Free Utah Car Bill of Sale
Utah stripped its car-sale requirements to the essentials in 2018 when HB 265 abolished the statewide safety inspection — what remains is emissions testing in the Wasatch Front counties (Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, Weber, plus Cache), where most of the state's population lives, on age-based schedules. The versatile Form TC-843 documents the sale (one form covers vehicles, boats, and trailers), the transfer window is 60 days under Utah Code § 41-1a-703, and the tax runs from the 4.85% state base to roughly 7.25% in Salt Lake County depending on the buyer's local rates. Every owner on the new title shows government-issued ID at the DMV.
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Utah Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
Utah state sales tax base is 4.85%. County/city taxes add 2%, making the effective rate around 6.85% statewide average. Salt Lake County buyers pay approximately 7.25%.
Inspection Requirements
Utah abolished the annual safety inspection for noncommercial vehicles effective Jan 1, 2018 (HB 265). Emissions tests remain in five counties: Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, Weber, and Cache.
Utah Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Complete TC-843 with VIN, year, make, model, odometer, sale price, buyer/seller info.
- Seller signs title over to buyer.
- Buyer submits TC-843 + signed title to Utah DMV within 60 days.
- Buyer pays 4.85% state tax + local taxes + title ($6) + registration fees.
- Safety inspection + emissions test (if applicable county) before registration.
Common Pitfalls
- Forgetting emissions — required in 7 Wasatch Front counties (Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, Cache, Box Elder, Weber, Tooele).
- Underestimating local tax — Salt Lake County buyers pay about 7.25%.
- Missing the 45-day title window.
- Not noting odometer reading — required on all vehicles under 10 years old.
Pro Tip
UT car: TC-843 + 45-day transfer + ~6.85% tax + safety/emissions in covered counties.