Title Transfers

A vehicle's title indicates who owns it. When you buy (or pay off the lease for) a vehicle, the dealer, previous owner, or lienholder will transfer the title to you. If you leased the vehicle from an out-of-state lienholder or leasing company, then the lienholder will retain the title until the lease is paid off. Either way, you will register the vehicle in Utah in your name.

You do not need to have a driver's license in order to hold the title to a vehicle.

Vehicles That Must Be Titled

• Cars

• Trucks

• Motorcycles

• Off-highway vehicles 1988 and newer

• Snowmobiles 1988 and newer

• Watercraft 1985 and newer

• Trailers 751 pounds or more unladen weight

How to Apply for a Title Transfer

When you buy a vehicle from a dealer, the dealer will have 30 days to issue you (or the lienholder) a title. Otherwise, go to your local DMV office and provide the following paperwork to obtain the title yourself:

• Form TC-656 (Application for Utah Title).

• Proof of ownership such as a bill of sale, the previous owner's vehicle title signed over to you, or previous registration.

• Vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection.

• Odometer statement for vehicles less than 10 years old.

• Sales and use tax based on the purchase price, which should be listed on the title being transferred or bill of sale (this is a one-time-only tax).

• Title fee of $6.

• At least one person whose name will appear on the new title.

If an out-of-state lienholder or leasing company holds your vehicle title, you will register your vehicle in Utah but not title it.

If you lease your vehicle, you will need the authority to register on behalf of the leasing company. Bring the power of attorney form provided by your leasing company and Utah sales tax number when you register it.

For more information, visit the DMV's Vehicle Titles page, and also read Publication 9, How to Register and Title Your Vehicle in Utah.

Transfer Among Family and Friends

Even if you receive a car as a gift from a friend or family member, you'll still need to go through the usual steps to transfer ownership. Make sure that the person giving you the vehicle officially transfers the title to you (see instructions above). You will also need to complete a bill of sale that includes the purchase price (in this case, zero dollars).

The amount of sales tax you'll be required to pay is determined by the purchase price―if you go to the DMV to register your new vehicle without the bill of sale, your sales tax will instead be based on the fair market value of the vehicle, as determined by the State Tax Commission.

Adding, Deleting, or Changing Names

If you need to change your legal name on the document or add or remove someone from your title due to marriage, divorce, or even the death of a co-owner of the vehicle, you must complete an Application for Utah Title and check the proper box at the top of the form (for example, Corrected Title or Change of Ownership). You should be prepared with accompanying paperwork―such as certified copies of a divorce or marriage certificate, or copies of a will or other testamentary designating you as a legal heir―when applicable.

Also find general registration information in our Car Registration section.