Selling or junking a car in Utah

How do I sign over a car title in Utah?

The seller signs off on the title. If owners are joined by 'and', both sign; if by 'or', one signs. No notary is needed. Utah law requires the seller to provide the title within 48 hours of the sale. The seller and buyer complete and sign an odometer statement (Form TC-891), which is not needed for vehicles 20 years old or older. A bill of sale is recommended (Form TC-843 is optional). Give the buyer the signed title, current registration and emissions certificate if applicable.

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in Utah?

If your Utah title is lost and the buyer is in Utah, you can complete Form TC-123 (Application for Utah Duplicate Title), sign both Part 1 and Part 2 (Part 2 assigns ownership to the buyer), and give it to the buyer with a bill of sale instead of getting a duplicate first. For junking, under Utah Code 41-1a-1009 a Tax Commission investigator can make a written determination that a vehicle cannot be rebuilt, after the salvage buyer signs a statement that it won't be rebuilt; the vehicle can then be scrapped without a dismantling permit. Buyers with no title use the 'Insufficient Evidence of Ownership' process (TC-656, TC-569A, TC-661, and a TC-824 bond may be required if the value exceeds $3,000).

How do I get a duplicate title in Utah?

Request a duplicate online through the Motor Vehicle Portal (MVP), or mail Form TC-123 (Application for Utah Duplicate Title) with the $6.00 fee. Processing takes about 10 to 14 business days. Pay by check or money order to the Utah State Tax Commission; do not mail cash.

Do I need to file a release of liability in Utah?

Yes. Report the sale online through MVP, by phone at 1-800-DMV-UTAH, or by mail with a signed written notice listing the vehicle year, make and plate or VIN, or with Form TC-502 (Application to Cancel Registration).

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in Utah?

Remove the plates unless they are sold with the vehicle. If you leave them on, you may be liable for parking or traffic violations.

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in Utah?

Before anyone scraps, dismantles or destroys a vehicle, they must submit the title for cancellation and apply for a permit to dismantle (Utah Code 41-1a-1010). A permitted vehicle must be destroyed and can't be retitled, except under narrow rescission rules. The permit lets the owner take it to a licensed dismantler, crusher or salvage dealer (41-1a-1011).

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in Utah?

A vehicle left unattended on public or private property for more than 7 days without the express or implied consent of the property owner, or on a highway for more than 48 hours, is abandoned (Utah Code 41-6a-1408). A peace officer may remove it or have it removed under §41-6a-1406. Abandoning a vehicle is an infraction.

Official sources

1. Utah DMV - Responsibilities of Buyer and Seller
2. Utah DMV - Title Requirements / FAQs
3. Utah DMV - Transfer Without Titles
4. Form TC-123 Application for Utah Duplicate Title
5. Utah Code Title 41 Ch. 1a Part 10 (Junk and Dismantled Vehicles)
6. Utah Code Title 41 Ch. 6a Part 14 (41-6a-1408)

This guide summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (Utah State Tax Commission) before you sell.