Overview
For simple person-to-person sales where both parties have a smartphone, Utah's Person-to-Person Online Title Transfer (UPP) can skip the in-person DMV visit entirely. Sellers should also know that failing to notify the DMV of a sale doesn't automatically protect you - Utah's process works best when both sides complete the transfer promptly rather than relying on a separate release-of-liability filing.
01 - Official fees
Utah title transfer fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title application/transfer fee | $6.00 | |
| Duplicate title fee | $6.00 | |
| Sales tax | 6.35%–7.45% | paid at the DMV, based on price or fair market value |
| Registration (if due at the same visit) | $44.00+ | plus the vehicle's uniform age-based fee |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to transfer a title in Utah
- 1
Seller signs the title's assignment section; both names must exactly match valid ID.
- 2
Complete Form TC-656 (Application for Utah Title) with the odometer reading and sale price.
- 3
For a simple two-party sale, check whether the Person-to-Person Online (UPP) process applies - it can replace the in-person visit.
- 4
Bring the signed title, TC-656, proof of Utah insurance, and ID to any DMV office within 60 days of the sale.
- 5
Pay the $6 title fee plus sales tax (and registration, if due) in the same transaction.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Utah vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Utah title transfer FAQ
How much does it cost to transfer a title in Utah?
The title fee itself is $6 flat. The number that actually matters is sales tax - 6.35% to 7.45% of the purchase price, depending on county - plus registration if it isn't already current. The DMV collects all of it in one visit.
What's the deadline to title a vehicle after buying it in Utah?
60 days from the date of sale, under Utah Code 41-1a-703 - noticeably more generous than the 30-day window several neighboring states use.
Can I transfer a Utah title without going to a DMV office?
Often yes, through the Person-to-Person Online Title Transfer (UPP) tool, designed for straightforward private sales between two parties who both have accounts and a smartphone. More complex transfers - liens, out-of-state titles, name discrepancies - still need an in-person visit.
Do I pay sales tax again if I already paid it in another state?
Utah credits tax you can document paying to another state on the same vehicle, up to Utah's own rate - you generally only owe the difference if the other state's rate was lower, and nothing if it was equal or higher.
What if the seller never signs over the title?
Without a properly assigned title, the DMV can't issue you a new one - a bill of sale alone isn't enough for a titled vehicle. You may need a bonded title process or legal action against the seller if they've become unreachable.
Is there a title fee difference for a car I inherited?
The $6 fee is the same; the paperwork differs. Utah generally requires probate documents or, for smaller estates, an affidavit process to transfer the title without a full probate, and inherited vehicles are typically exempt from sales tax on the transfer.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.