How to Complete a Bill of Sale in Utah: A Step-by-Step Guide

Younis ShuaibUpdated September 9th, 2025

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In any private vehicle sale, a handshake just isn’t enough. The most important piece of paper you’ll handle is the bill of sale — it’s the official receipt for your deal, and you need to know what to include on a bill of sale in Utah. Getting it right means the transfer of ownership will be smooth and legally sound. We’ll cover what you need for cars, motorcycles, and trailers, so you’re protected whether you’re the buyer or the seller.

When You Need a Bill of Sale in Utah

Even though the signed-over title is the final word on who owns the vehicle, a bill of sale is a critical backup. The Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) might ask for one, but you should make one for any private sale, period.

Here’s why you need a Utah bill of sale when buying or selling a car:

• Legal Backup: If you’re the seller, this paper is proof that you don’t own the vehicle anymore. If the new owner gets a parking ticket before transferring the title, this document proves you’re not responsible. For the buyer, it’s an official document that shows you own the vehicle.
• Registration and Titling: You’ll almost always need a bill of sale for the title transfer and vehicle registration. It confirms the purchase price, which the DMV uses to calculate the taxes and registration fees.
• Preventing Scams: A bill of sale stops misunderstandings or even fraudulent sales. It spells out the deal’s terms, including if the car was sold “as-is” — vital for seller protection.

What Information a Utah Bill of Sale Must Include

A legally valid vehicle bill of sale must include several key details. You could write one from scratch, but using a template or the official Utah state bill of sale (Form TC-843) is the smartest way to go so you don’t forget anything.

A bill of sale in Utah must include:

• Buyer and Seller Info: Full legal names, current addresses, and phone numbers.
• Vehicle Details: Year, make, and model, plus vehicle identification number (VIN) and body type (such as sedan or SUV)
• Odometer Reading: The mileage is required by law in a bill of sale.
• Sale Details: The purchase price and date.
• Signatures: The document isn’t legally binding without the buyer and seller’s signatures.

Optional But Recommended Details

Adding a few more details can add clarity and save you from future trouble. Most private sales are “as-is.” Including a line like, “The vehicle is sold as-is, with no warranties,” can prevent future arguments about the condition of the car. This is a big deal since Utah’s lemon law usually doesn’t apply to sales between two people.

You’ll also want to make a note of how the payment was made — cash, cashier’s check, etc. — and any lien information. A witness is also nice to have, but not necessary.

How To Complete a Utah Bill of Sale Step by Step

Filling out the sale form is simple once you have your information ready.

1. Name the Parties: Write down the full legal names and addresses for both the seller and the buyer.
2. Describe the Vehicle: Carefully record the vehicle’s year, make, and model. Check the VIN on the car and match it to the certificate of title.
3. Log the Miles: Write down the exact odometer reading. If it’s broken or you know the mileage isn’t right, you have to disclose that.
4. State the Price: Write the purchase price in both words and numbers so there’s no confusion. Don’t forget the date of the sale.
5. Sign It: Both people must sign and print their names. Without signatures, it’s not a valid contract.
6. Get it Notarized (Optional): You don’t have to get a bill of sale notarized in Utah. But a notary’s seal makes it ironclad and can help if there’s a dispute.

Where and How to File Your Completed Bill of Sale

Once the auto bill of sale from Utah is signed, both you and the other person must keep a copy. If you’re the seller, you’re done. If you’re the buyer, you’ve got a few more steps.

The buyer needs the bill of sale and other additional documents to finish the transfer of vehicle ownership. You’ll take the bill of sale, the signed title, and proof of a passed emissions inspection certificate (if your county requires one) to a local DMV office. These papers are your acceptable proof of the sale. You’ll need them to register the vehicle, pay your taxes, and get a new title with your name on it.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Filling Out a Bill of Sale

Errors in your bill of sale form can turn into big problems. Steer clear of these common slip-ups when writing a bill of sale for a car in Utah:

• Blank spaces
• Wrong VIN
• Messy, unreadable handwriting
• No signatures

You avoid these problems by double-checking everything before signing the form.

Compare Car Insurance Rates After Your Sale or Purchase

Once you have your Utah bill of sale, it’s time to protect your new vehicle with insurance. Finding cheap car insurance in Utah is easy with EverQuote’s comparison tool. Insurance options vary by zip code and driver profile, so the best way to shop is with a custom comparison of policies that meet Utah car insurance requirements and fit your budget. Compare auto insurance quotes today — it’s always free and takes just a few minutes.

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