Is Inspection Required for Registration in Utah?
Utah abolished mandatory safety inspection prerequisites for passenger vehicle registration effective January 1, 2018, though safety inspection certificates remain required for specific vehicle categories, including street-legal converted vehicles and novel street-legal vehicles. Emissions testing applies to vehicles registered in five designated counties.
Emissions Inspection Program in Utah
Five Utah counties maintain active emissions testing programs: Cache, Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber. Vehicle owners domiciled in these counties must obtain passing Emissions Testing before vehicle registration and renewal. Testing frequency and vehicle eligibility vary by model year within each county according to county-specific schedules.
Utah Vehicle Registration Requirements by County and Origin
| Vehicle Origin | Registration Type | VIN Inspection | Safety Inspection | Emissions Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-state initial | Initial registration | Required | Not required | Required (5 counties) |
| Out-of-state renewal | Renewal | Not required | Not required | Required (5 counties) |
| In-state initial | Initial registration | Required | Not required | Required (5 counties) |
| In-state renewal | Renewal | Not required | Not required | Required (5 counties) |
All vehicles receiving their first Utah title or registration must complete a VIN/HIN (Hull Identification Number for watercraft) inspection through authorized DMV personnel, law enforcement officers, or county assessor offices. VIN inspections are not required for subsequent registration renewals.
Contact Information
Utah State Tax Commission – Division of Motor Vehicles
210 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84134
Phone: 801-297-7780 (Salt Lake Area); 1-800-DMV-UTAH (800-368-8824) toll-free
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (Mountain Time)
Official Website: Utah State Tax Commission
Utah Air Quality – Motor Vehicle Emissions Division (MVED)
675 South 700 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84134
Phone: 801-297-2600
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (Mountain Time)
Official Website: Emissions Inspections
