Utah Gift Bill of Sale

Gifting a vehicle in Utah to an immediate family member avoids the state's 4.85% sales tax — a $1,212 savings on a $25,000 vehicle. You'll need two forms: TC-843 (Bill of Sale, marked 'Gift') and TC-656 (Application for Certificate of Title), 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.

Utah Gift Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know

Primary Form

TC-843

Bill of Sale

Agency

Utah DMV

Utah Division of Motor Vehicles, Tax Commission

Primary ID Field

VIN

Sales Tax

Title Required

Yes

Title must be transferred within 30 days. Complete TC-843 (Bill of Sale) marked 'Gift' with the family relationship noted, plus TC-656 (Application for Certificate of Title). A safety inspection is required before registration.

Inspection

Required

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 within 30 days
Pay applicable title transfer and registration fees (sales tax is waived for qualifying family gifts)

Common Pitfalls

Skipping Form TC-843 or not marking it as 'Gift' with the family relationship — the DMV will assess 4.85% sales tax
Forgetting TC-656 — both forms are required for a complete Utah title transfer
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
Missing the 30-day transfer window, which results in late fees at the Utah DMV

Pro Tip

Utah gift transfers require two forms (TC-843 and TC-656) plus a safety inspection — plan for this extra step so registration isn't delayed after the title transfer is complete.

Utah Gift Bill of Sale — FAQs

Which family members qualify for Utah's vehicle gift tax exemption?

Spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, and grandchild qualify for the exemption from Utah's 4.85% sales tax. Extended family members such as cousins, aunts, and uncles do not qualify.

Do I need both TC-843 and TC-656 for a gift vehicle transfer in Utah?

Yes. TC-843 is the bill of sale documenting the gift, and TC-656 is the title application. Both are required for a complete transfer at the Utah DMV.

When is an emissions test required in Utah?

Emissions testing is required in Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Cache, Utah, and Box Elder counties. If the recipient's registered address is in any of these counties, an emissions test must be passed before the vehicle can be registered.

Can the safety inspection be done before the title is transferred?

Yes — and it's recommended. The recipient can have the vehicle inspected while the title paperwork is being processed, so both are ready for the DMV visit.

What if the vehicle is currently registered out of state?

You'll need the out-of-state title, TC-843, and TC-656. The Utah DMV will issue a new Utah title. A VIN verification may also be required for out-of-state vehicles.

Free Utah Gift Bill of Sale

Seller Information

Buyer Information

Gift Details

Sale Information