Free Utah Vehicle Bill of Sale (Form TC-843)
A Utah vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that serves as a formal receipt for the transfer of a motor vehicle between a private seller and a buyer. It records crucial transaction details, including the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, year, purchase price, and the exact date of the sale. Using a formal bill of sale protects both parties by documenting the transfer of ownership and ensuring the seller is released from liability once the vehicle leaves their possession.
In Utah, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) highly recommends—and in many situations requires—a bill of sale to complete the title transfer process, especially to verify the purchase price for sales tax assessment. While the state provides an official document (Form TC-843), generic bill of sale templates are also accepted as long as they contain the necessary transaction data. Utah law does not require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized, but both the buyer and seller must sign it. Buyers should also ensure they receive a properly endorsed title and a separate odometer disclosure statement if the vehicle is under 20 years old.
Utah Automobile Bill of Sale
Official printable document required for the private sale and title transfer of a vehicle in Utah. This PDF is optimized for clear printing and accepted by local county tax and DMV offices.
How to Sell a Vehicle in Utah: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Negotiate the purchase price and acceptable payment method. Since private sales in Utah are completely 'as-is', the buyer should thoroughly inspect the vehicle or have an independent mechanic review it before finalizing the deal.
Step 2: Complete the Utah Vehicle Bill of Sale (Form TC-843). Ensure the VIN, make, model, purchase price, and buyer/seller contact details are completely accurate. Both parties must sign and date the document.
Step 3: Fill out an Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form TC-891) if the vehicle is less than 20 model years old. Utah does not require notarization for the bill of sale or the certificate of title, so this step can be completed privately.
Step 4: The seller must sign over the original Utah title to the buyer. By Utah law, license plates belong to the seller, not the vehicle. The seller must physically remove and keep their license plates before handing over the keys.
Step 5: The buyer must take the signed title, bill of sale, Application for Utah Title (Form TC-656), proof of insurance, and a valid ID to their local Utah DMV office. Buyers in certain counties (such as Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, Cache, and Weber) will also need to pass an emissions test and provide the certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah Vehicle Bills of Sale
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a vehicle in Utah?
While the properly endorsed title is the primary document that legally transfers ownership, the Utah DMV strongly recommends using a bill of sale (Form TC-843). It acts as your official receipt, protects the seller from post-sale liability, and provides the purchase price for the buyer's sales tax calculation.
Does a Utah vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No, Utah does not require a vehicle bill of sale or the vehicle title to be notarized. The valid signatures of the buyer and seller are sufficient to make the document legally binding.
Can I write my own bill of sale in Utah?
Yes, you can draft your own bill of sale or use a generic printable PDF. However, the Utah DMV provides an official form (Form TC-843) that ensures all required details, such as the VIN, purchase price, and parties' information, are properly recorded and accepted by the state without issue.
Are private vehicle sales in Utah considered 'as-is'?
Yes, all private party vehicle sales in Utah are inherently 'as-is'. Utah's Lemon Law only applies to new vehicles purchased from licensed dealerships. Buyers are fully responsible for inspecting the vehicle prior to purchase, as sellers are not legally required to offer warranties or refunds.
How is sales tax calculated on a private vehicle sale in Utah?
Sales tax in Utah is calculated based on the purchase price listed on the bill of sale. However, if the stated purchase price is significantly lower than the vehicle's fair market value, the Utah State Tax Commission may assess taxes based on a standard fair market value guide unless a valid explanation (such as major body damage) is provided.
What documents does the buyer need to bring to the Utah DMV?
To successfully register and transfer the title, the buyer must bring the originally endorsed title, a completed Bill of Sale (Form TC-843), an Application for Utah Title (Form TC-656), an Odometer Disclosure (Form TC-891) if the vehicle is under 20 years old, valid proof of Utah car insurance, a government-issued ID, payment for taxes and fees, and an emissions certificate if registering in a county that mandates it.