Applying for a reconstructed or an antique vehicle registration in Utah is a procedure that must be completed by owners of such vehicles if they want to drive legally on public roads.

To apply for a registration, applicants need to do so through the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Moreover, vehicle owners who want to register any special cars will be mandated to satisfy the imposed requirements such as providing the necessary paperwork and a payment for the applicable fees.

Definition of a Reconstructed or Antique Vehicle in Utah

The process of registering custom cars or obtaining antique license plates in Utah requires vehicle owners to better familiarize themselves with the type of vehicle they possess. A registration for vehicles that have been customized considerably will be compulsory for reconstructed and specially constructed vehicles.

A reconstructed vehicle has been altered from the original and has new and old parts removed, added or substituted. A specially constructed vehicle is a motor vehicle that was not originally manufactured by a recognized manufacturer with a distinctive name, make and model and has not been altered from its original construction.

Utah antique vehicle registration plates are for vehicles dating from 1973 or before, while vintage registration plates are necessary for vehicles that are at least 30 years old and used as a collector’s item, or for participating in parades, exhibitions, tours, club activities or occasional, but not daily, transportation.

An antique car registration may be also needed for special interest vehicles that are at least 20 years old. The vehicles of special interest are classified as such because they are experimental vehicles, have a make that is no longer manufactured or is limited, are used for educational purposes, or are collected, restored, maintained by a hobbyist.

Steps in the Utah Reconstructed Vehicle Registration Process

Prior to applying for a registration, owners of reconstructed or specially reconstructed vehicles need to prepare the needed paperwork and visit a local UT DMV branch in person. The procedure for titling and registering custom cars will require drivers to do the following:

  • Complete an Ownership Statement form.
  • Provide car titles of the vehicles from which were taken parts for the reconstruction of the vehicle.
  • Provide a bill of sale and receipts of the used parts.
  • Complete both an Application for Utah Motor Vehicle Identification Number form and an Application for Utah Title form.
  • Provide pictures of the vehicle from all sides and from inside.
  • Undergo safety and emissions inspections, if needed.
  • Submit payment for the applicable fees and sales tax.

Steps in the Utah Antique or Vintage Registration Plates Process

Antique, special interest or vintage registration plates are mandated when a driver owns one of these types of vehicles. Vintage cars may qualify for a vintage vehicle registration if they belong to either the 30-year vintage vehicles (from 30 to 39 years old), or to the 40-year vintage vehicles (40 years old and more).

Vintage vehicles are exempt from safety and emissions inspections, therefore drivers will only need to submit payment for the plates and for the postage and handling procedure.

The same applies to the procedure for obtaining classic license plates for a special interest vehicle. License plates for special cars may be either issued during the manufacturing year, or may be rejected and drivers will have to apply for special antique plate decals.

In a situation when the application for original antique license plates is rejected, drivers need to submit the originally issued antique plates to the DMV to have them verified, to provide a current registration card and to pay a fee of $5.

Fees to Register a Reconstructed or Antique Vehicle in Utah

The final step in the custom car registration or antique license plates procedure is providing a payment for the applicable fees. The cost of these plates is $16 for the special plate fee and $4 for postage and handling.

In a situation when you deal with rejected plates, you will be required to pay a fee of $5 for the issue of special antique plate decals. To find out more specific information about the reconstructed or classic car tag fees, contact the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles.

Note: In addition to the renewing procedure for a reconstructed or antique vehicle registration, drivers are also required to renew car registration for their standard passenger vehicles.

Last updated on Monday, March 9 2020.