How to Get a Utah License Plate: A Complete Guide for Drivers

Younis ShuaibUpdated September 3rd, 2025

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It may feel like a bit of a hassle to get your Utah license plate, but it’s a must-do for any driver in the Beehive State. Whether you’re a new resident, just bought a sweet new ride, or had the unfortunate luck of losing a plate, you will have to go through the Utah Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

This guide breaks down the entire process for you, including the application steps, emissions tests, and expected fees. Learn how to get your car legally on the road and how to protect it with the best Utah insurance.

Utah License Plate Application Process

Getting your Utah plates is pretty straightforward. The journey will start with a trip to your local DMV office. Here’s a checklist of what you should bring along:

• Your application (Form TC-656): Fill out the form titled Vehicle Application for Utah Title.
• Proof you own the car: This is usually the vehicle’s title. If the car is brand new, you’ll need the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin instead.
• Your ID: A valid driver’s license or another government-issued photo ID will do the trick.
• Inspection certificates: Depending on where you live and the age of your car, you might need to get safety and/or emissions inspections done first (see below for more details).
• Proof of insurance: As the vehicle owner, you must prove you meet the minimum Utah car insurance requirements.

Once you hand over your paperwork and pay the fees, you’ll get a temporary permit to use until your license plate is mailed to you (make sure your mailing address is up to date).

Special and Personalized Plates

The state of Utah license plates catalog is vast. You can choose from special group plates that support local universities, conservation efforts, military veterans, and other organizations. Most require an extra donation that goes straight to the organization. Check out all plate designs on Utah's Motor Vehicle Division website to see what’s available and if there are any extra eligibility steps necessary.

You can also show off a little personality with a custom license plate in Utah. Create your own message with up to seven characters. Just make sure it’s tasteful and not already claimed by someone else.

Emissions Testing Requirements in Utah

If you live in the counties of Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, Weber, or Cache, you will need to do emissions testing. This is a required step designed to keep Utah’s air clean. For model years less than six years old, you’ll need a test every two years. Any vehicle from 1967 or older is exempt.

You have to get the test done at a certified station before you can register your car or renew it. They’ll give you a certificate to submit with your application. If your car doesn’t pass, you’ll have to get it fixed and retested before you can get your Utah license plate.

Title Status and Vehicle Eligibility

The status of your vehicle’s title plays a big part in getting a new license plate in Utah. If you have a "clean" title, it means the car has never been written off as a total loss by an insurance company, and you can follow the standard registration process.

Things get a bit more complicated if the title is marked as "salvage" or "rebuilt." A salvage title means the vehicle was seriously damaged. You can't legally drive a car with a salvage title. It needs to be professionally repaired and then pass a thorough inspection. Once it passes, it gets a "rebuilt" title, which allows you to register it and get Utah plates.

Registration Fees and Payment Options

The cost for your Utah license plate depends on your car's age, its weight, where you live, and if you opt for a specialty plate.

Here’s a rough idea of the fees you can expect:

• Registration: This annual fee varies based on your vehicle.
• Title: This is a small, one-time fee to get the title in your name.
• Plate: This is the cost for the physical metal license plates.
• Property Tax/Age-Based Fee: This annual fee is based on how old your car is.
• Sales Tax: If you just bought the car, this will be part of your registration cost.

You can pay with cash, check, or credit/debit card at most DMV offices. To avoid surprises, double-check all fees on the DMV’s website before you go.

How To Renew Your Utah License Plate

The DMV is pretty reliable with mailing out reminders before your renewal dates. They offer a few easy ways to renew:

• Online: Using the Renewal Express website, this is the quickest method of renewal.
• In-person: Head to a DMV office or a participating On The SPOT renewal station.
• By mail: Fill out the form from your renewal notice and mail it in with a check.

Don't put your renewal off! Getting caught with expired tags can lead to fines and other license plate violations.

Replacement and Lost License Plates

If your plates get lost, stolen, or just plain mangled, you need to get a replacement right away. Driving without plates is a surefire way to get pulled over.

Go to the DMV and fill out an application for a duplicate. Bring your current registration and ID. If you think your plates were stolen, you should file a police report.

Compare Car Insurance Options After Registration

Now that you have your new Utah license plate, it’s time to get the best insurance. You had to show proof of insurance to get registered, but that doesn’t mean you have the best deal. Utah car insurance policies can differ wildly. It’s best to compare policies to find cheap car insurance in Utah that offers fair protection. Use EverQuote’s comparison tool to find the best deals and greatest options for you.

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