/stages of the vehicle.
- Roadable Aircraft – If an aircraft is designed to be driven on a highway as a conveyance it requires a title. Proof of registration as an aircraft is required prior to titling as a roadable aircraft.
- Novel Vehicles – If a vehicle is not clearly defined or categorized by existing statute, but requires registration in order to operate, it may be titled as a novel vehicle.
Title transfers for Utah vehicles can be done online on the Motor Vehicle Portal (MVP) except:
- 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.
Exceptions to Title Requirements
Aircraft are not titled in Utah unless the aircraft is designed to be driven on a highway as a conveyance in which case the vehicle would be titled as a roadable aircraft.
If you believe your vehicle qualifies for an exception to Utah’s title requirements that is not listed above, please call (801) 297-7780 or 1-800-368-8824 to speak to a representative for more information.
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.
Titles and Titling FAQ
I just bought a vehicle. What do I need to get a title and registration?
Though every title situation is different from the last, you should have the title or at least a bill of sale from the previous owner. Either of these should be sufficient to at least 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 safety and emissions inspections.
For more specific information, see:
I just bought a vehicle, but the seller can't find the title. What do I do?
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 apply for a 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. You may then take the Application for Duplicate Utah Title to the DMV along with a bill of sale or process the transfer online using the Utah Person to Person (UPP) title transfer process.
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, 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.
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 just bought a vehicle in another state. Why do I have to pay sales tax to Utah?
Sales tax, or more correctly Sales and Use Tax, applies to a new purchase regardless of where the purchase was made. Most states do not collect sales tax unless the vehicle is being titled or registered in that state. As a result, Sales and Use Tax is collected by the state in which the vehicle is being used (titled or registered). Unless sales tax was paid in the state in which you purchased the vehicle, you must pay the Sales and Use Tax here in Utah because you are using the vehicle in Utah.
I'm trying to sell a vehicle, but I can't find the title. How do I replace a lost title?
If you are selling your vehicle to a Utah resident you may use the TC-123, Application for Duplicate Utah Title, to transfer ownership to the buyer without having to first obtain a duplicate title in your name. Part two of the form allows for the assignment and release of ownership to another party. 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. Duplicate titles take approximately 10 to 14 business days.
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.
I can’t find my title, how do I get a replacement?
Titles may be easily replaced online using our Motor Vehicle Portal (MVP).
If you prefer, you may send a completed Form TC-123, Application for Duplicate Utah Title and $6.00 title fee to:
Motor Vehicle Division
Mail and Correspondence
P.O. Box 30412
Salt Lake City, UT 84130
Important: Do not send cash by mail. Please make checks or money orders payable to the Utah State Tax Commission (USTC).
Where is my title?
Individuals can check the status of their title online using our tool, Get Vehicle Title Status. You can also call the DMV at (801) 297-7780 or 1-800-DMV-UTAH (800-368-8824).
What is the difference between "and" & "or" on a title?
An "and" or an "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.
I want to add, remove, or change a name on a title. How do I do that?
Title changes like these are easily made, but require that you surrender the existing title to the DMV. You will need to complete Form TC-656, Application for Utah Title with all the appropriate changes reflected. At least one owner whose name was already on the title before changes were made must sign this application. A $6.00 title fee and a $4.00 duplicate registration fee may apply.
Note that if your title is being held by a lien holder as collateral in a financing agreement, you may need to contact the lien holder to have the title sent to the DMV before changes can be made.