How to transfer ownership of a car in Utah
Content
In Utah, any change of ownership of a vehicle requires a transfer of ownership. This is the process of removing the name from the name of the previous owner and placing it in the name of the current owner. The transfer of ownership must be carried out when buying or selling a vehicle, when inheriting a vehicle, as well as when donating or receiving a car. There are a few things that all parties need to know about how to transfer ownership of a car in Utah.
Information for car buyers in Utah
Note that if you are buying from a dealer, you don't have to do anything. The dealer will take care of this process and all associated fees will be factored into the final purchase price of the vehicle. However, if you are buying from a private seller, you will need to:
Make sure the seller has filled in the fields on the back of the title and handed it over to you.
Make sure the owner provides you with a bill of sale that includes all the information you need, including the date of purchase, the amount paid, a description of the car, and the name, address, and phone number of both you and the seller.
Get a release from the seller.
Complete a vehicle application for a Utah title.
If the vehicle is 9 years old or less, you must complete an Odometer Disclosure Statement.
Obtain a valid emission verification certificate from the retailer.
Bring all of this information, along with your payment of the transfer of ownership and sales tax, to the DMV office. The transfer fee is $6 and sales tax varies from city to city in the state.
Common Mistakes
- Do not get release from arrest
- Do not obtain a valid emission verification certificate
Information for car dealers in Utah
If you're selling a vehicle in Utah, you'll need to follow these steps:
Fill in the back of the title.
Sign the title to the buyer.
Give the buyer a release from the bond.
Provide the buyer with a valid emission certificate.
If the vehicle is 9 years old or younger, complete the Odometer Disclosure Statement.
Give the buyer a current registration.
Remove the license plates from the vehicle. They do not pass to a new buyer.
Notify DMV of the sale by sending a letter with a full description of the vehicle and your signature to the address below:
Motor Vehicle Division
Suspended transaction block
PO Box 30412
Salt Lake City, UT 84130
Gifting and Inheriting a Car in Utah
The gift and donation processes are the same as described above. However, if you inherit a car, state laws are complex and vary widely depending on how the property is handled. More information about this can be found on the State DMV website.
For more information on how to transfer ownership of a vehicle in Utah, visit the DMV website.
