Title Transfers in Utah
- Make sure the seller completes the title assignment on the title certificate, and provides you with a bill of sale and odometer disclosure (if applicable).
- Complete the vehicle title application form.
- Provide proof of vehicle safety/emissions inspection, if applicable.
- Submit the above with payment for titling fees and sales tax to the DMV.
Keep reading for more detailed information about title transfers in Utah.
New-to-State Title Transfers
After you have completed your move to Utah, you can transfer your out-of-state vehicle title by submitting the following to the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV):
- The title certificate from your previous state.
- If you are paying a car loan and have a lien hold on your car, you can use your current out-of-state registration to register your car without applying for a Utah title certificate. You may also have to provide your lender's information (name and address).
- A completed Vehicle Application for Utah Title (Form TC-656).
- Proof of required inspections:
- Safety and/or emissions inspection certificate (if applicable).
- Vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection.
- Visit our Smog Check and Car Inspection in Utah page for more details on both of these inspections.
- If the car is being leased, submit the following from your lessor:
- Power of attorney.
- Billing statement.
- Utah sales tax number.
- Payment for required title fees.
Buying or Selling a Car in Utah
Buying from Dealers
Typically, when you purchase a vehicle from a dealership, your dealer will handle all title and registration paperwork. Additionally, you can expect the dealer to collect any titling fees and sales tax as part of the transaction.
Buying from a Private Seller
To complete a vehicle title transfer, after purchasing a car from a private seller, submit the following to your local Utah DMV office:
- The current title certificate, properly assigned to you by the previous owner.
- NOTE: If the title is lost, the title assignment can be made on the Application for Utah Duplicate Title (Form TC-123).
- A completed Bill of Sale (Form TC-843) that includes the following:
- Buyer/seller names, addresses, and signatures.
- Vehicle description and VIN.
- Purchase date and price.
- Trade-in description and allowance, if applicable.
- A completed Vehicle Application for Utah Title (Form TC-656).
- Completed Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form TC-891) if the car is less than 20 years old.
- If the car is being leased, submit the following from the lessor:
- Power of attorney.
- Billing statement.
- Utah sales tax number.
- Safety and/or emissions inspection certificates (if applicable).
- Payment for title transfer fees and sales tax.
Selling a Vehicle in Utah
It is the buyer's responsibility to complete a title transfer. However, when you sell a car, you must provide the buyer with the following:
- Title certificate assigned to the buyer.
- Current registration.
- Completed Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form TC-891) if the car is under 20 years old.
- Current safety and/or emissions inspection certificates.
You should also keep the license plates, as well as notify the DMV in writing about the sale. Include the following in the notification:
- The car's:
- Make.
- Model.
- Year.
- Plate number or VIN.
- Your signature.
You can submit this notification:
- By mail to:
- Division of Motor Vehicles
- MVCC Correspondence
- P.O. Box 30412
- Salt Lake City, UT 84130
- By fax to: (801) 297-3570.
Transferring Non-Titled Vehicles
If you are purchasing a car for which no title is available (usually older cars), you can apply for a title by submitting the following to your local Division of Motor Vehicles office location:
- A completed Vehicle Application for Utah Title (Form TC-656).
- A completed Ownership Statement (Form TC-569A), which MUST INCLUDE:
- An explanation of why the car does not have a title or current registration from a non-title state.
- How you obtained the car.
- The name of the person from whom you obtained the car.
- A statement of any existing liens (if applicable).
- A statement of any previous titles or registrations.
- Detailed description of the vehicle's condition.
- Any other relevant information regarding your possession of the car.
- Bill of Sale (Form TC-843) and any other release of ownership documents.
- Receipts for repairs (if available).
- VIN inspection (unless the car has a current Utah registration).
- Pictures of the exterior and interior of the car taken from all angles.
Gifted, Donated & Inherited Vehicles
The steps for completing a UT car title transfer of a gifted, donated, or inherited vehicle, may differ depending on the situation. Most are likely very similar to the process for buying or selling a Utah vehicle.
Contact the Utah DMV for specific information regarding your situation.
Removing a Lien
After you have completely paid off your car loan, your lender should release the lien on your car and send you the title certificate.
For complete details on lien releases, contact the Utah DMV.
UT Title Transfer Fees
The following are the basic Utah title transfer fees:
- Title fee: $6.
- Duplicate title: $6.
- Correction or name change titling fee: $6.
- Sales tax: Varies by city.
Duplicate Utah Titles
You can replace your lost title certificate by submitting a Vehicle Application for Utah Duplicate Title (Form TC-123), along with payment for the duplicate title fee.
You can also use the form to assign a title to a new owner.
Changing Title Information
If you need to add, remove, or change a name on your Utah title certificate, you will need to complete and submit a Vehicle Application for Utah Title (Form TC-656). Additionally, you will need to pay the vehicle titling fee.