How To Transfer a Car Title in Utah 2026
The statutory framework governing motor vehicle ownership changes in Utah is established by Utah Code Title 41, Chapter 1a, Part 7. A purchaser is prohibited from operating a transferred vehicle on any Utah highway until a properly endorsed certificate of title and certificate of registration have been presented to the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), a new title application has been filed, and new registration has been secured.
Title transfers may be processed online through the Utah Person to Person (UPP) service on the Motor Vehicle Portal, or completed in person at a county DMV office.
Required Documents for Title Transfer in Utah
| Document | Party Responsible | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Title (endorsed) | Seller | VIN must match the vehicle; seller enters purchaser name and address, purchase date, purchase price, and odometer reading; all recorded owners must sign; erasures or alterations void the certificate |
| Form TC-656 – Application for Utah Title and Registration | Purchaser | Primary application form; government-issued photo ID required for all owners listed |
| Valid Government-Issued Photo ID | Both parties | Required at time of submission for all individuals listed on the application |
| Form TC-843 – Bill of Sale | Both parties | Recommended for all private-party transactions; required if the title assignment section is insufficient to record all transaction details |
| Form TC-891 – Odometer Disclosure Statement | Seller | Mandatory for vehicles less than 20 years old; may be completed on the face of the title or executed as a standalone form |
| Emissions Inspection Certificate | Purchaser | Required for registration in Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Cache, or Utah County |
| Lien Release | Purchaser | Required when an active lien appears on the face of the existing certificate; lienholder must execute the release before transfer proceeds |
| Form TC-123 – Application for Duplicate Utah Title | Seller | Substitutes for a lost or unavailable original title; seller must sign both Part 1 and Part 2 |
| Power of Attorney / Lessor Documentation | Lessor / Agent | Required for leased vehicles (lessor's POA, billing statement, and Utah sales tax number) or when an authorized representative acts on behalf of an owner |
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in Utah
Step 1: Endorse the Certificate of Title
The seller records all required transfer data in the assignment section on the existing certificate of title. Mandatory entries include the purchaser's full legal name and mailing address, the transaction date, the declared purchase price, and the current odometer reading for vehicles under 20 years of age. All owners of record must sign; titles reflecting joint ownership with "and" require each co-owner's signature. Any erasure, correction, or alteration renders the certificate invalid.
When the original title is unavailable, the seller must complete Form TC-123, signing both Part 1 and Part 2, and deliver it to the purchaser in place of the original.
Step 2: Execute the Odometer Disclosure
For vehicles less than 20 model years old, the seller must furnish a completed odometer disclosure prior to transfer. This requirement is satisfied by completing the designated odometer section on the face of the Utah title or by executing a separate Form TC-891, Odometer Disclosure Statement, signed by the seller and countersigned by the purchaser.
Step 3: Compile All Required Documentation
The purchaser assembles Form TC-656, a valid government-issued photo ID, a bill of sale (Form TC-843), any applicable lien release, and an emissions inspection certificate if registration is sought in a designated county. When a lienholder holds the original title, the lienholder must execute the lien release section on the certificate before the transfer proceeds. Sales and use tax is assessed on the full purchase price, including loan payoffs and trade values.
Step 4: Submit the Title Application
Applications are accepted through two channels:
- Online via UPP: Access the Motor Vehicle Portal to upload ownership documents, remit applicable fees, and receive a temporary permit during processing. If additional documentation is required, the MVD issues an email checklist; supplemental items may be submitted electronically or mailed to the address listed in the Contact Information section.
- In Person: Deliver all documents directly to a county DMV office. Appointments are recommended at high-volume service locations. A full directory of offices is available at DMV Office Locations.
The vehicle must not be operated on Utah public roads until a new registration and title have been issued or a temporary permit has been obtained.
Step 5: Pay All Applicable Fees and Taxes
All title fees, age-based uniform fees, registration fees, and sales and use tax are due in full at the time of application. The complete Utah DMV fee schedule below lists all applicable charges.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| New Title | $6.00 |
| Duplicate Title | $6.00 |
| Title Correction / Lien Release Notation | $6.00 |
| Age-Based Uniform Fee – Model Year 2026–2024 (< 3 yrs) | $150.00 |
| Age-Based Uniform Fee – Model Year 2023–2021 (3–5 yrs) | $110.00 |
| Age-Based Uniform Fee – Model Year 2020–2018 (6–8 yrs) | $80.00 |
| Age-Based Uniform Fee – Model Year 2017–2015 (9–11 yrs) | $50.00 |
| Age-Based Uniform Fee – Model Year 2014 & Older (12+ yrs) | $10.00 |
| Sales & Use Tax | Varies by locality; assessed on the full purchase price |
| Corridor Preservation Fee | Up to $10.00 (applies in participating counties) |
| Air Pollution Control Fee – Applicable counties | Varies; contact county assessor for current rates |
| Automobile Driver Education Fee | $2.50 |
| Uninsured Motorist Identification Fee | $1.00 |
| Standard Temporary Permit | $6.00 |
| 96-Hour Temporary Permit | $2.50 |
Step 6: Obtain a Temporary Permit if Registration Is Pending
When registration cannot be finalized at the time of submission — for instance, while an emissions inspection certificate is being obtained — a standard temporary permit ($6.00) or a 96-hour permit ($2.50) may be issued to authorize lawful vehicle operation during the interim period.
Step 7: Receive the New Certificate of Title and Registration
Upon approval, the new certificate of title is mailed to the owner or lienholder of record at the address declared on Form TC-656. A registration card and license plate decal are issued concurrently. Transactions that remain in pending status for more than 120 days are subject to cancellation, and fees already paid may be non-refundable.
Contact Information
Utah State Tax Commission – Motor Vehicle Division
210 North 1950 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Phone: (801) 297-7780
Toll-Free: 1-800-DMV-UTAH (800-368-8824)
Official Website: Utah Motor Vehicle Division (DMV)
