How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Utah in 2026
Utah does not provide a statewide online system specifically for canceling vehicle registration. Vehicle owners must submit an Application to Cancel Registration to the Utah State Tax Commission Motor Vehicle Division by mail or email. When selling or transferring a vehicle, owners should also report the sale through the Utah Motor Vehicle Portal (MVP) or by written notification to release liability for future violations or incidents involving the vehicle.
Registration cancellation terminates your vehicle's legal authorization to operate on Utah roadways and ends your responsibility for the vehicle. Following cancellation, Utah Code § 41-1a-111 requires that you immediately return your license plates and registration materials to the Motor Vehicle Division.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
Numerous situations require cancellation of your Utah vehicle registration:
- Finalizing the sale of your vehicle to a private individual or automotive dealership
- Donating your vehicle to a charitable organization or family member
- Relocating your primary residence to another state and registering the vehicle there
- Returning a leased vehicle upon lease termination to the leasing company
- Delivering your vehicle to a salvage facility or automotive recycling center
- Receiving total loss settlement declaration from your insurance carrier
- Filing a stolen vehicle report with law enforcement without vehicle recovery
- Placing your vehicle in extended storage while discontinuing insurance coverage
- Completing estate transfer or probate proceedings involving vehicle ownership
- Permanently withdrawing your vehicle from operational service
- Trading your vehicle as partial payment for another vehicle purchase
- Voluntary surrender or repossession of your financed vehicle
Registration Cancellation Methods
Utah requires formal cancellation through submission of an Application to Cancel Registration form. Additionally, when selling or transferring ownership, you should report the sale to protect yourself from liability for the vehicle after transfer.
Reporting Sold or Transferred Vehicle
When you sell or transfer your vehicle, notify the Motor Vehicle Division to release yourself from liability for violations, parking tickets, or toll charges that may occur after the transfer date. According to the Motor Vehicle Division seller responsibilities, you should report the sale using one of the following methods:
Online Reporting:
Use the Utah Motor Vehicle Portal to report your sold vehicle. Access the "Report a Sold Vehicle" option and provide the required information. This method provides immediate electronic confirmation of your report.
Mail or Fax Reporting:
Send written notification, including the vehicle year, make, license plate number or vehicle identification number, buyer's name and address, and sale date to:
Utah State Tax Commission
Motor Vehicle Division
PO Box 30412
Salt Lake City, UT 84130
Phone Reporting:
Call the Motor Vehicle Division Contact Center at (801) 297-7780 or toll-free at 1-800-DMV-UTAH (800-368-8824) to report your sold vehicle.
Formal Registration Cancellation Application
To formally cancel your vehicle registration, submit the Application to Cancel Registration (Form TC-502) to the Motor Vehicle Division. This form is required for the official cancellation of registration.
Required Information:
The application requires all owner information to match motor vehicle records:
- Primary owner's name (last, first, middle initial or business name)
- Co-owner's name if a different street address applies
- Street address and mailing address
- City, state, and ZIP code
Vehicle information matching motor vehicle records:
- Vehicle year, make, and model
- Vehicle identification number or hull identification number
- License plate number
Additional information:
- Detailed explanation of why registration is being canceled
- Date of sale if applicable
- Owner's signature and date
Submission Methods:
Mail your completed application to:
Utah State Tax Commission
Motor Vehicle Division
PO Box 30412
Salt Lake City, UT 84130
License Plate Return:
Utah law under Utah Code § 41-1a-111 requires the immediate return of license plates when the Division cancels, suspends, or revokes registration. Return your plates to any Motor Vehicle Division office or authorized county office location. If plates are unavailable, provide a written explanation with your cancellation application.
In-Person Assistance
Visit any Motor Vehicle Division office for assistance with registration cancellation procedures. Office staff can provide forms and answer questions; however, cancellation processing is handled through the submission of a completed application via mail or email.
Registration Fee Refund Policy
The Utah Motor Vehicle Division does not provide refunds for unused portions of vehicle registration when you sell, transfer, relocate with, or dispose of your vehicle. According to Utah Code § 41-1a-215, vehicle registration covers 12 months. Once a vehicle is registered, no refund is allowed in whole or in part, even if the vehicle is sold, traded in, relocated, or becomes inoperable before the end of the registration period.
Limited Refund Circumstances
Registration fees are refundable only in very limited circumstances. Submitting a refund claim does not guarantee approval. The following situations provide common circumstances under which refunds may be approved:
Registration Renewed in Error: If you renew a vehicle that was previously sold, mistaking it for another vehicle you own, your refund may be approved if you provide a bill of sale documenting that the sale date occurred before the date you renewed the vehicle. The bill of sale must include the date of sale, vehicle identification number, and complete seller and purchaser information.
Registration Paid Before Expiration for Pre-Expired Disposition: If your registration expires in a specific month and you pay renewal fees before the expiration date, your refund may be approved if you provide proof that the vehicle was sold, traded in, or became inoperable on or before the expiration date. Your request must be submitted within six months of the payment date. If the vehicle remained in use when the new registration period began, the fees are not refundable.
Refund Application Process
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Review the refund eligibility requirements as previously discussed to confirm your situation qualifies under the limited circumstances described above. Standard vehicle sales, transfers, or relocations after the registration period begins do not qualify for refunds.
Step 2: Submit Refund Request
Visit the Utah Motor Vehicle Portal and access the refund request section. Complete the online refund application, providing:
- Your complete legal name and current mailing address
- Vehicle identification number and license plate number
- Registration payment date and registration period dates
- Detailed explanation supporting your refund eligibility
- Supporting documentation (bill of sale showing pre-renewal sale date, or proof of vehicle disposition before registration period began)
Step 3: Division Review and Determination
Upon receipt of your request and supporting documentation, the Division reviews the refund claim for eligibility. If approved, the Division issues a refund check to the address provided. If denied, the Division issues a letter explaining the reason. Processing typically requires six to eight weeks from the date received.
Governing Laws and Regulations
Utah vehicle registration cancellation procedures are established through state statutes governing motor vehicle operations:
- Utah Code § 41-1a-111 addresses cancellation, suspension, or revocation of registration and requires immediate return of canceled items to the Division
Government Agencies
Utah State Tax Commission Motor Vehicle Division
Utah State Tax Commission Motor Vehicle Division
PO Box 30412, Salt Lake City, UT 84130
Phone: (801) 297-7780
Toll Free: (800) 368-8824
Official Website: Utah State Tax Commission Motor Vehicle Division
Online Services Portal:
Utah Motor Vehicle Portal
Motor Vehicle Division Offices in Major Cities
Registration cancellation applications and license plate surrender can be completed at Motor Vehicle Division offices and authorized county offices throughout Utah:
South Valley DMV (Draper)
14555 South Minuteman Drive, Draper, UT 84020
Phone: (801) 297-7780
Official Website: South Valley DMV
Taylorsville DMV
4315 South 2700 West, Suite 1200, Taylorsville, UT 84129
Phone: (801) 297-7780
Official Website: Taylorsville DMV
Delta DMV
71 South 200 West, Delta, UT 84624
Phone: (435) 864-1400
Official Website: Delta DMV
Davis DMV
969 West Clark Lane, Farmington, UT 84025
Phone: (801) 297-7780
Official Website: Farmington DMV
Provo DMV
150 East Center Suite 1400, Provo, UT 84606
Phone: (800) 368-8824
Official Website: Provo DMV
Washington County DMV
100 South 5300 West, Hurricane, UT 84737
Phone: (800) 368-8824
Official Website: Washington County DMV
Logan DMV (Cache County)
179 North Main Suite 209, Logan, UT 84321
Phone: (435) 755-1610
Official Website: Logan DMV
Price DMV (Carbon County)
751 East 100 North Suite 1500, Price, UT 84501
Phone: (801) 297-7780
Official Website: Price DMV
Richfield DMV (Sevier County)
250 North Main, Richfield, UT 84701
Phone: (800) 368-8824
Official Website: Richfield DMV
Vernal DMV (Uintah County)
152 East 100 North, Vernal, UT 84078
Phone: (800) 368-8824
Official Website: Vernal DMV
