How To Get a Car Title in Utah 2026
Utah mandates that vehicle owners apply for a certificate of title for motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers operated or stored within state boundaries. According to Utah Code § 41-1a-202, new residents must transfer titles and registrations within 60 days of establishing residency, while individuals acquiring ownership through purchase or transfer should complete the title application promptly to maintain legal compliance. The Utah State Tax Commission's Motor Vehicle Division oversees the titling system and maintains ownership documentation for all registered vehicles throughout Utah's 29 counties.
Where to Apply for a Utah Certificate of Title
Utah administers vehicle title services through a network of county assessor offices and state-operated facilities. Authorized processing locations include:
- County Assessor Offices – Each county operates a motor vehicle division that processes title applications for county residents at designated locations
- State DMV Offices – Full-service facilities operated by the Motor Vehicle Division in Ogden, Farmington, Taylorsville, South Valley (Draper), Provo, and Hurricane
- Online Processing – Utah Person to Person (UPP) system allows qualifying transactions to be completed electronically through the Motor Vehicle Portal
- Mail Submission – Applications may be sent to the Motor Vehicle Division at the address listed for mail and correspondence
Required Documents for Title Application in Utah
Individuals applying for a Utah certificate of title must present documentation verifying ownership and meeting requirements administered by the Motor Vehicle Division.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Title or Duplicate Title Application | Original out-of-state title or properly completed Form TC-123 for Utah titles | Document must show proper release of ownership with required signatures |
| Application for Utah Title and Registration (Form TC-656) | Completed application form with all owner information and signatures | All listed owners must provide government-issued identification |
| Valid Government-Issued Identification | Driver's license, state identification card, passport, or military identification | Required for all owners appearing on title application |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Specific transaction types necessitate supplemental documentation:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Federal requirement for vehicles less than 20 years old | Must be completed on title or separate Form TC-891 |
| VIN/HIN Inspection Certificate | Verification of identification number for first-time Utah titles | Required for all out-of-state vehicles; acceptable inspection certificate confirms accuracy |
| Emissions Inspection Certificate | Proof of passing emissions testing | Mandatory for vehicles registered in Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Cache, or Utah counties where applicable |
| Bill of Sale | Documentation of transaction terms and purchase price | Strongly recommended for all transfers; establishes purchase price for tax calculation |
| Lien Release Documentation | Written release from previous lienholder | Required when lien appears on surrendered title; must show signature of lienholder |
| Leasing Documentation | Power of attorney, billing statement, and Utah sales tax number | Required when vehicle is leased from a commercial lessor |
Utah Title Fees and Costs
The Utah State Tax Commission establishes uniform fee schedules applicable throughout all county and state offices.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| New Certificate of Title | $6.00 |
| Duplicate Title | $6.00 |
| Title Correction (including name change and lien release) | $6.00 |
| Duplicate Registration | $4.00 |
Additional Processing Fees
Vehicle titling transactions involve supplemental charges beyond basic title fees:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sales and Use Tax | Varies by locality | Based on purchase price; rates vary by county and city; family transfers not exempt |
| Age-Based Uniform Fee | $150 (2024-2026 models); $110 (2021-2023); $80 (2018-2020); $50 (2015-2017) | Assessed annually based on vehicle model year; vehicles 12 or more years old may qualify for a reduced fee of $10 |
| Automobile Driver Education Fee | $2.50 | Assessed on each motor vehicle except motorcycles and Purple Heart plate vehicles |
| Uninsured Motorist Identification Fee | $1.00 per year | Required for most motor vehicles during registration |
| Corridor Fee | $10.00 | Applies in Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, Weber, Summit, Wasatch, Iron, Box Elder, Washington, Tooele, and Morgan counties |
| Air Pollution Control Fee | Varies by county | Salt Lake, Davis, Cache counties: $3.00; Utah County: $2.00; Weber County: $1.00; not applicable in other counties |
| Alternative Fuel Fee | Varies by fuel type | Road usage charge or flat fee option for electric and alternative fuel vehicles |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Verify Documentation and Obtain Necessary Releases
Examine the certificate of title or Form TC-123 to confirm the vehicle identification number matches the vehicle, all required ownership release signatures are present, and any lienholder shown on the face of the title has signed to release their security interest. Verify that the purchase date and purchase price information are accurately recorded. For vehicles less than 20 years old, ensure the odometer disclosure section is properly completed, showing the exact mileage at the time of transfer.
Step 2: Arrange Required Inspections
Schedule a VIN inspection if transferring an out-of-state title, as identification number verification is mandatory for all vehicles being titled in Utah for the first time. Inspection certificates from safety or emissions stations are acceptable verification, provided the VIN is accurately recorded. If registering the vehicle and residing in Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Cache, or Utah County, obtain an emissions inspection certificate where required based on vehicle type and model year.
Step 3: Complete Title Application
Fill out the Application for Utah Title and Registration Form TC-656 with complete and accurate information for all new owners. Enter vehicle description details, purchase information, and seller data exactly as they should appear on official records. All individuals listed as owners on the application must be prepared to present valid government-issued identification when submitting the application. For financed vehicles, include comprehensive lienholder information containing the financial institution's complete name, mailing address, and any required account references.
Step 4: Calculate Fees and Submit Application
Use the online Fee Estimator tool to determine exact costs, including title fee, applicable sales and use tax based on purchase price and location, age-based uniform fee for your vehicle's model year, and all required registration-related charges. Visit your county assessor's office or a state DMV facility during regular business hours, or process qualifying transactions through the Utah Person to Person online system. Present all documentation, including the completed application, ownership documents, inspection certificates, and identification for review by county or state staff.
Step 5: Process Payment and Receive Title
Submit payment for all calculated fees through accepted payment methods at your processing location. Most offices accept cash, checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards. For online UPP transactions, electronic payment is processed through the secure portal. Utah certificates of title are produced and mailed to the address shown on the application, typically arriving within 10 to 14 business days from the date of processing. When a security interest is recorded, the title document will be forwarded directly to the lienholder for retention until the loan obligation is satisfied.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Utah law provides specific exemptions from certificate of title requirements under state statute:
- Non-commercial trailers with an unladen weight of 750 pounds or less
- Off-highway vehicles registered exclusively under the recreational vehicle program
- Implements of husbandry and farm tractors used solely for agricultural operations
- Special mobile equipment not designed primarily for highway transportation
- Government-owned vehicles operated by federal, state, county, or municipal entities bearing exempt plates
- Vehicles exempt from registration under Utah Code § 41-1a-202 for the applicable time period
Contact Information
Utah State Tax Commission – Motor Vehicle Division
P.O. Box 30412
Salt Lake City, UT 84130
Phone: (801) 297-7780
Official Website: Utah Division of Motor Vehicles
