Utah requires you to transfer the title within 10 days of buying a vehicle, and you'll do it through the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by mail or in person

When you buy a car in Utah, the title doesn't automatically move to your name. The previous owner must sign the back of the title certificate, you must complete your section, and then you send both the signed title and your payment to the DMV. The DMV processes the transfer, issues a new title in your name, and mails it to you. If you miss the 10-day window, you can still transfer it, but you may face a late fee.

The process is straightforward if you have all the documents ready before you start. Most people complete it by mail, which takes about two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. If you need the title faster or prefer to handle it in person, you can visit a DMV office in your county.

Key Takeaways

  • Utah law requires title transfer within 10 days of purchase, and the previous owner must sign the back of the title certificate before you submit it.
  • You can transfer the title by mail to the DMV or in person at any county DMV office; mail processing typically takes two to three weeks.
  • You will need the signed title, proof of ownership, a completed process form, and payment; the fee varies based on the vehicle's value and type.
  • If you buy from a private seller, you are responsible for getting their signature on the title before the 10-day important date.
  • Dealers handle title transfer for you as part of the sale, so you only need to sign documents at the dealership.

What documents you need to transfer a title in Utah

The signed title certificate is the foundation of the transfer. The previous owner must sign the back of the document in the space marked for the seller's signature. If the title is held jointly (two names listed as owners), both people must sign. If the previous owner is deceased, you will need a death certificate and may need to go through probate; contact your county DMV office for the specific steps in that situation.

You also need proof of ownership, which is usually the bill of sale or purchase agreement showing the sale price and date. The DMV uses this to calculate the transfer fee. If you bought from a dealer, they provide this documentation. If you bought privately, you and the seller should sign a bill of sale together; Utah does not require a specific form, but both parties should keep a copy for their records.

Complete the process for Utah Title and Registration (Form TC-656), which you can read from the Utah DMV website or pick up at any DMV office. Fill in your name, address, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the purchase price. Sign the form in the designated spaces. You will also need your driver's license or state ID number to complete the process.

Transfer fees and how they are calculated

Utah charges a title transfer fee based on the vehicle's purchase price. The fee is not a flat amount; it scales with the value of the vehicle. For vehicles purchased under $3,000, the fee is lower than for vehicles over $10,000. You can find the current fee schedule on the Utah DMV website, as rates are updated periodically.

If you are transferring a title more than 10 days after purchase, you will pay an additional late fee on top of the standard transfer fee. The late fee is assessed per day after the important date, so the sooner you submit your paperwork, the less you pay. If you buy a vehicle and know you will be out of state for a few days, mail your transfer packet as soon as you return.

Payment is made by check or money order made out to the Utah State Treasurer. Some DMV offices accept credit cards or debit cards in person, but mail-in transfers require a check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail.

Transferring a title by mail

Gather the signed title, completed Form TC-656, bill of sale, and your payment. Place all documents in an envelope and mail them to the Utah DMV address listed on the form. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and email address so the DMV can contact you if there are questions. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

The DMV processes mail-in transfers in the order they are received. Processing typically takes two to three weeks, but during busy periods it may take longer. Once your transfer is complete, the DMV mails the new title certificate to the address you provided on the process. You should receive it within four to six weeks of mailing your packet.

If you do not receive your title within six weeks, contact the Utah DMV by phone or through their website to check the status. Have your VIN and process date ready when you call. The DMV can tell you whether your packet was received and where it is in the queue.

Transferring a title in person at a DMV office

Every Utah county has at least one DMV office where you can transfer a title in person. Bring the signed title, completed Form TC-656, bill of sale, your driver's license, and your payment. The DMV staff will review your documents, answer any questions, and process the transfer on the spot. You will receive a receipt showing that your transfer has been submitted.

In-person transfers are processed faster than mail transfers, but you will not receive the new title when ready. The DMV still mails the title certificate to your address after processing, which takes one to two weeks. The advantage of going in person is that a staff member can catch missing information or signatures before you leave, so you do not have to resubmit documents.

DMV offices have varying hours and may have wait times, especially during lunch hours or on Fridays. Call ahead or check the Utah DMV website to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Bringing all documents in order and having your payment ready will speed up the process.

Special situations: inherited vehicles, gifts, and trade-ins

If you inherit a vehicle, the title transfer process is different and depends on whether the previous owner left a will. If the vehicle is listed in the will, you will need a copy of the will and a death certificate to transfer the title. If there is no will, Utah probate law determines who inherits the vehicle, and you will need court documents proving your right to it. Contact your county DMV office or a probate attorney for guidance, as the exact steps vary by situation.

If someone gives you a vehicle as a gift, the title transfer works the same way as a purchase, except the bill of sale will show a sale price of zero dollars. The DMV still requires a signed bill of sale or gift letter stating that the vehicle was transferred at no cost. Both the giver and receiver should sign this document. The transfer fee is still calculated based on the vehicle's fair market value, not the zero purchase price shown on the bill of sale.

If you trade in a vehicle at a dealership, the dealer handles the title transfer for the vehicle you are trading in. You sign the title over to the dealer, and they submit it to the DMV as part of their business. You do not need to mail anything or visit the DMV for a trade-in title transfer. The dealer will provide you with the title for your new vehicle at the time of sale.

What happens if the previous owner will not sign the title

If you have purchased a vehicle and the previous owner refuses to sign the title, you cannot legally transfer ownership into your name. This is a serious problem because you cannot register the vehicle, insure it, or legally drive it. Before you hand over payment, make sure the seller signs the title in front of you or at the time of sale.

If the seller has already taken your money and will not sign, you have a civil dispute that may require small claims court or an attorney. The DMV cannot force a seller to sign or transfer a title; that is a matter between you and the seller. This is why it is critical to complete the title transfer before leaving the seller's location and to keep a copy of the bill of sale as proof of the transaction.

If you are buying from a dealer and they do not provide you with a signed title or do not submit the transfer paperwork, contact the Utah Division of Consumer Protection or the Utah Attorney General's office. Dealers are required by law to handle title transfers, and failure to do so is a violation of Utah's motor vehicle dealer laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the vehicle before the title is transferred to my name?

You can drive it if you have a bill of sale and temporary registration from the seller or dealer, but you cannot legally register it in your name until the title transfer is complete. Insurance companies will not insure a vehicle you do not own, so you must complete the title transfer before you can get a policy in your name. Do not delay the transfer process.

What if I lose the title certificate before I can transfer it?

Contact the Utah DMV and request a duplicate title. You will need to provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or registration, and pay a duplicate title fee. Once you receive the duplicate, you can proceed with the transfer as normal. This adds time to the process, so request the duplicate as soon as you realize the title is missing.

Do I need to transfer the title if I buy a vehicle from a Utah dealership?

No. The dealership handles the title transfer for you as part of the sale. You sign the paperwork at the dealership, and they submit everything to the DMV. You will receive the new title in the mail within a few weeks. You are responsible for making sure the dealership actually submits the paperwork, so follow up if you do not receive your title within six weeks.

What if the vehicle has a lien on it?

If the vehicle is financed, the lender holds the title until you pay off the loan. When you buy a financed vehicle, the seller's lender must sign off on the title transfer. This is usually handled by the lender and the buyer's lender directly. Make sure your lender and the seller's lender coordinate before you take possession of the vehicle, or the title transfer will be delayed.

How long does it take to get the new title after I submit my transfer?

Mail-in transfers take two to three weeks for processing, then one to two weeks for mailing, so expect four to six weeks total. In-person transfers are processed faster, typically one to two weeks for mailing. If you need the title urgently, call the DMV to ask if they can expedite it, though this may not always be possible.