Thinking about selling your car in Utah? Whether you’re in Salt Lake City, Provo, West Valley City, or exploring the Silicon Slopes tech corridor, this guide breaks down the entire process, from paperwork and pricing to getting paid, with Utah-specific rules and tips to make everything easy.
Sell My Car in Utah: 5 Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before you sell your vehicle in Utah, make sure you have the following items ready:
- Utah Certificate of Title: Must be properly signed by both seller and buyer. All owners listed on title must sign if connected by “and”; only one owner needs to sign if connected by “or”.
- Valid ID: Utah driver’s license or government-issued identification for verification.
- Application for Utah Title (Form TC-656): Primary form used by buyer for title transfers, available at Utah DMV offices or online.
- Bill of Sale (Form TC-843): Recommended for transactions over $500, must include buyer/seller information, vehicle details, purchase price, and signatures.
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form TC-891): Required for vehicles under 20 years old (different age requirement than most states).
- Safety and/or Emissions Inspection: May be required for registration depending on vehicle age and type.
- Lien Release: If applicable, proper documentation from lender showing the loan is satisfied.
Utah DMV Forms You May Need
Important forms for completing your sale:
- Form TC-656: Application for Utah Title (buyer completes)
- Form TC-843: Bill of Sale (recommended for transactions over $500)
- Form TC-891: Odometer Disclosure Statement (vehicles under 20 years)
- Form TC-123: Application for Duplicate Utah Title (if original is lost)
Find official forms on the Utah DMV website or visit local DMV offices.
Sell Your Car in Utah — Fast & Easy
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instead of waiting days for responses
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trustworthy, no guessing, no back-and-forth
We’ll handle the handoff
no need to worry about complex Utah procedures, inspection requirements
Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
While a clean and well-maintained car may increase your offer, it’s not required.
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we buy cars as-is — no detailing, no fixing, and no stress. Just a fast, no-obligation offer.
In Utah’s dynamic economy, buyers seek vehicles that can handle everything from Silicon Slopes tech commutes to weekend adventures in the state’s five national parks. Whether your car has served you through Salt Lake City traffic or backcountry exploration, we value dependability and functionality over appearance.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
Before accepting any offer, check your car’s current market value:
- Use Our Instant Appraisal Tool: Get a quote in under 2 minutes.
- KBB, Edmunds, or NADA: Compare your vehicle’s value by mileage, features, and condition.
- Look at Local Listings: Check what similar cars are going for in cities like Salt Lake City, Provo, West Jordan, St. George, and throughout the Wasatch Front region.
Utah’s thriving tech economy and outdoor recreation culture create strong demand for reliable, versatile vehicles. Silicon Slopes employees need dependable commuters, while the state’s incredible outdoor access drives demand for adventure-ready SUVs and trucks.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
Here are your main options when selling in Utah:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Fastest Option): Skip the DMV paperwork complexity, inspection requirements, and sales tax calculations. We handle everything and offer same-day payment.
- Trade-In at a Dealership: Convenient if you’re buying another vehicle, but expect lower trade-in values. Good dealership network along the Wasatch Front.
- Private Sale: Might get you a higher price but requires completing Form TC-656, ensuring proper odometer disclosure (20-year rule), arranging inspections, calculating sales tax, and managing the Utah Person-to-Person (UPP) online system.
For a fast, no-hassle experience, Ken Ganley Buying Center is the way to go.
Step 5: Get Paid
When you sell privately in Utah, there’s always a risk of bounced checks, fake payments, or buyers backing out after traveling from distant areas. With us, you’ll receive secure, verified same-day payment — no guesswork, no stress.
We take care of the entire process so you can walk away with confidence and cash in hand.
What Affects Car Values in Utah? Silicon Slopes Innovation & Outdoor Adventure
Utah’s vehicle market reflects the state’s unique blend of tech prosperity and outdoor lifestyle:
- Toyota RAV4 dominates Utah roads, perfectly balancing fuel efficiency, all-weather capability, and cargo space for both tech commuters and outdoor enthusiasts
- Ford F-150 reigns supreme among trucks, serving Utah’s construction, recreation, and work-from-anywhere Silicon Slopes culture with proven versatility
- Subaru models excel with the Outback and Crosstrek leading sales due to standard AWD, adventure-ready design, and appeal to outdoor recreation enthusiasts
- Honda CR-V maintains strong presence as a reliable family choice for navigating Utah’s diverse terrain from urban valleys to mountain access roads
- Toyota Tacoma preferred for mid-size truck needs, offering off-road capability for accessing Utah’s five national parks and countless recreational areas
- Tech industry influence creates demand for efficient, reliable vehicles among high-earning Silicon Slopes professionals commuting between Lehi, Draper, and Salt Lake City
- Outdoor recreation priority means ground clearance, AWD capability, and cargo space significantly impact vehicle desirability and resale value
- Adventure accessibility crucial with Utah’s incredible outdoor opportunities driving preference for vehicles capable of accessing trailheads, ski resorts, and camping areas
- Economic diversity supports consistent demand across vehicle segments from efficient commuters to adventure-ready SUVs and work trucks
- Quality retention important as Utahns tend to keep vehicles longer while expecting reliable performance in varied conditions from desert heat to mountain snow
Utah’s combination of Silicon Slopes prosperity, world-class outdoor recreation, and diverse geography creates exceptional demand for versatile, capable, and efficient vehicles.
Ready to Sell Your Car in Utah?
No games. No waiting. Just a real offer and a simple process with Ken Ganley Buying Center.
Start with a free appraisal online or call us today at 330-427-3656.
We help drivers across Utah sell their cars with ease — from the Silicon Slopes to the red rocks of southern Utah.
Need help selling your car in Utah? Here are some quick answers
What documents do I need to sell my car in Utah?
To sell your car in Utah, you need several key documents. The most important is the Utah Certificate of Title, which must be properly signed by both seller and buyer. If multiple owners are listed connected by “and,” all must sign; if connected by “or,” only one needs to sign. You’ll also need Form TC-656 (Application for Utah Title), which the buyer uses for title transfers. For transactions over $500, Form TC-843 (Bill of Sale) is recommended and must include buyer/seller information, vehicle details, purchase price, and signatures. Additionally, Form TC-891 (Odometer Disclosure Statement) is required for vehicles under 20 years old – Utah’s age requirement is longer than most states. If your vehicle has a lien, you’ll need proper lien release documentation from your lender showing the loan is satisfied.
Can I transfer a title online in Utah?
Yes, Utah offers the Person-to-Person (UPP) online title transfer system for eligible Utah-titled vehicles. This system allows for convenient online processing, but make sure that the odometer disclosure section on the Utah Title has been completed if the vehicle is less than 20 years old. However, out-of-state titles require in-person processing at DMV offices and cannot use the UPP system. The online system streamlines the process significantly for Utah residents selling Utah-titled vehicles, eliminating the need for physical DMV visits in many cases. You must also report the vehicle as sold to the Division of Motor Vehicles using Utah’s Motor Vehicle Portal (MVP) or by calling 1-800-DMV-UTAH.
How long do I need to provide odometer disclosure in Utah?
Utah requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old, which is longer than most states that typically require it for vehicles under 10 years. Odometer mileage disclosure statements do not need to be given for vehicles 20 years old or older, vehicles having a gross vehicle weight rating of 16,000 pounds or more, or vehicles sold directly by the manufacturer to any agency of the United States Government. This disclosure can be completed on the title itself or on separate Form TC-891 (Odometer Disclosure Statement), signed by both owner and buyer. This extended requirement reflects Utah’s commitment to preventing odometer fraud and protecting buyers in the used car market.
What are the title transfer fees in Utah?
Utah title transfer fees are $6.00 for the title itself, plus registration fees starting at $44 and increasing based on vehicle weight. Sales tax applies based on purchase price with no family exemptions. Unlike some states, Utah does not offer sales tax exemptions for family-to-family transfers – sales tax applies to all vehicle purchases based on the actual purchase price. If you need a duplicate title, Form TC-123 costs $6.00. The Utah Tax Commission reviews all documents for accuracy, so the purchase price must reflect what was actually paid, as inflating or deflating the price can result in penalties and complications.
What does "and" vs "or" mean on Utah titles?
The conjunction between owner names on Utah titles has significant legal implications. “And” means all listed owners must sign to transfer ownership, while “Or” means only one listed owner needs to sign. This affects how many signatures are required for the sale and can impact the complexity of your transaction. If you’re unsure about your title’s ownership structure, check the title carefully before beginning the sale process. Having the wrong number of signatures can delay or invalidate your title transfer, so it’s crucial to understand this requirement before meeting with buyers.
Are safety and emissions inspections required when selling in Utah?
Some vehicles require safety and/or emissions inspections for registration. Since 2018, requirements are limited to specific vehicle categories including rebuilt/salvage titles and out-of-state vehicles. While not all vehicles require these inspections, buyers should be aware that certain categories may need them for registration. As a seller, it’s helpful to know your vehicle’s inspection status, as this can affect the buyer’s registration process. Vehicles with rebuilt or salvage titles, or those coming from out-of-state, are more likely to require inspections before the buyer can complete registration.
How do I handle a lien when selling my car in Utah?
If your vehicle has an active lien, you cannot complete the sale until the lien is properly released. First, contact your lender to get the exact payoff amount and instructions for lien release. The lienholder must provide proper release forms showing the loan is satisfied before you can transfer the title. You can either pay off the loan before the sale using your own funds, or work with the buyer to complete the transaction at the lender’s location. Utah requires proper documentation of lien release, and the title cannot be transferred until this documentation is provided. Keep all lien release paperwork, as you’ll need it for the title transfer process.
What happens if I use the wrong purchase price on Utah forms?
Utah Tax Commission reviews all documents for accuracy. The purchase price must reflect what you actually paid — inflating or deflating the price can result in penalties and complications. Utah takes purchase price accuracy seriously because it affects sales tax calculations. Unlike some states that allow estimated values, Utah requires the actual transaction amount. If you attempt to use an artificially low price to reduce sales tax, or an artificially high price for other reasons, you risk penalties, delays in processing, and potential legal complications. Always use the true sale price on all Utah DMV forms to avoid these issues and ensure a smooth title transfer process.