How to Gift a Car in Utah in 2026

A motor vehicle gift in Utah transfers ownership from a donor to a recipient without monetary consideration. The donor must assign the existing certificate of title to the recipient, who then applies for a new title through the Utah Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).

How Does Gifting a Car in Utah Work?

In Utah, gifting a motor vehicle follows the same title and registration procedures as any ownership transfer. The process begins when the donor signs the assignment of title on the existing certificate of title. The recipient then submits an application for a new title through the Utah Person-to-Person Online Title Transfer Service (UPP) or in person at a DMV office.

Utah offers an online transfer option called UPP that allows owners with existing Utah titles to apply for title and registration electronically. The Motor Vehicle Portal (MVP) provides a centralized application process where the new owner uploads ownership documents, receives any necessary checklists for additional requirements, and completes the transaction. All title, registration, and applicable taxes are due at the time of application.

If the vehicle lacks an original title or the original title is held by a lienholder, the donor may complete Application for Utah Duplicate Title (Form TC-123), which serves both as a duplicate title request and an assignment to the new owner. A properly completed Bill of Sale (TC-843) should accompany the transfer documents to establish the nature of the transaction and support the lack of consideration.

Utah Car Gifting Rules You Should Know

Title Status

Under Utah Code § 41-1a-501, each owner of a motor vehicle must apply for a certificate of title unless the vehicle is specifically exempted from title law. Vehicles subject to Utah title requirements include passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and most manufactured or mobile homes. A title is evidence of ownership and remains required even when a vehicle is transferred as a gift.

When a donor provides ownership documents to the recipient, the documents must clearly show the current registered owner. The new owner's name must be entered on the title application exactly as shown on the government-issued identification presented at the time of application. The MVD will not process a title application if the names on the government-issued identification do not match the names on the title or if the signatures do not match the names as they appear on the title.

License Plates

When ownership of a vehicle changes, the plates may remain with the original owner or transfer to the new owner's use. Utah does not require the surrender of license plates. If the recipient intends to transfer existing plates from another vehicle to the gifted vehicle, a plate transfer may be arranged through any DMV office. Both the plate and vehicle information are necessary to complete the transfer transaction.

Taxes and Fees

A gift of a motor vehicle is subject to sales and use tax only if consideration of any kind is exchanged. Consideration includes cash payments, trades, loan payoffs, and any other benefits or values given. If a genuine gift involves no consideration whatsoever, sales and use tax is not due based on the transfer itself. However, the absence of consideration must be clearly documented through the bill of sale and title assignment. If documentation indicates actual consideration was exchanged, or if any value or benefit is involved in the transaction, the transaction will be subject to sales tax at the applicable rate. Utah does not have a sales tax exemption for family-to-family vehicle transfers that involve consideration.

The MVD reviews all submitted documents for accuracy. If documentation indicates consideration was exchanged, or if the purchase price or value is understated, the Tax Commission may audit the transaction and assess additional tax, penalty, and interest. Fraud penalties are assessed at 100% of the tax or $500, whichever is greater. The purchase price or statement of value you claim on documents provided when titling the vehicle must accurately reflect any consideration involved in the transaction.

Step-By-Step Process To Gift a Car in Utah

Step 1: Verify the Current Title Status.

Confirm that the vehicle is subject to Utah title requirements and that the donor possesses either the original certificate of title or can obtain a duplicate title through Form TC-123. If the title is held by a bank or credit union as collateral for a loan, the lender must release the lien or sign off on it before the title can be assigned.

Step 2: Complete the Title Assignment.

The donor must sign the assignment section on the back of the Utah certificate of title, or if a duplicate title is necessary, complete Form TC-123 with two signatures in the designated areas. All signatures must match the names as they appear on the front of the title. If the title lists multiple owners separated by "and," both owners must sign to transfer the vehicle. If owners are joined by "or," only one owner must sign. Ensure the odometer disclosure section is completed if the vehicle is less than 20 years old.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents.

Gather the original or duplicate title with proper assignment, a completed bill of sale on Form TC-843 or similar document that clearly identifies the transaction as a gift with no consideration, and the recipient's government-issued identification. If odometer disclosure is required, complete Form TC-891 and have both parties sign it, or ensure the odometer reading is noted on the title assignment.

Step 4: Apply for Title and Registration Online or In Person.

The recipient may apply through the Utah Person to Person Online Title Transfer Service (UPP) on the Motor Vehicle Portal or visit a DMV office in person. Online applicants upload ownership documents and receive instructions for any additional requirements. All taxes and fees are due at the time of application. If additional documents are needed, the Motor Vehicle Division sends an email checklist. Applicants may mail documents to the provided address or attach them electronically via the portal.

Step 5: Complete Vehicle Inspections if Required.

If the recipient registers the vehicle in one of the counties requiring emissions inspection (Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Cache, or Utah County), or if the vehicle is newly titled in Utah, a vehicle inspection may be required. The Certificate of Inspection (Form TC-661) must be completed by a DMV employee, designated contractor, law enforcement officer, licensed dealer, or certified safety inspector. This inspection is often completed at the time of registration.

Step 6: Register the Vehicle.

Once the title is approved, the recipient must register the vehicle if it will be driven on public roads. Registration must be completed within 60 days of acquiring the vehicle if the recipient is a new resident to Utah, and liability insurance must be in place before registration. A 30-day temporary permit may be obtained if additional time is needed to complete inspections or finalize registration. Upon completion, the recipient receives license plates and registration documents.

Documents Needed for Gifting a Car in Utah

The following documents are typically required when gifting a motor vehicle in Utah:

• The current certificate of title, properly signed by the donor with clear assignment to the recipient, or Application for Utah Duplicate Title (Form TC-123) with proper signatures if the original title is unavailable
• A bill of sale such as Form TC-843, completed and signed by both the donor and recipient, clearly identifying the transaction as a gift with no consideration
• Government-issued identification for the recipient to verify name matching
• Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form TC-891) if the vehicle is less than 20 years old, completed and signed by both parties, or the odometer reading is noted on the title assignment
• Certificate of Inspection (Form TC-661) if the vehicle is newly titled in Utah and subject to inspection requirements
• Proof of liability insurance if the recipient will register the vehicle for road use
• Any lien release or authorization from the previous lienholder if a lien appears on the title

If ownership documents from another state are involved or if the out-of-state title cannot be located, the recipient may take a bill of sale to a DMV office, pay applicable fees, and obtain a temporary permit while waiting for ownership documentation to be obtained or processed.

Applicable Fees and Taxes When Gifting a Car in Utah

Utah assesses specific fees and taxes at the time of title application and vehicle registration. The following table outlines the primary fees and taxes associated with gifting and registering a motor vehicle in Utah:

Registration fees depend on vehicle type and gross vehicle weight rating. Utah Code § 41-1a-1206 establishes registration fee schedules. Passenger vehicles typically fall into weight-based categories, and fees range from a base amount. Motorcycles have separate fee schedules. The exact registration fee can be determined using the Fee Estimator tool on the Motor Vehicle Portal by entering the vehicle type, model year, gross vehicle weight, and county of registration.

For a genuine gift with no consideration exchanged, no sales or use tax is due on the vehicle itself. However, if any consideration is involved—including cash, trades, loan payoffs, or any other benefit or value—the transaction becomes a taxable sale subject to Utah sales and use tax. The applicable tax rate varies by county and locality where the vehicle will be registered. Title fees, registration fees, and other applicable fees listed in the table above will always apply to the title and registration process, regardless of whether the transfer is a gift or a sale.

Contact Information

Utah State Tax Commission Motor Vehicle Division
210 North 1950 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Phone: (801) 297-7780
Official Website: Utah Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division