Free Utah Gift Bill of Sale
Gifting a vehicle in Utah to a family member may avoid the state's 4.85% sales tax — about $1,212 on a $25,000 vehicle — if the DMV accepts the transfer as exempt. You'll file TC-656 (Application for Certificate of Title), and the DMV's optional bill of sale, TC-843 (marked 'Gift'), documents the transfer — both available from the Utah DMV. Unlike some states, Utah also requires a safety inspection before the recipient can register the vehicle, and emissions testing is mandatory in six northern counties.
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Utah Gift Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Inspection Requirements
Utah requires a safety inspection before registration for all vehicles. Emissions testing is required in six northern Utah counties: Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Cache, Utah, and Box Elder. Recipients in these counties must pass an emissions test before the vehicle can be registered.
Utah Gift Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Obtain Form TC-843 (Bill of Sale) and TC-656 (Application for Certificate of Title) from the Utah DMV
- Complete TC-843 marking the transaction as 'Gift' and note the family relationship (e.g., parent gifting to child)
- Donor signs and completes the title assignment section on the back of the existing title
- Both parties sign TC-843; donor completes TC-656 or recipient completes it at the DMV
- Schedule and pass a Utah safety inspection at a licensed inspection station before registration
- If recipient lives in Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Cache, Utah, or Box Elder county — schedule an emissions test as well
- Recipient submits the signed title, TC-843, TC-656, inspection certificates, and proof of insurance to the Utah DMV before driving the vehicle on a highway
- Pay applicable title transfer and registration fees (sales tax is waived for qualifying family gifts)
Common Pitfalls
- Not documenting the gift and the family relationship (TC-843 marked 'Gift' is the simple way) — without a documented exemption, sales tax applies
- Forgetting TC-656 — the title application is what transfers the title; TC-843 is optional
- Not completing the safety inspection before attempting to register — Utah will not register a vehicle without a current inspection certificate
- Overlooking emissions testing requirements in the six northern Utah counties — this catches many recipients off guard
- Driving the gifted vehicle on a highway before applying for the new title and registration
Pro Tip
Utah gift transfers run on TC-656 (with TC-843 as the optional bill of sale) plus a safety inspection — plan for this extra step so registration isn't delayed after the title transfer is complete.