Skip to content

Utah.gov

Menu

Español.utah.gov - Vehicles

How to Register, Inspect, and License Vehicles in Utah

What Vehicles Must Be Registered?

Utah residents must register all cars, snowmobiles, trailers (over 750 lbs.), motorcycles, boats, trucks, campers and off-highway vehicles used in the state of Utah. Nonresident students who pay nonresident tuition, certain military personnel and certain temporary workers may be exempt from registering vehicles.

[ Back to Top ]

How to Register a Vehicle

To register a vehicle, a person whose name will appear on the new title must bring the following to a DMV office:

  • Most recent registration
  • Title
  • Utah safety inspection certificate, if required (see below)
  • Utah emission certificate, if required (see below)

If the vehicle is being registered in Utah for the first time, the following is also required:

  • LSerial number (VIN) inspections
  • Form TC-656, Application to Register/Title
  • Evidence showing ownership of the vehicle

[ Back to Top ]

Safety & Emissions Inspections

All cars, trucks and on-highway motorcycles that are less than eight years old must have a safety inspection every two years, and all vehicles less than six years old in Davis, Salt Lake, Utah and Weber Counties need an emissions test every two years. Vehicles with odd-numbered model years are inspected in odd-numbered years, and vehicles with even-numbered model years are inspected in even-numbered years. Vehicles with model years eight years old and older must pass safety inspections every year, and vehicles six years old and older in the above counties must pass an emissions test every year. New vehicles, motorcycles, vehicles made in 1967 or earlier, and boats, are exempt from emission testing requirements.

Inspections must be made no earlier than two months before registration. If repair work is required, it can be done by anyone, and if vehicles are repaired within 15 days, the inspection station is required to recheck the vehicle at no additional cost.

The maximum fee for a safety inspection is:

  • $9.00 for motorcycles;
  • $17.00 for cars, trucks, trailers, buses;
  • $22.00 for four-wheel drive and larger vehicles.

The maximum fee for an emissions test in Davis and Weber counties is $25. The maximum fee in Salt Lake and Utah counties is not set, but the average is $25. The counties also charge a fee, due when registering, that ranges from $1 to $10, depending on the county and type of vehicle.

[ Back to Top ]

Licensing Vehicles - General Information

All registered vehicles in Utah must display license plates. Utah has two standard-issue plates and a variety of special plates available, and most plate styles can be personalized.

[ Back to Top ]

Lost Plates

When a plate is lost or stolen, it may be replaced with a plate of the same type for a fee of $10.00. To replace a lost or stolen plate, go to a DMV office with the most recent registration card.

Plate replacements can also be obtained by mail. To do this, send in a written request, a copy of the registration certificate, and a check/money order for $13.00 made out to "Utah State Tax Commission" to:

Division of Motor Vehicles
Mail and Correspondence
210 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84134

[ Back to Top ]

Temporary Permits

When a vehicle is purchased from a dealer, a temporary 30-day permit is issued by the dealer for use until new license plates are issued. The dealer has 30 days to deliver the registration and plates to the new owner.

[ Back to Top ]

Replacing a Lost Vehicle Title

To replace a lost title, complete Form TC-123, Duplicate Title Application. This form can be obtained at any Motor Vehicle office or online at dmv.utah.gov. The Duplicate Title Application must be signed by an owner of record and may require a release of lien from previous lien holders. The fee for a duplicate title is $6.00.

[ Back to Top ]

Problems with Dealers

The Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division (MVED) regulates automobile dealerships and similar businesses, and investigates motor vehicle-related crimes. If you feel you have been cheated in a car deal or have a complaint about a dealer, you can contact the MVED:

Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division
Utah State Tax Commission
210 N. 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84134
Phone: 801.297.2600
Email: mved@utah.gov

[ Back to Top ]

DMV Offices and Contact Information

Local DMV offices are listed on this page: http://dmv.utah.gov/contact.html#offices

To contact the DMV by telephone or email:

(801) 297-7780 (Salt Lake area) -or-
toll free 1-800-DMV-UTAH (800-368-8824)
Telephone hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
email: dmv@utah.gov

[ Back to Top ]

All foreign language content on this Web site appears in compliance with Utah Code § 63-13-1.5.

Back to Top