Registration Renewal in Utah

1) Determine the Status of Your Registration

Vehicle owners register their cars annually. Even if you consider yourself a non-resident, state law requires you to register your car if you're employed in the state for 60 days or more. (This requirement does not apply to certain non-resident students and military personnel.)

Renew UT Registration

Whether you own a passenger car, truck, ATV, motorcycle, snowmobile, boat, or camper, you'll have to go through the registration process. Renewing the registration each year allows you to drive―and park―your vehicle(s) on state roads.

Another responsibility of vehicle owners is maintaining a minimum amount of insurance coverage on the vehicle. If you haven't found a policy that meets your budget and your needs, visit our Insurance Center online to compare quotes and companies.

To learn more about renewing your existing registration, scroll down to the section titled "Check Your Renewal Notice."

Register a Vehicle in UT for the First Time

If your vehicle wasn't previously registered in your name in the state―because you've just bought it or recently moved to the state―you'll need to apply for a new registration. You can get the full details in our section on car registration.

Register a Non-Operational Vehicle

Whether your vehicle is operational or not, you must renew the existing registration if you plan to park it on public roads. If you don't plan to drive the vehicle and choose to keep it on your private property, however, you won't need to renew registration.

If you're renewing registration on your non-operational vehicle, the procedure is exactly the same as renewing on any other vehicle. See the next sections for full details.

2) Check Your Renewal Notice

As your time to renew approaches, the DMV will typically send you a renewal notice in the mail. If you don't receive a notice, you can get all the renewal information you need when you call the DMV at (800) DMV-UTAH or, if you're in the Salt Lake City area, (801) 297-7780.

The renewal notice will give you the details you need to keep your registration current. It includes the total taxes and fees for your vehicle and a PIN number to renew online, and it also says whether you need to show safety and emissions certificates this year.

If your vehicle must pass emissions testing to renew your registration, find out all you need to know in our section on smog checks.

Go green by going paperless. Register to have your registration renewal notice sent via e-mail

3) Calculate Your Fees

The state calculates your registration renewal taxes and fees based on a number of factors, including the year and type of car, which county you live in, and the type of fuel your vehicle uses. Your renewal notice makes it easy for you, however, because it lists the specific fees and taxes for your vehicle and a total amount due at renewal.

If you didn't receive a renewal notice, or you lost it, you can call (800) DMV-UTAH for a calculation of the amount you owe. If you want general information, the DMV offers a brief overview of registration fees online―fees like the $1 Uninsured Motorist Identification Fee to protect drivers against those who don't carry the minimum liability insurance the state requires.

Avoid Late Fees and Penalties

Utah doesn't currently have a grace period for registration renewals; it does, however, provide a 15-day temporary permit if you're having a hard time completing the registration―if the car isn't passing inspection, for instance.

4) Renew Online, In Person or By Mail

Renew Online

1. Gather your renewal notice, safety and emissions certificates (if applicable), and a major credit card. If you don't have these items, you are not eligible to renew online.
2. Sign on to Renewal Express. You must enter your license plate and PIN number from your renewal notice.
3. After completing the necessary steps online, print out your temporary registration certificate. You should receive your permanent decals and registration certificate in about two weeks.

In Person

1. Have your renewal notice handy. If you didn't receive a renewal notice, contact the DMV at (800) DMV-UTAH for the fees and emissions requirements for your specific vehicle.
2. Have the required fees. Most DMV offices accept major credit and debit cards, checks, and cash.
3. Visit your local DMV office with the paperwork and fees. You don't need to make an appointment, although it could save you time if you live in a more populated area of the state. You'll get your registration certificate and decals right there.

By Mail

1. Have your renewal notice handy. If you didn't receive a renewal notice, contact the DMV at (800) DMV-UTAH for the fees and emissions requirements for your specific vehicle.
2. Mail your renewal notice, safety and emissions certification, and a check for all applicable fees to:
   • Utah State Tax Commission
   • Motor Vehicle Division
   • 210 North 1950 West
   • Salt Lake City, UT 84130
3. Expect your registration certificate and decals to arrive in the mail in about two weeks.

5) Affix Your Stickers

When you receive your stickers, place them securely on your rear license plate immediately. Refer to the information included with the stickers for correct placement.

6) Get a Tax Deduction

At this time, registration fees do not qualify for a tax deduction. Because the state does not calculate vehicle registration fees as a percentage of the car's value, the IRS statute does not apply.

For more information on income tax and deductions, consult a tax attorney.

7) Do Your Part to Keep Our Roadways Safe

Registering your car makes it legally drivable on the roads, but your responsibility doesn't end there. Make sure you protect yourself, your passengers, and other drivers and properly maintain your vehicle. Don't skimp on routine maintenance like tune ups, oil changes, tire rotation, or even periodic tire replacement.

Prepare for the unexpected when you participate in a roadside assistance program that can bail you out in a pinch. And consider finding a reputable mechanic before you need one. To help alleviate the sometimes-painful cost of car repair, check out your options in after-market auto warranties online.

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