A DMV license plate in Utah is more than a way to accessorize a car. This vital metal document provides proof that the vehicle has passed state-mandated tests to achieve roadworthiness and has been legally registered in Utah. When a car bears valid UT car registration plates, it also provides an easy way for law enforcement officers to identify a vehicle and its driver.

Utah law requires drivers to get license plate tags promptly on newly purchased vehicles. Learn more about obtaining new license plates, renewals, replacements and tag transfers by reading the details outlined below.

Types of License Plates in Utah

There are multiple types of new registration plates available in Utah. Each of the following license plates serves a different purpose or represents a different organization:

  • Standard-issue DMV license plates appear on most Utah vehicles, and the DMV offers three standard designs. Choose from In God We Trust, Life Elevated Skier or Life Elevated Arches designs.
  • Special Group plates feature designs that honor or recognize specific groups of people or generate funds for various causes. Utah offers dozens of special group plates, which includes collegiate and military-themed designs.
  • Personalized car registration plates in Utah are available on standard-issue plates and certain special group plates and feature a custom arrangement of letters and numbers.
  • Disabled License Plates and placards are issued by the UT DMV to individuals with disabilities that hinder mobility to such a degree that access to accessible parking spots is required.
  • Antique DMV license plates are available to owners of vehicles dated 1973 and older who wish to display the license plate design that was current in the year that the car was manufactured.
  • Exempt license plates have a bold “EX” on the tag and appear only on publicly-owned vehicles.

How to Get a License Plate in Utah

To obtain new registration tags in Utah, you can apply for them in person at your local DMV office. Brand-new vehicles are exempt from safety and emissions inspections, but other cars and trucks require them before the state will issue a registration.

You will also have to show proof of insurance, a valid driver license and proof of ownership. You may also apply for certain types of plates online through the official UT online portal, entering information from your documents described above.

How to Renew License Plate Tags in Utah

The quickest and easiest way to renew license plate tags is to log into Utah’s RenewalExpress and complete an electronic transaction. Many Utah drivers utilize the many “On the Spot” license plate renewal services offered at inspection stations statewide, while others go in person to their local DMV office. Renewing tags is easy, as you need only to show your applicable inspection certificates and pay the associated fees.

If you cannot renew online or visit the DMV in person for any reason, you may still renew your license plate via mail. Simple mail in your renewal form and payment to the MVD branch in Salt Lake City. Keep in mind that renewing your vehicle registration often goes hand in hand with renewing your tags, and vehicle owners typically renew both credentials at the same time.

Replacing License Plates in Utah

Learning how to replace license plate tags in UT is a simple process. Once a DMV license plate has been lost or stolen, visit your local DMV office with a copy of your most recent registration, license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN) and a check, money order or credit card to pay the applicable fee. If you have the damaged license plate, relinquish it to the DMV agent at the time of your appointment.

Replacing license plate tags is a service also available by mail. To do so, you must send a written request, a copy of your registration certificate and postage to the address listed above. You do not need to include the postage fee if you replace tags that are personalized, as the fee is already included in the total cost.

How to Transfer License Plates in Utah

You are not required to transfer car registration plates from an old car to a new one, but you can visit the UT DMV in person and file a request to do so. If you would rather get new plates and surrender or destroy your old tags, you can do that, as well.

Utah License Plate Fees

There are various license plate fees in Utah. For instance, replacing a plate costs between $15 and $20. Moreover, most personalized car tags are issued for fees between $60 and $65.

License Plate Lookups in Utah

Only certain individuals may get license plate lookups in Utah. You must purchase a Title and Registration Motor Vehicle Record by completing the appropriate form and submitting it to the address listed on the form. If you are not the owner of record on the title affiliated with the DMV license plate account, you must meet one of the other authorized reasons for requesting this information.

If approved, you will receive the owner’s name, vehicle information, lienholder information and any brands attached to the vehicle.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.