by Armando Martinez

License Plate Transfer Process in Utah

In Utah, license plates are issued to the vehicle owner. The seller will be responsible for removing their plates once the vehicle sale is completed. The buyer will have the option to transfer license plates from another vehicle registered in the state of Virginia, if they choose, otherwise new license plates will be issued during the registration process.

License Plate Transfer Process for Buyers

As a buyer in Utah, you have 45 days from the date of purchase to complete the registration of your vehicle. If you previously had a vehicle registered in the state of Utah, you’ll have the option to transfer the license plates to your new vehicle if the registration is current and is in your name. Follow these steps to transfer the license plate:

1. Obtain the seller’s title, a copy of the current registration in your name, a bill of sale from the seller that includes the VIN, purchase price, and date of sale.

2. Visit your local DMV office with the bill of sale, proof of insurance, and your driver's license or other government-issued ID.

3. Pay the required transfer fee, which is based on the type of vehicle and whether the license plate is personalized or specialty.

4. For more information, contact the UT DMV at (800) 368-8824 (800 DMV-UTAH).

License Plate Transfer Process for Sellers

As a seller, you are responsible for removing the license plate from the vehicle before handing it over to the buyer. You can transfer the license plate to a new vehicle by following these steps:

1. Bring the old license plate, registration, and proof of insurance for the new vehicle to your local DMV office.

2. Pay the required transfer fee, which varies based on the type of vehicle and whether the license plate is personalized or specialty.

3. If you do not plan to transfer your plates to a new vehicle or maintain insurance, you’ll need to cancel your registration. You can do this by emailing subscribe@utah.gov. For more information, please see the https://www.utah.gov/registration/cancellation.htmlUtah.gov Registration Cancellation page.

License Plate Fees

License plate fees in Utah vary depending on the type of vehicle and license plate. Here are the fees you can expect to pay:

- Standard license plate: $7

- Personalized license plate: $60

- Specialty license plate: $35-$97, depending on the plate type

Note that these fees are subject to change, so it's a good idea to check with your local DMV office for the most up-to-date information.

Conclusion

By following these simple steps, you can ensure a smooth license plate transfer process when buying or selling a used car in a private party sale in Utah. Don't forget to obtain a bill of sale and proof of insurance, and check with your local DMV office for any additional requirements. For more information regarding license plates or general vehicle registration, please visit the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles webpage. Happy buying or selling!

This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.

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