Completing a title transfer is necessary when you buy or sell a car
. In Utah
, transferring ownership is done at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for a fee of $6. What’s a title transfer?
A car title says who owns the car. When doing a title transfer, you’re officially transferring ownership of the vehicle from one person to another.
The process of a title transfer includes one step for the seller and one step for the buyer:
A seller signs the title releases ownership of the vehicle
A buyer brings the signed title to the DMV to title and registers the vehicle in their name
Specific details of how this is done will vary from state to state. Generally, you’ll need to provide some details about the sale—who the buyer and seller are, the odometer reading, and the selling price, for example.
Who does the title transfer?
When you buy a car from a dealer in Utah
, the dealer does the title transfer for you. They will also collect sales tax plus a titling fee of $6. In a private purchase, the buyer and seller handle the paperwork through the Utah DMV.
Why do I need a title transfer?
There are several situations when you’ll need to do a title transfer. Most commonly, you’ll need one if you’re buying or selling a car or if you’re moving.
You’ll also need to complete a title change when:
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Car title transfer in Utah
In a private sale in Utah, the buyer completes a title transfer with the local state DMV office.
The documents you need to submit to the DMV are:
Current title with the signature(s) of the previous owner(s)
Completed bill of sale with:
Buyer’s name, address, and signature
Seller’s name, address, and signature
Vehicle identification number
Vehicle description—make, model, year, and condition
Trade-in description and allowance, if applicable
Completed Vehicle Application for Utah Title
Completed Odometer disclosure statement for cars less than 20 years old
Emissions inspection
and/or safety inspection certificates
If you will be leasing the car, you will also need the following from the lessor:
The title transfer fee is $6.
Key Takeaway Be sure you have all the signatures and documents you need before finalizing a sale or lease agreement.
Utah car registration
Once you have ownership of a new car, you also need to register it with the state of Utah
. This is proof the vehicle can legally be driven on the streets. In Utah, registration costs $43 per year for vehicles under 12,000 lbs. Other fees may apply depending on the model and age of your car.
The exact fees and taxes will vary according to your vehicle type, its registered weight, the county in which you reside, plus other factors. There’s also an annual uniform fee for passenger vehicles based on their model year.
Finding insurance for your vehicle
After you’ve titled and registered your new (or new-to-you) car, you’ll need to get car insurance
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