Utah vehicle registration fees are processed through the Utah DMV at dmv.utah.gov or an On The Spot inspection station. Utah is a rear-plate-only state. This page covers registration costs, taxes, replacement fees, emissions requirements, insurance minimums, and late fee rules.
Registration Fees
Utah registration fees are based on the fee structure described below. Contact the Utah DMV at dmv.utah.gov or an On The Spot inspection station for the most current fee schedule applicable to your specific vehicle.
How does Utah’s age-based declining registration fee work for passenger vehicles?
The registration fee structure for Utah is detailed in the table below. Contact the Utah DMV at dmv.utah.gov or an On The Spot inspection station for your specific vehicle’s total.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Registration fee | Contact the Utah DMV at dmv.utah.gov or an On The Spot inspection station for current amounts |
| EV surcharge | Contact the Utah DMV at dmv.utah.gov or an On The Spot inspection station for current EV fee |
Contact the Utah DMV at dmv.utah.gov or an On The Spot inspection station for the current plate replacement fee. Utah is a rear-plate-only state - replacement typically involves a single plate.
Plate Replacement
Contact the Utah DMV at dmv.utah.gov or an On The Spot inspection station for the current plate replacement fee. Utah is a rear-plate-only state, which affects the replacement cost.
How much does Utah charge to replace a license plate?
Utah charges approximately 6.85% combined sales tax (state rate 4.85% plus local taxes) on vehicle purchases at the time of title transfer.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard plate replacement | Contact the Utah DMV at dmv.utah.gov or an On The Spot inspection station for the current fee |
| Personalized plate replacement | Contact the Utah DMV at dmv.utah.gov or an On The Spot inspection station for current fee |
Vehicle Taxes
Utah charges approximately 6.85% combined sales tax (state rate 4.85% plus local taxes) on vehicle purchases. This is typically the dominant one-time cost when acquiring a new or used vehicle.
What is Utah’s combined sales tax rate on vehicle purchases?
Utah requires biennial emissions inspection in Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber counties on an even/odd model year schedule - even model years test in even calendar years, odd model years in odd years. Vehicles less than six model years old are generally exempt. Testing must be completed before renewal if indicated on your renewal notice.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sales or excise tax on vehicle purchase | approximately 6.85% combined sales tax (state rate 4.85% plus local taxes) |
| Local taxes | Vary by jurisdiction - contact your local tax authority |
Utah requires minimum liability insurance for all registered vehicles. Proof of insurance must be provided at registration.
Emissions Testing
Check your Utah renewal notice to determine whether emissions testing is required for your specific vehicle and registration area.
Which Utah counties require biennial emissions testing and how does the even/odd schedule work?
Utah charges late fees for registration not completed on time. Contact the Utah DMV at dmv.utah.gov for the current penalty schedule.
Insurance Requirements
Utah requires all registered vehicles to carry minimum liability insurance as a condition of registration.
What are Utah’s minimum auto insurance requirements including PIP under the no-fault system?
Utah requires new vehicle registration within 60 days of establishing residency. Contact the Utah DMV for current renewal grace period terms.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury - per person | See your state minimums |
| Bodily injury - per accident | See your state minimums |
| Property damage - per accident | See your state minimums |
Late Fees and Penalties
Utah charges penalties for vehicle registration not completed within the required timeframe. The rules vary by whether it is a new purchase or a renewal.
What is the penalty for late vehicle registration in Utah?
Contact the Utah DMV at dmv.utah.gov or an On The Spot inspection station for current registration fee refund eligibility.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Late registration penalty | Contact the Utah DMV at dmv.utah.gov or an On The Spot inspection station for the current penalty schedule |
Grace Period
Utah’s grace period rules determine how much time you have after expiration or purchase before penalties begin to apply.
How long do I have to register a new vehicle in Utah after establishing residency?
See the registration fee table above. Contact the Utah DMV at dmv.utah.gov or an On The Spot inspection station for your specific vehicle’s total.
Refunds
Utah may allow registration fee refunds in certain situations. Contact the Utah DMV at dmv.utah.gov or an On The Spot inspection station for current eligibility requirements.
Can I get a refund on my Utah registration fee if I sell or total my vehicle?
Contact Utah DMV at dmv.utah.gov for the current fee. New plate fee is $12.50.