Updated on July 26, 2021
When registering your vehicle in Utah, you’ll need the vehicle title, ID, proof of insurance, and payment for registration fees. Like other states, Utah requires drivers to have insurance to drive on state roads. The national average for full coverage insurance is $1,555, while the average for Utah is $1,300 a year.

If this isn’t your first rodeo registering a vehicle in the Beehive state, you probably know you’ll need to pass both safety and emissions testing before renewing your registration. But keep in mind, Utah’s inspections programs change based on county. Keep reading for more registration details in Utah.

Utah Vehicle Registration Renewal Guide

How to Renew a Car Registration in Utah

Have you recently lost your Utah vehicle registration?

Without a valid vehicle registration, you cannot legally drive in the state of Utah. Luckily, the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has an easy process for getting a replacement vehicle registration.

Wondering how to replace your vehicle registration in Utah? You can get a replacement car registration in Utah by going to your local DMV office and submitting an application. Along with this application, you will have to provide some personal information and information about your vehicle, and you will also have to pay a small fee.

Several weeks before your vehicle registration is due to expire, the Department of Motor Vehicles in the state of Utah will mail you a notice with your registration expiration date.

Utah Vehicle Registration Renewal Period

When do I need to renew my car registration or plate sticker in Utah? How long is my vehicle registration valid after renewing?

Registrations are good for one year in the state.

Utah Registration Renewal Options

There are three options for renewing your registration in Utah. You can renew in person, online, or through the mail.

Safety Inspection and Utah Registration Renewal

There are certain counties in the state of Utah that will require you to have a safety inspection and an emissions test before you can renew your registration.

All vehicles that have model years that are 4,8, and 10 years old will need a safety inspection. Vehicles older than 10 years will be required to have an annual safety inspection.

Required Documents for Utah Registration Renewal

In order to renew in person you will need to visit the local Utah DMV office and have the following with you:

• Renewal notice from the state of Utah or your current Utah certificate of registration
• Proof that you have passed the emissions test and safety inspection if required
• Payment for the renewal fees

Online Registration Renewal Options In Utah

To renew online you will need to have a current registration with the DMV and not have any exemptions for your renewal fees.

Replacement Registration vs. Registration Renewal

Although the processes are similar, renewing your registration and replacing it are two different things. To renew your registration in the state of Utah, you can only renew your registration if it’s been expired for less than six months.

How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Registration In Utah

If you recently lost your vehicle registration or it was stolen or damaged, you will need to apply for a replacement registration. You will be required to provide your VIN and may be required to provide proof of identity.

There will also be a small fee for replacing your registration paper and license plate sticker.

Replacing Stolen Utah License Plates

If your license plates have recently been stolen or vandalized, you will need to get a set of replacement plates. Before you do this, though, you should file a stolen plate report with your local police department. You can take this police report with you to the DMV to make the process of replacing your plates easier.

Even though stolen plates aren’t your fault, you will still need to fill out a replacement plate application with the Utah DMV and pay a replacement plate fee of between $11 and $16. This fee includes a replacement registration and stickers.

How to Replace a Lost Plate Sticker In Utah

The process for getting a replacement car tag is the same as applying for a replacement vehicle registration in Utah. You will have to fill out an application, provide some basic information, and pay a fee.

Replacement License Plate Sticker Fees In Utah

The fee for replacing a lost license plate sticker is $5 and can be paid in person at a DMV office.

Utah Replacement Registration Locations

Where can I go to replace my registration in person? Where are the Utah DMV offices located?

While many states allow you to replace your registration by going to the DMV website, you can only renew your registration in Utah in person or by mail.

You will have to fill out an application and make a payment by cash or check. If you are sending your application by mail, you will need to pay by check as the Utah DMV does not accept cash via mail.

What to Do with Old Plates

If you have old license plates that are unsightly or difficult to read, you can get a new set of plates by filling out an application for replacement plates. You will also need to pay the replacement plate fee.

After you replace your plates, you will have to dispose of the old ones. To check if you are required to surrender your plates, call or visit a Utah DMV office. If you aren’t required to surrender your old plates, you can simply bend them and recycle them at an aluminum recycling center.

Replacing Your Plates with Specialty Plates

Utah offers a small selection of specialty plates to honor the state. If you want to upgrade to these specialty plates when you replace your license plates, all you have to do is indicate that on your application and pay a $16 fee.

You can also personalize your license plates in Utah. The number of characters which you may use depends on the type of plate you are personalizing, but it can be as few as four characters and as much as seven characters.