What You Need to Know About Utah License Plates
Utah issues license plates through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and the process depends on whether you are registering a new vehicle, transferring plates from another state, or renewing an existing registration. Most plates are standard blue-and-white designs, though Utah offers several specialty plates that support specific causes or organizations. You will need proof of ownership, proof of residency, and a valid ID to complete the transaction, either in person at a DMV office or online for certain renewals.
The state charges a one-time plate fee when you first register a vehicle, then an annual registration fee each year after. Specialty plates cost more than standard plates. Processing times vary depending on whether you explore online or at an office, and whether your vehicle requires an inspection.
Key Takeaways
- Utah DMV offices handle all new registrations and plate issuance, and you can renew many registrations online without visiting in person.
- You will need your vehicle's title or proof of ownership, a current ID, and proof that you live in Utah to register a vehicle.
- Standard plates cost a one-time fee plus an annual registration fee; specialty plates cost more but support causes like wildlife conservation or education.
- If you are moving to Utah from another state, you have 60 days to register your vehicle and obtain Utah plates.
- Personalized plates are available but require a separate request and additional fees beyond the standard plate cost.
Standard Plates vs. Specialty Plates
Utah's standard license plate is blue and white with the state name and a numeric or alphanumeric combination. This is what most drivers receive when they register a vehicle. Specialty plates are also available and support organizations or causes — examples include plates that benefit the University of Utah, the Boy Scouts of America, or wildlife conservation efforts. Each specialty plate has its own design and its own additional fee on top of the base registration cost.
Specialty plates are optional. You do not have to choose one; you can keep a standard plate for the life of your vehicle if you prefer. If you want to switch from a standard plate to a specialty plate later, or from one specialty plate to another, you can do so by visiting a DMV office or, in some cases, by mail. The change incurs a fee.
Personalized plates — where you choose the letters and numbers instead of receiving a random combination — are a separate option available for both standard and specialty plates. Personalized plates require a request form and an additional fee, and the DMV will reject any combination that is offensive, already in use, or too similar to an existing plate.
How to Register a Vehicle and Get Your First Plate
If you are registering a vehicle in Utah for the first time, you must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your vehicle's title (or proof of ownership if the title is being mailed to you), a current photo ID, and proof of Utah residency such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The DMV will also need your vehicle identification number (VIN), which is on your dashboard and on the title.
The DMV will verify your information, collect the one-time plate fee and the first year's registration fee, and issue your plates on the spot or mail them to you depending on the office and the type of plate you choose. Standard plates are usually issued when ready; specialty plates may be mailed. Ask the DMV staff which option applies to your plate type before you leave.
If you are moving to Utah from another state, you have 60 days from the date you establish residency to register your vehicle and obtain Utah plates. After 60 days, driving on out-of-state plates is no longer permitted. If your vehicle requires a safety inspection (which depends on the vehicle's age and condition), the DMV will tell you where to have it done before you can complete registration.
Renewing Your Registration and Plates
Utah registration renewals happen annually, and the renewal date is printed on your current registration card. You can renew online through the Utah DMV website if your vehicle has not changed, your address is current, and you do not need new plates. Online renewal takes a few minutes and you will receive a new registration card by mail.
If you need new plates — because yours are damaged, lost, or stolen — you must visit a DMV office or mail in a request form. Replacement plates cost less than the original plate fee. If your registration has expired, you cannot renew online; you must go to a DMV office in person to bring your vehicle current.
Your registration expires on the last day of the month printed on your card. Renewing before the expiration date keeps your registration active without a gap. If your registration lapses, you will owe a late fee in addition to the renewal fee when you bring it current.
Transferring Plates From Another State
If you are moving to Utah and bringing a vehicle that is already registered in another state, you do not automatically transfer the plates. Instead, you surrender your out-of-state plates and register the vehicle in Utah, which means obtaining new Utah plates. The process is the same as registering a new vehicle: visit a DMV office with your title, ID, and proof of residency.
Some states allow you to keep your out-of-state plates for a grace period if you are a temporary resident, but Utah does not. You must register and plate the vehicle in Utah within 60 days of establishing residency. Your out-of-state registration and plates are no longer valid after that period.
If you are a Utah resident who temporarily moves out of state and then returns, you will need to re-register your vehicle in Utah and obtain new plates. The DMV will not reactivate old plates; you will receive a new plate number.
Replacing Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Plates
If your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by visiting a DMV office or by mailing a request form to the address on the DMV website. You will need to provide your vehicle's registration number and your driver's license number. The replacement plate will have a new number; you cannot keep the same number unless you have a personalized plate, in which case the DMV will reissue the same personalized combination.
Replacement plates cost less than a new plate fee. Processing time is usually one to two weeks if you mail the request, or when ready if you visit an office. If your plate was stolen, the DMV may ask you to file a police report first, depending on the office's policy.
If your plate is damaged but still readable and attached to your vehicle, you do not have to replace it when ready. However, if it is unreadable or missing, you should replace it before your next traffic stop to avoid a citation.
Where to Find a Utah DMV Office and What to Bring
Utah has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Utah DMV website. Some offices handle all services; others handle only certain transactions. Call ahead or check the website to confirm that the office you plan to visit handles vehicle registration and plate issuance.
Bring your vehicle's title or proof of ownership, a current photo ID, and proof of Utah residency. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Utah, also bring your VIN. If you are renewing and need new plates, bring your current registration card. If you are replacing a lost or stolen plate, bring your registration number and driver's license number. Having these documents ready will speed up your visit.
Most DMV offices operate by appointment or on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the website to see whether you need to book a time slot. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter waits than visiting on Friday afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Utah license plate cost?
The one-time plate fee varies depending on the plate type. Standard plates cost one amount; specialty plates cost more. You also pay an annual registration fee each year. Exact amounts change periodically, so check the Utah DMV website or call your local office for current fees.
Can I keep my old plate number if I move to Utah?
No. When you register a vehicle in Utah, you receive a new Utah plate number. If you have a personalized plate, you can request the same personalized combination on your new Utah plate, but the plate itself will be different.
What if I do not have a title for my vehicle?
If you have lost your title, you can request a duplicate from the state where the vehicle is currently registered. Once you have the duplicate, bring it to a Utah DMV office along with your ID and proof of residency to register the vehicle in Utah. The process takes longer if you do not have the title, so contact the DMV before you visit.
Do I have to get new plates every year?
No. Your plates stay on your vehicle for as long as you own it. You only renew your registration annually, not your plates. You receive a new registration card each year, but the plates themselves do not change unless they are damaged, lost, stolen, or you request a replacement.
Can I renew my registration online if I moved to a new address?
You can renew online if you update your address in the DMV system first. If your address has changed since your last registration, visit a DMV office or update your address on the DMV website before attempting an online renewal.