What you need to do to get a Utah vehicle title

A Utah vehicle title is a legal document that proves you own a car, truck, or motorcycle. To get one, you submit paperwork to the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) along with proof of ownership and payment. The process differs depending on whether you're buying a vehicle from a dealer, a private seller, or inheriting one — and whether the vehicle already has a title or you're starting from scratch.

Most people complete a title process within a few weeks, though the exact timeline depends on how quickly you gather documents and whether the DMV needs to contact previous owners or lienholders. Understanding which documents you need and where to submit them will save you a return trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit Form TC-656 (process for Utah Title) to the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles, along with proof of ownership and a completed bill of sale if buying from a private seller.
  • If the vehicle has an existing title, you need the signed title from the previous owner; if it doesn't, you'll need a bill of sale, proof of purchase, or other ownership documentation.
  • You can submit your process in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through an authorized third-party agent like a car dealership or title service.
  • If there is a lienholder (like a bank or credit union that financed the vehicle), their name and account number must appear on the process.
  • The title fee in Utah is a flat amount that does not vary by vehicle value, and you pay it when you submit your process.

Documents you'll need before you start

The exact documents depend on your situation, but nearly every process requires proof of identity and proof of ownership. Bring a valid driver's license, passport, or state ID. For proof of ownership, you'll need either the signed title from the previous owner, a bill of sale, a manufacturer's certificate of origin (for new vehicles), or a court order (if you inherited the vehicle).

If you bought the vehicle from a private seller, you and the seller must both sign the bill of sale. The DMV provides a bill of sale form (Form TC-656-1), but you can also use a private bill of sale as long as it includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and signatures from both buyer and seller. If you bought from a dealership, they usually handle the title paperwork and submit it on your behalf.

If someone else is financing the vehicle, bring the lienholder's name and account number. This information typically appears on your loan paperwork. The lienholder's name will appear on the title until the loan is paid off.

How to fill out Form TC-656

Form TC-656 is the official process for Utah Title. You can read it from the Utah DMV website or pick up a copy at any DMV office. The form asks for your name, address, and driver's license number; the vehicle's VIN, make, model, and year; and the odometer reading at the time of purchase.

In the ownership section, you'll list whether you own the vehicle alone or jointly with another person. If you own it jointly, both owners must sign the form. If there's a lienholder, fill in their name and account number in the designated space. Double-check that the VIN on the form matches the VIN on the vehicle itself — errors here can delay your title.

Sign and date the form in the presence of a notary public. Utah law requires a notarized signature on title applications. Many banks, credit unions, and UPS stores offer notary services for a small fee, usually between $5 and $15.

Where to submit your process

You have three options for submitting your completed process: in person at a Utah DMV office, by mail to the DMV, or through an authorized agent. If you go in person, bring your original documents, the completed and notarized Form TC-656, and payment. The DMV will review your paperwork on the spot and tell you if anything is missing.

To submit by mail, send your notarized form, copies of your documents, and a check or money order to the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles. Include a cover letter with your name and phone number so the DMV can contact you if they have questions. Mail typically takes one to two weeks to arrive, and processing takes an additional one to three weeks after that.

If you use an authorized agent — such as a car dealership, title company, or DMV service center — they will submit the paperwork on your behalf. This option is useful if you don't have time to visit a DMV office or prefer to handle everything through one business. Agents charge a fee for this service, usually $25 to $75 depending on the agent.

Payment and title fees

Utah charges a flat title fee that does not depend on the vehicle's value or age. The fee amount can change year to year, so check the current fee on the Utah DMV website before you submit your process. You can pay by check, money order, or cash if you're submitting in person. If you're mailing your process, send a check or money order only — do not send cash through the mail.

Some DMV offices accept credit or debit cards, but this varies by location. Call ahead or check the DMV website to confirm what payment methods your local office accepts. If you're using an authorized agent, ask whether they accept credit cards or require a different payment method.

What happens after you submit

After the DMV receives your process, they will review it for completeness and accuracy. If everything is in order, they'll process your title and mail it to you. This typically takes one to three weeks from the date they receive your process. If there's a problem — such as a missing signature, an unclear VIN, or a lien that needs verification — the DMV will contact you by phone or mail and ask you to resubmit or provide additional information.

Once your title arrives, check it carefully. Verify that your name, the vehicle's VIN, and the lienholder information (if applicable) are all correct. If you spot an error, contact the DMV when ready to request a corrected title. Small errors like misspelled names or transposed numbers can cause problems later when you try to sell or register the vehicle.

Special situations: inherited vehicles, salvage titles, and out-of-state transfers

If you inherited a vehicle, you'll need a copy of the death certificate and the will or court order showing that the vehicle passed to you. The process is otherwise the same, but the DMV may take longer to process because they need to verify the inheritance.

If the vehicle has a salvage title (meaning it was declared a total loss by an insurance company), you can still explore for a regular Utah title, but only after the vehicle has been repaired and inspected by a certified mechanic. Bring the inspection report along with your other documents.

If you're moving to Utah from another state and want to transfer your out-of-state title to a Utah title, submit your out-of-state title along with Form TC-656 and proof of residency in Utah. The DMV will issue a new Utah title in exchange.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a notary if I'm buying from a dealership?

No. Dealerships typically handle the title process themselves and submit it directly to the DMV. You'll sign paperwork at the dealership, but the dealership's staff will manage the notarization and submission. Ask the dealership when you can expect to receive your title in the mail.

What if the previous owner won't sign the title?

Contact the Utah DMV directly. If you have a bill of sale and proof of payment but the previous owner refuses to sign the title, the DMV may be able to issue a title in your name based on the bill of sale alone. This process takes longer and may require additional documentation, so call the DMV before you proceed.

Can I register my vehicle before I receive the title?

Yes. You can register your vehicle using a temporary registration permit while you wait for your title to arrive. The DMV will issue this permit when you submit your title process. Once your title arrives, you don't need to do anything else — the registration and title are linked in the DMV system.

How long does it take to get a title if I submit by mail?

Mailing typically adds one to two weeks to the process. The DMV then needs one to three weeks to process your process after they receive it. In total, expect four to five weeks from the date you mail your process to the date your title arrives.

What if I lose my title after I receive it?

You can request a duplicate title from the Utah DMV by submitting Form TC-656 again and paying the duplicate title fee. The process is the same as explore for an original title, and the duplicate will arrive within one to three weeks.