In the state of Utah, when purchasing, selling, or registering a motor vehicle, you will need a Vehicle Bill of Sale, also known as Form TC-843. It acts as official documentation of the proof of sale. It also protects the buyer and the seller from liability should there be any issues relating to the vehicle, such as outstanding traffic tickets or an offense. Buyers will need it, along with other documentation, to register the it in their name.
Other Documentation
Alongside the bill of sale, you will need to complete Form TC-891 (Odometer Disclosure Statement) If another person is registering a vehicle for the new owner, they will be required to complete a Power of Attorney (Form TC-737).
Notarization is not required, and only the seller is required to sign it. Keep in mind that, even a notarized one does not grant ownership. You will need other documents in order to register the title in your name.
Creating a Utah Vehicle Bill of Sale
Utah provides its own bill of sale that you can download from the DMV. You may also download a template or create your own.
The document must have the following details:
- Indicate what type of vehicle it is that you are selling (passenger, motorcycle, van, light truck, trailer, etc.)
- Full legal name of the seller and contact details, including their legal address
- Full legal name and address of the buyer
- The amount that the vehicle was sold for and how it was paid for
- Details, including the make, model, year, color, VIN, and license plate number
- Signature of the seller
Registering a Vehicle in Utah
The seller must hand over the title within 28 hours from the date of sale. Once the buyer has the title and the bill of sale, signed by the seller, they can proceed to register the vehicle in their name. A newly registered one can be done in person at your county DMV office. Alternatively, you can use the UPP online registration application service, which allows you to submit documentation and print a temporary permit should you need more time.
While you are able to upload some documents to get the registration process started, you will still be required to mail the documents to the DMV. You can send your documents via express post to the Utah State Tax Commission, Motor Vehicle Division, 210 North 1950 West, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116. Alternatively, you can send documents via standard post to the Utah State Tax Commission, Motor Vehicle Division, PO Box 30412, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84130.
If you want to drop your documents off in person and complete the process, you can visit one of the DMV offices listed. You must make an appointment first.
Buyers must register their vehicle within 30 days from the date of sale. If you are a new resident in the state, you have 60 days from your date of residency to register it. You may need to have a Vehicle Inspection for safety and emissions.
Any vehicle being titled or registered for the first time must complete a VIN inspection. A Certificate of Inspection (Form TC-661), will need to be completed by an employee of the DMV, a registered peace officer, a certified safety inspector, or a licensed dealer.
Documents Required to Register a Vehicle in Utah
When registering a vehicle in your name, you will need to have the following documentation:
- A current and valid Driver’s License
- A completed Car Bill of Sale (Form TC-843)
- Certificate of Title, signed by the seller. If the title is unavailable, you may apply for a duplicate using Form TC-123.
- Application for Title (Form TC-656)
- Proof of Emissions Testing if living in the following counties: Utah, Davis, Salt Lake, Cache, or Weber
- A Certificate of Inspection for newly registered ones in the state (Form TC-661)
- For vehicles that are leased or where a third party is titling/registering, a completed Form TC-737 (Power of Attorney) must be completed.
- Proof of insurance, which must have the Minimum Requirements:
- Cover of $25,000 for death or injury, per incident
- Cover of $65,000 for death or injury of 2 or more, per incident
- Cover of $15,000 for damage to property, per incident
- Funds to pay for registration, titling, and tax fees
New vehicle owners will normally pay a tax of 7.25% of the price, as shown on the bill of sale.Title fees cost $6.00, and plate fees are $2.50.
Registration fees are as follows:
- Cars that are less than 3 years old – $150
- Cars that are between 3 and 6 years old – $110
- Cars that are between 6 and 9 years old – $90
- Cars that are more than 9 years old – $50
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