How to Register a Vehicle in Utah

Younis ShuaibUpdated September 4th, 2025

Share

• 
• 
• 

If you own a car in Utah, getting it properly registered is a must. Whether you're new to the state, buying your first car, or transferring a title, understanding the Utah vehicle registration process will help you avoid delays and fines.

This guide has everything you need to know about how to register a vehicle in Utah. We’ll go over who needs to register, what paperwork is required, how emissions and safety inspections work, what it costs, and tips to make the process smoother.

Who Needs To Register a Vehicle in Utah?

You need to register a vehicle in Utah if:

• You recently moved to Utah and brought your car with you.
• You bought a new or used car from a dealership or private seller.
• You’re transferring ownership, such as from a family member or after a sale.
• Your current registration has expired and needs renewal.

Even temporary vehicle ownership, such as borrowing or inheriting a car, may require you to update registration if you’ll be driving it regularly.

What Documents You’ll Need To Register Your Vehicle

Before heading to the DMV or beginning your vehicle registration online, you will want to have the right paperwork and other items in hand. Here's what is usually required:

• Title or proof of ownership
• Most recent registration
• Vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection (only vehicles coming from a different state)
• Valid driver’s license or state-issued ID
• Emissions and/or safety inspection certificates, if needed
• Odometer statement
• Proof of Utah car insurance
• Utah state vehicle inspection and emissions certificates, where required
• Payment method to pay sales/use tax and motor vehicle title fees

Utah Emissions and Safety Inspection Requirements

Depending on your vehicle type and where you live in Utah, you may need to pass an emissions or safety inspection — sometimes both — before registering.

Emissions Tests

These are required in:

• Salt Lake County
• Davis County
• Utah County
• Weber County
• Cache County

Emissions test requirements vary by county. Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber counties require emissions testing on vehicles two to six years old every two years. However, vehicles six years and older require emission testing annually. Vehicles under two years old are exempt.

Cache County only requires emission testing every two years on vehicles that are six years old or older. However, vehicles from 1968 and older are exempt from emission testing requirements.

Safety Inspections

Utah doesn’t require annual safety inspections on most cars. However, if you convert a vehicle from a salvage title to a rebuilt title, it must go through a safety inspection before registration.

How To Register a Vehicle in Person or Online

You have two main ways to complete the state of Utah vehicle registration: in person or online.

In Person

To register in person:

1. Visit a DMV office near you.
2. Bring all your documents, including proof of insurance and ID.
3. Complete the required forms, available at the office or online.
4. Pay your registration fee and any additional costs.

Appointments aren't always necessary, but they’re a good idea — especially in busy areas.

Online

There is an online registration option, but it is only available for registration renewals. This is the easiest way to renew a vehicle registration, and you can complete it through Utah’s vehicle registration online system.

To register online:

1. Go to the Utah DMV Renew Online portal and click “Renew Your Registration.”
2. Enter the license plate number and PIN found on the renewal notice.
   1. If you lack a renewal notice, enter the owner’s last name, the license plate number, the last eight digits of the VIN, and your ZIP code.
3. Click “Start Renewal”
4. Upload any required documents (if prompted).
5. Pay the registration fee.

You will receive your updated registration and license plate sticker by mail. This is a convenient option for renewals and simple registrations.

Utah Vehicle Registration Fees and Costs

The cost to register your vehicle depends on a few factors:

• Vehicle type
• Weight
• County of residence
• License plate type

Here’s a rough breakdown for a passenger vehicle:

• Age-Based Fee: $10 to $150
• Registration Fee: $73.50
• Corridor Fee (Select Counties): $10
• Air Pollution Control Fee: $2 to $3
• Automobile Driver Education Fee: $2.50
• Uninsured Motorist Identification Fee: $1.00
• Optional Alternative Fuel Vehicle Road Usage Charge: $10 to $120

You’ll also need to add sales and use tax if the vehicle is newly purchased and hasn’t had tax paid elsewhere. To make compliance easier, set up automatic renewal or look out for your renewal notice each year in the mail.

Compare Car Insurance Options Before You Register

Before registering your vehicle, you must show proof of insurance that meets Utah car insurance requirements. But just because Utah car insurance is required doesn’t mean you should settle for the first policy you come across.

The rates for Utah car insurance policies vary by driver, ZIP code, and coverage level, so it's smart to compare custom quotes with EverQuote before heading to the DMV. This ensures you get cheap car insurance in Utah that meets your needs.

FAQs