Utah Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
Utah makes private party vehicle sales relatively straightforward, with one of the lowest title fees in the nation at just $6. A bill of sale is a key part of any vehicle transaction in the Beehive State, providing the official record of the sale that the Utah DMV uses to calculate sales tax and verify the transfer details.
The Utah Division of Motor Vehicles handles title transfers and registration. Utah uses an age-based registration fee structure, meaning newer vehicles pay more to register than older ones. The state also requires safety inspections and, in several populated counties along the Wasatch Front, emissions testing as well.
While Utah does not require notarization for the bill of sale or the title, the state does require buyers to obtain insurance within 48 hours of the purchase and to complete registration within 60 days. The combined sales tax rate (state plus local) can range from 6% to 9% depending on your location, so it's worth checking the rate for your county before finalizing the purchase.
4.85%
State sales tax
60 Days
Registration deadline
No
Notarization required
Select
Emissions (counties)
Utah DMV Requirements
Utah's vehicle transfer process is managed by the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles. Here are the essential requirements for a successful private party transfer.
Important: 48-Hour Insurance Requirement
Utah law requires the buyer to obtain auto insurance within 48 hours of purchasing a vehicle. You cannot legally drive an uninsured vehicle, even temporarily. Make sure to arrange insurance before or immediately after completing the sale. The registration and title transfer must be completed within 60 days.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Vehicle Title: The seller must sign the assignment section on the back of the title, filling in the buyer's name, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading
- Bill of Sale: A completed bill of sale documenting the transaction (buyer/seller details, vehicle information, VIN, price, signatures)
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement — the mileage and its accuracy must be recorded on the title
- Lien Release: If the vehicle had a loan, a lien release from the lender is required
What the Buyer Must Bring to the DMV
- Signed Title: With the seller's signature and completed assignment
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both parties
- Valid Photo ID: Utah driver's license or state-issued ID
- Proof of Insurance: Utah minimum liability coverage
- Safety Inspection: Current passing safety inspection certificate
- Emissions Inspection: Required in Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, Weber, and Cache counties
- Payment: Title fee ($6), age-based registration ($44-$150), and sales tax (4.85% state + local)
How to Fill Out a Utah Vehicle Bill of Sale
Follow these six steps to properly complete your Utah vehicle bill of sale. Our template guides you through each field to ensure a smooth title transfer at the Utah DMV.
Enter Seller Information
Provide the seller's full legal name exactly as shown on the Utah title, current mailing address, and phone number. If the title lists multiple owners, check the conjunction — "and" means all listed owners must sign, while "or" allows any single owner to complete the sale.
Enter Buyer Information
Provide the buyer's full legal name as it should appear on the new Utah title, current address, and contact information. The buyer's county of residence determines whether emissions testing is required and what local tax rate applies to the purchase.
Describe the Vehicle
Record the year, make, model, body style, and exterior color. Enter the full 17-character VIN from the dashboard or door jamb. Verify the VIN matches the title exactly — even a single digit discrepancy will prevent the DMV from processing the transfer. Include the license plate number if the vehicle is currently registered in Utah.
Record the Odometer Reading
Document the current odometer mileage and indicate whether the reading is accurate, exceeds mechanical limits, or does not reflect the actual mileage. This is a federal requirement under NHTSA regulations. Vehicles 20 years old or older and those with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs may be exempt from odometer disclosure.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed sale price in both numbers and words. Utah's DMV uses this figure to calculate sales tax. If the vehicle is a gift, write "$0 — Gift." Be aware that Utah may assess tax based on fair market value if the stated price is significantly below the vehicle's value, particularly for non-family transfers.
Sign and Date
Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. Print at least two copies for each party's records. Utah does not require notarization of the bill of sale or the title assignment. The buyer should arrange insurance within 48 hours and visit the Utah DMV within 60 days to complete the title transfer and registration.
Utah Title Transfer Process
After completing the bill of sale and signing the title, the buyer needs to visit a Utah DMV office or participating county clerk to finalize the transfer. Utah's low title fee and straightforward process make it one of the easier states for vehicle transfers.
Complete the Sale
Sign the bill of sale, sign the title assignment, exchange payment and keys
Get Insurance (Within 48 Hours)
Obtain Utah minimum liability insurance — this is required before you can legally drive the vehicle
Get Safety & Emissions Inspections
Obtain a passing safety inspection and emissions test (if in Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, Weber, or Cache county)
Visit the Utah DMV
Bring the signed title, bill of sale, inspection certificates, proof of insurance, and photo ID
Pay Fees and Taxes
Title fee ($6), age-based registration ($44-$150), and sales tax (4.85% state + local)
Utah Vehicle Sales Tax & Fees
Utah has a 4.85% state sales tax rate, but local taxes can push the total to 9% in some areas. Utah is notable for its extremely low $6 title fee and an age-based registration fee structure that reduces costs for older vehicles.
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 4.85% of sale price |
| Local / County Tax | 1.15-4.15% additional (varies by location) |
| Title Transfer Fee | $6 |
| Registration Fee | $44 - $150 (based on vehicle age) |
| Safety Inspection | $15 - $30 (varies by shop) |
| Emissions Inspection | $25 - $40 (select counties only) |
| Duplicate Title | $6 (if title is lost) |
Sample Utah Vehicle Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Utah-specific vehicle bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by the Utah DMV for a smooth title transfer.
STATE OF UTAH
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Utah Address]
County: [County]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Utah Address]
County: [County]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Utah Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Utah vehicle bills of sale, title transfers, and DMV requirements.
Official Utah Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify requirements, find your nearest DMV office, and access government forms for your Utah vehicle transaction.
Utah Division of Motor Vehicles
Title transfers, registration, and fee information
Utah State Tax Commission — Sales Tax
Sales tax rates by location and exemptions
Utah Safety & Emissions Inspections
Inspection requirements by county and vehicle age
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
Other Utah Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Utah? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
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Utah Trailer Bill of Sale
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Utah Firearm Bill of Sale
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Utah General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Utah ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Utah Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Utah Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Utah Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Utah-compliant document in minutes. Accepted at all Utah DMV offices.
No account required. Free to create and preview.