I Just Moved to Utah. How Do I Transfer My Driver's License and Vehicle Registration?
Welcome to the Beehive state! Now that you’ve made Utah your new home, you will need to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license and vehicle registration to the state of Utah. Here are the steps you need to take to transfer your out-of-state documents to the state of Utah.
Required Documents to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License
When you move to the state of Utah, you need to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to Utah. The documents you need to submit to the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (UT DMV) are as follows:
Your current out-of-state driver’s license
A completed Driver License Application (Form DLD6a)
Proof of identity and legal/lawful status verification
Utah residency/mailing verification if the address is different than your current Utah driver’s license record (two proofs are required)
Social security verification
Name change documentation (if applicable)
Steps You Need to Take to Transfer Your Driver’s License
The required steps you need to take to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to Utah are as follows. You will need to visit a Utah DMV Office and:
Submit all the required documents
Surrender your out-of-state driver’s license
Have your photo taken
Pay the non-refundable Utah driver’s license fee of $52
Pass the vision test
Pass the written knowledge and driving skills test (depending on your circumstances, one or both tests may be required)
Once you complete all the Utah driver’s license requirements, you will receive a temporary driver’s license with a photo the same day. Your permanent UT driver’s license will arrive in the mail in approximately 8-10 weeks.
Exceptions for Transferring Your Driver’s License to Utah
The state of Utah does not have a grace period when changing an out-of-state driver’s license to this state. Having said this, it’s important to transfer your driver’s license as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary delays and penalties.
Utah Vision Screening
The DMV in Utah requires you to obtain 20/40 vision and peripheral fields (side vision) of 120 degrees in at least one eye to pass the UT vision test. Failure to meet these requirements with or without glasses will require you to get a vision statement from your optometrist.
Your optometrist’s statement should discuss your specific vision problems and suggest restrictions if there are any. Eye tests are required on UT driver’s licenses that are original, lapsed, duplicate, or renewed. UT residents who are age 65 or older are required to pass a vision screening test every five years.
Utah Written Exam
The Utah written exam to obtain your driver’s license is based on information found in the Utah Driver Handbook. The questions on the written exam in Utah are related to the written knowledge exam and other tests that are required for you to obtain your UT driver’s license and/or endorsements.
You can take two written knowledge exams in one day. After three attempts, you will be required to retest and pay an additional fee. If you have never obtained a Utah driver’s license in the state or a different state, you must take a 50-question, closed book exam. If you have previously held a driver’s license in a different state or country and you are applying for a UT driver’s license for the first time, you will be required to take a 25-question open-book exam.
Utah Road Test (In-Car)
If you are required to complete a UT driving skills test, also known as the UT road test or in-car test, you must provide the vehicle to be used. The vehicle must be properly registered and comply with the vehicle safety laws and requirements in Utah, which include functioning safety belts (seatbelts). The vehicle is at risk of being rejected by the UT DMV if its condition could cause harm to the examiner or their clothes.
You and the examiner are the only persons who can occupy the vehicle during the driving skills test. In addition to the road rules and regulations in the state of Utah, you will be graded on the use of proper driving techniques, and many of the elements of safe driving, such as your overall behavior and attitude.
Here is a partial list of driving techniques you will be evaluated on during the Utah driving skills test:
Proper use of lanes
Driving posture
Starting and stopping
Left and right turns
U-turns
Backing
Parking on hills and between cars
Steering coordination
Observance of traffic signs and signals
Attention at intersections
Now that you know what you need to do to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Utah, let’s discuss transferring your out-of-state vehicle registration.
Transferring Your Out-of-State Vehicle Registration to Utah
In order to successfully register your vehicle with the UT DMV, visit your local DMV with your vehicle’s title, driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a certificate of inspection. The Utah registration fee is based on your vehicle’s weight, year, and county of residence. If you are currently temporarily living outside of Utah, you have the option ot register your vehicle by mail.
New Residents of Utah
Once you establish residency in Utah, you have 60 days to register and title your vehicle with the UT DMV. The good news is that you can complete both tasks simultaneously.
To successfully complete the Utah vehicle registration process, you must take the following items to your local UT DMV office:
A completed Vehicle Application for Utah Title (Form TC-656)
Complete a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection, which can be completed by a UT DMV employing during the registration process.
Proof of passing a safety inspection and/or emissions test (if applicable)
Payment for UT registration fees
Vehicles Purchased From a Dealership
When you purchase a vehicle from a dealership, the good news is that you have a new car, but the dealership also submits your vehicle’s registration documents to the UT DMV on your behalf. You will also be provided with a temporary registration. This temporary registration allows you to operate a motor vehicle until your permanent UT vehicle registration arrives in the mail.
Vehicles Purchased From a Private Party
Vehicles purchased from a private party is a vehicle sale that occurs between two individuals instead of a dealership. You need to visit your local UT DMV office with the following information:
The signed-over vehicle title (the vehicle title in your name)
Your valid UT driver’s license
Proof of a valid UT auto insurance policy
Proof of passing a safety inspection and/or smog test (if applicable)
Payment for the $6 Utah temporary permit fee, plus all additional title and registration fees
In this situation, you will be issued a temporary vehicle permit by the Utah DMV that allows you to legally operate the vehicle while your permanent vehicle registration is being processed.
If you have yet to complete a vehicle inspection or an emissions test, you can use this time to complete these tasks and take the paperwork to the UT DMV. During this time, you can drive the vehicle to a testing site without penalty.
Transferring Your Utah Vehicle Registration
When you move to Utah from a different state or purchase a used vehicle in Utah, you must transfer your vehicle’s registration. To transfer your vehicle’s license plates to a different vehicle, you need to visit your local Utah DMV branch and present:
The existing license plates (the UT DMV will inspect them and ensure they’re still legible
Your valid UT driver’s license
The vehicle’s signed over title (the vehicle must be signed over in your name)
Proof of a valid Utah auto insurance policy
Proof of a passed emissions test and/or safety inspection (if applicable)
Payment for all applicable Utah registration fees
Temporary Utah Registration Permit
Obtaining a temporary Utah vehicle registration permit allows you to legally operate your vehicle while you wait for your permanent vehicle registration to be processed, or to complete a required vehicle inspection in order to successfully finalize your registration requirements.
You can attain this temporary permit from the dealership where you purchased your vehicle, or from any UT DMV office if you purchased your vehicle in a private sale.
When you head to the Utah DMV office, make sure you have:
The vehicle’s title signed over to you
Proof of a valid UT vehicle insurance policy
Valid photo identification (ID card or driver’s license)
Payment for the $8 Utah permit and registration fees (can be paid with check, cash, debit or credit card)
Out-of-State Vehicle Registration in Utah
If you’re temporarily living outside of the state of Utah, you can register your vehicle in Utah without being present. The Utah DMV allows you to register your vehicle by mail by following the “New to Utah” requirements listed above. It’s a good idea to contact the UT DMV if you are temporarily in a state that doesn’t require emissions testing. The UT DMV will help you with determining your vehicle’s registration fee. Call the UT DMV at (800) 368-8824 or (801) 297-2020 for hearing impaired.
Utah Vehicle Registration Fees
The following are factors that determine your vehicle registration fee:
Vehicle year
Vehicle weight
County and residence (sales and tax use rates vary by county)
When the time comes to register your vehicle, you will be charged one of the two following fees in addition to any applicable county and weight-based fees:
Standard age-based fee
Standard fee-in-lieu of property tax
Standard Age-Based Fee
A standard age-based fee is a fee based on the age of your vehicle, and only applies to passenger vehicles. These standard fees in Utah are:
Less than 3 years old: $150
3 to less than 6 years old: $110
6 to less than 9 years old: $80
9 to less than 12 years old: $50
12 years old or older: $10
Standard Fee-in-Lieu of Property Tax
The standard fee-in-lieu of property tax applies to commercial trailers, medium and heavy-duty trucks, and motor homes.
These fees are determined by the Utah Tax commission and based on 1.5% of the market value of commercial trailers and trucks and 1% of the market value of motor homes.
Utah Vehicle Inspections
In the state of Utah, there are safety, VIN, and emissions inspections in certain Utah counties.
Safety Inspections
Safety inspections in Utah are performed on certain vehicles, such as:
Salvage vehicle owners who are requesting a rebuilt Utah vehicle title
Commercial vehicles
Street-legal ATV
School bus
Bus or van for hire
Ground transportation service provider
Vehicles with three or more axles
If your vehicle qualifies for a Utah safety inspection, you need to take your vehicle to a Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) - approved safety inspection station. The maximum Utah vehicle inspection fee is $40.
VIN Inspections
When you are registering your vehicle in the state of Utah for the first time, you must have a vehicle inspection number (VIN) inspection completed. A safety inspection will suffice for passenger vehicles as long as the VIN listed on the inspection certificate is correct.
If you are registering a boat, off-highway vehicle, trailer, or snowmobile, you need to have a separate VIN inspection completed at any UT DMV office which is free of charge.
Emissions Inspection
The state of Utah only requires emissions checks if you reside in one of the following Utah counties:
Davis
Salt Lake
Utah
Weber
Cache
Utah Division of Motor Vehicles Locations
There are multiple Division of Motor Vehicle locations throughout the state of Utah where you can transfer your out-of-state documents.
Utah Division of Motor Vehicles - Salt Lake City Branch
380 W 2880 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84115
(801) 297-7780
Monday - Friday (8 AM to 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
Utah Division of Motor Vehicles - Ogden Branch
2447 Lincoln Ave
Ogden, UT 84401
(801) 297-7780
Monday - Friday (8 AM to 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
Utah Division of Motor Vehicles - Hurricane Branch
100 S 5300 W
Hurricane, UT 84737
(800) 368-8824
Monday - Friday (8 AM to 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
Utah Division of Motor Vehicles - Farmington Branch
969 W Clark Ln
Farmington, UT 84025
(801) 297-7780
Monday - Friday (8 AM to 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
