Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there times I won’t be allowed to renew registration?
Failure to pass a car safety inspection will result in failure to obtain a renewed car registration in Utah. In this case, a temporary vehicle registration or an extension of a vehicle registration may be given until the vehicle is eligible to pass safety/emission inspections.

Temporary permits can be obtained at a local DMV office upon demonstrating proof of ownership, insurance, identification and the required registration fees, including a $6 temporary permit fee, which is subject to change.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Utah

Can somebody else renew my registration for me?
A representative may renew car registration on behalf of the owner. A representative may not, however, make any changes on file. When renewing the registration, the representative must complete any necessary forms, submit any documents, and pay all required fees. For more information on representatives, registration changes, or registration renewals contact the DMV office at 801-297-7780.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Utah

Do boats need to be registered?
Motor-powered or sail-operated watercraft vehiclesthat navigate in Utah waters must be registered with the DMV. A mandatoryUtah vehicle registration fee is required upon application and an annual fee is required thereafter. If a vehicle/motorboat is 50 HP or more then it is mandatory for it to be insured.

To register watercraft vehicles, the following may be required:

  • Age-based uniform fee
  • Registration fees

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Utah

Do I need to file a police report if my registration was lost or stolen?
A police report is not required by the DMV after a lost or stolen car registration, but it is recommended that the theft be reported to a local law enforcement office. After reporting the incident, the DMV should be notified before administering a UT replacement car registration. To pick up a duplicate car registration, upon arrival at a local DMV office provide the necessary documentation and fees.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Utah

Do I need to return my license plate if I move out of the state?
License plates do not need to be returned upon moving. However, if the license plate indicates specific services that are no longer necessary (i.e. disability plates) then the plate must be surrendered at a motor vehicle office.

Failure to return a canceled, suspended, voided, or revoked license plate to the DMV will result in a class C misdemeanor. License plates may also be donated to the DMV office for license plate collection.

Do I need to turn in my damaged registration?
It is not necessary that a damaged car registration be returned to the DMV. A duplicate Utah vehicle registration can be obtained a local DMV office by providing appropriate documentation and fees, which include:
  • A duplicate registration fee (depending on the vehicle type)
  • A copy of the recent registration or license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Utah

Does a motorized scooter need to be registered?
All motor vehicles must be registered under Utah state law. A motorized scooter may be considered a small motor vehicle if its engine is less than150 cubic centimeters or has a motor with a horsepower of five or less.

To register a motorized scooter, the following may be required:

  • Utah safety inspection certificate
  • Age-based uniform fee
  • Registration fees

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Utah

Does my vehicle qualify for a smog inspection?
The state of Utah demands that, based on age, vehicles pass emission tests in specific time periods. The emission certificate is a condition of car registration and must be submitted to the DMV upon inspection.

A vehicle may qualify for an emission inspection if:

  • The model year is less than six years old (required once every two years).
  • The model year is six years old and older than from the year 1967 (required every year).

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Utah

How can I renew my vehicle registration?
In Utah, you can use four different methods in order to renew your vehicle registration: online, at inspection stations, at a local DMV office or by mail.

To renew a car registration online, use the Utah DMV secure online service. In order to renew online, the following will be required:

  • Ownership of the vehicle
  • Certificates of safety and/or emission tests (if applicable)
  • Valid online payment method
  • Provide last name, zip code, plate and VIN

Upon completing inspections at a certified safety and inspection station, a full DMV car registration renewal can be administered.

To renew at a local DMV office arrive by appointment or by walk-in, with inspection certificates and the required registration renewal fee payment.

For renewal via mail, mail the following to the Utah State Tax Commission Motor Vehicle Division, P.O. Box 30412, Salt Lake City, UT 84130:

  • Registration renewal notice
  • Registration fee payment
  • Certificates of safety and/or emission tests (if applicable)

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Utah

How can I transfer my registration to another state?
To transfer a Utah car registration to another state, the Utah DMV suggests first contacting the state to which you are moving to. The state requirements for vehicle registration in Utah may differ from others. The fees paid to the Utah DMV are not transferable to other states. Thus, in order to gain a new registration in another state, it is recommended to contact the local DMV of that specific state for procedures and requirements.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Utah

How do I apply for a disabled person parking placard or plates?
To qualify for a disable person parking placard or plates, the applicant must meet Utah “disabled” person standards as defined by state law. Applicants with disabilities can apply for disabled person’s license plates or placards via mail or by visiting a local DMV office.

To apply via mail,provide the following documents:

If applying at a DMV office, provide the following documentation:

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Utah

How do I file a police report if my car registration was stolen?
In the case of a stolen car registration a police report may be filed. A stolen car registration may jeopardize an identity or the vehicle itself. If there is any belief that a car registration has be stolen, contact a law enforcement office immediately and report the theft.

Law enforcement offices may be contacted via phone or in person. Certain Utah counties provide online reporting systems as well.

For more information: How to replace a Vehicle Registration in Utah

How do I obtain a duplicate car registration?
A duplicate car registrationin Utah can be obtained if a car registration is damaged, lost, or stolen. To obtain aduplicate Utah vehicle registration, visit a local DMV office and provide the following documents:
  • Payment for the duplicate registration fee (depending on the vehicle type)
  • A copy of the recent registration or license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Utah

How do I obtain car registration?
In Utah, all vehicles must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Utah residents must register vehicles for in-state use; exemptions may apply to non-residents.

To obtain a Utah car registration, the following must be presented to a local DMV office:

  • Completed Application to Register
  • Inspection certificates
  • Evidence of ownership documents

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Utah

If I do not renew on time, will there be an additional fee?
A vehicle may be impounded for having an expired car registration. To be released from the impound lot, the applicant must contact the DMV for a 15-day temporary permit and impound release. Upon payment of required fees, including an additional $6 permit fee, the vehicle must complete all the necessary inspections. The applicant may then go to a local DMV office to collect plates and decals with proper inspection documentation.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Utah

Is there a different process I must follow if I lost personalized plates?
The procedure for a replacement personalized plate varies from that of a car registration. To obtain a personalized plate replacement, the following may be mailed or presented ata local DMV office:

The personalized replacement plate may arrive within four weeks of placing the order.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Utah

Should I carry the registration on me or in the car?
The Utah Motor Vehicle Act requires that after registering cars, the registration card be signed, carried, and exhibited.

The law entails:

  • The owner of the vehicle must sign the registration card.
  • The registration card must becarried in the vehicle of issuance at all times
  • The registration cardmust be presented and displayed upon demand of an officer.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Utah

What are the most common reasons why I would need to replace my registration?
It is important that when necessary, vehicle registrations be replaced as soon as possible. The Utah car registration copy is required to be carried in the vehicle of issuance at all times and must be presented upon demand of a law enforcement officer.Vehicles registrations are usually replaced when the registration has been:
  • Lost
  • Stolen
  • Damaged

For more information:How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Utah

What are the required fees for my vehicle registration?
The required fees for registering a car may vary. The state of Utah requires vehicles to be subject to either an age-based uniform fee or a 1.0 or 1.5 percent uniform fee. Fees depend on the type of vehicle, the model year, length and weight.

Fees must be paid upon vehicle registration. When paid, plates and/or decals will be administered and must be removed and returned if the vehicle is sold.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Utah

What are the required fees to get replacement registration?
After all required documentation has been given, the DMV office will require a replacement registration fee. The replacement fees vary depending on the vehicle and are as follows:
  • $4 motor vehicle and watercraft replacement registration fee (subject to change)
  • $3 off-highway vehicle replacement registration fee (subject to change)

Only in very limited situations are registration fees refundable for refund and may be completed upon contacting a local county assessor.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Utah

What are the required fees to renew my registration?
An annual UT car registration renewal fee is required for each vehicle. Each vehicle is subject to a different fee. Vehicles may be listed for age-based fees or may be subject to a uniform fee in lieu of property tax. The vehicle weight, county, year, and other determinants decide fee value. To infer about a vehicle s the exact registration fee contact the DMV at 801-297-7780 or 1-800-DMV-UTAH.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Utah

What documents do I need to present to get a replacement car registration?
Complying with the required fees and documentation asked by the DMV will result in a UT replacement car registration. When replacing a car registration, one of the following copies must be brought in to a local DMV office:
  • Most recent registration
  • License plate number
  • Vehicle Identification Number

Upon giving these documents a required fee (depending on vehicle type) will be needed to administer the duplicate registration.

For more information:How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Utah

What documents do I need to present to get new registration?
In order to obtain a Utah DMV car registration, you must present the following documents to the Utah DMV:
  • Inspection certificates:
    • Safety certificate
    • Emission certificate
  • Evidence of ownership:
    • Vehicle title
    • Bill of Sale
    • Most recent car registration

Please note that if being titledand registered the first time, the VIN serial number inspection is also required.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Utah

What documents do I need to present to renew my car registration?
For a complete Utah car registration renewal, valid evidence of car inspection is necessary. Certificates of safety and/or emission inspection must be provided. The certificates will be administered upon vehicle inspection at local inspection stations. The certificates, when administered, may be mailed or taken to a local DMV office.Utah inspection stations have the ability to renew the car registration “on the spot” upon issuing the certificates of safety and/or emission inspection.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Utah

What should I do if I have not received my registration tags or stickers?
The renewed registration and the decal will be administered approximately 15 days after the necessary fees have been paid. If the registration and decal has not arrived in the mail within 15 days, it is recommended that the applicant contact the DMV for further instructions. The DMV telephone hours are between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. They can be reached at 801-297-7780 or 800-368-8824.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Utah

When does my car registration expire?
Car registrations must be renewed annually and are based on the first registration date. To renew expired car registrations, a safety and/or emission inspection is required.

The registration expiration and the inspection expirations may not be in the same year. Usually, vehicles with whose model year is an even number must have a safety and emissions inspection completed in an even year, and vehicles with odd model years in odd years.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Utah

Where can I find a local tax county collector office?
The state of Utah does not require a car registration replacement to be administered at a local tax county collector s office. The duplicate car registration can be administered at a local DMV office. Upon arrival, provide the following:
  • A duplicate registration fee (depending on the vehicle type)
  • A copy of the recent registration or license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Utah

Will I need to fill out an application to replace my car registration?
No application is necessary to apply for a duplicate car registration in Utah. To replace a lost car registration, the only documents needed are one of the following:
  • Most recent registration
  • License plate number
  • Vehicle Identification Number

Aside from any one of these documents, the applicable registration renewal will also be needed.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Utah

Will I receive a renewal registration notice in the mail?
Renewal notices are mailed out as reminders of Utah car registration renewal. The notices are usually set to arrive weeks before the registration expires and are not necessary to renew a registration, but allows access to renew the registration online or by mail.

The renewal notice may be returned to the DMV via mail, along with the required fees and necessary inspection certificates, to complete registration renewal. The renewal notice contains a PIN number that can be used to renew the registration online.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Utah

Will my registration expire on my birthday or birth month?
Car registration is based on the original date of vehicle registration and titling. The expiration date will be noted on the vehicle registration of the current vehicle. Car registrations must be renewed annually via mail, in person, or online. Contact a local DMV office for more information on how to renew car registration at 801-297-7780.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Utah