How to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Utah

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A title transfer is required in Utah to prove ownership if you bought a new or used car. The title transfer is required if you sold, donated, or gifted your car, too.

You will visit a Utah County DMV office in this process.

The transfer is easy requiring a few steps filing info, paying fees, and submitting paperwork. Below, you’ll learn how to complete a private sale title transfer and the alternatives.

Utah Auto Title Transfers: How It’s Done

Selling your vehicle or buying one through a private sale?

Your best bet is having both parties go to the local clerk’s office to avoid any potential issues. The process is largely the same between seller and buyer with a few exceptions – below, you’ll find a general overview of the process.

This is the process (including both parties):

  1. Retrieve the vehicle’s title or request a duplicate title
    1. Note: You may need a lien release from the current owner
    2. Or: Provide a lien release to the buyer (if you’re the owner)
  2. Fill the title transfer section on the Utah certificate of title – including:
    1. Full legal name and address of buyer and owner
    2. Date of sale (month, day, and year)
    3. Purchase date/price
    4. Vehicle description and VIN
  3. Complete the Vehicle Application for Utah Title (TC-656)
    1. Owner/applicant information
    2. Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (if applicable)
    3. Odometer declaration (if less than 10 years old)
    4. Application signatures
  4. Complete a Bill of Sale (TC-843)
  5. Submit a safety/emissions inspection certificate (if applicable)
  6. Bring the necessary, personal documents:
    1. Proof of identification
    2. Proof of insurance
    3. Documents stating any liens have been paid
    4. Statement of lien satisfaction
  7. Pay the taxes and fees
    1. Title: $6
    2. Taxes: Varies

* The title transfer may happen when receiving a duplicate title.

Always keep copies of the bill of sale for record-keeping. Congratulations, you’ve completed the Utah title transfer application and switched ownership of the vehicle!

Alternative Title Transfers in Utah

Utah wants to know when titles are transferred outside of private sales whether buying from a car lot or passing the vehicle & title around family and friends.

Buying from Dealerships

Dealerships will process your title & registration, sending documents to their appropriate locations. If they don’t, request the forms and deliver them to a UT DMV. They will complete the title application form and do the process as noted in the section above.

Out-of-State Vehicles

Bringing a vehicle from another state requires you to file Vehicle Application for Utah Title, provide the title certificate, and pay your taxes and title fees. If the vehicle is leased, you may need to provide a power of attorney and bill/tax statement.

You should also get Utah auto insurance before you decide to get on state roads.

Inheriting a Vehicle

Inheriting a vehicle from a deceased family member is wholly dependent on the situation. However, much of the process involves what you’ll do during a private sale. You will likely need to provide proof of the inheritance such as submitting the death certificate of the giver.

Gifted/Donated Vehicles

You will complete the process much like transferring a title through private sales. Except, you’ll typically be eligible for a tax credit because it’s gifted/donated. Work with your chosen non-profit to find the best way to donate your vehicle in Utah.