What You Need to Know About Utah Vehicle Registration Renewal

Utah sends you a renewal notice in the mail 30 to 60 days before your registration expires. You can renew online through the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing by mail or in person because you avoid a service fee. Your registration is valid for two years from the date it expires, not from the date you renew it.

You do not need to visit a DMV office unless your vehicle failed emissions testing, you have an outstanding citation, or your registration has been suspended. Most people renew without ever leaving home.

Key Takeaways

  • Utah sends renewal notices 30 to 60 days before expiration; check your mail or log into your DMV account online to see your renewal date.
  • Online renewal through the Utah DMV website is the fastest and cheapest option for most people and takes about 10 minutes.
  • You will need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method to renew online.
  • If you renew after your registration expires, you may owe a late fee in addition to the renewal cost, which varies by vehicle weight and type.
  • Vehicles registered in Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, or Utah counties must pass an emissions test before you can renew if your vehicle is model year 1996 or newer.

Renewing Online Through the Utah DMV Website

Go to dmv.utah.gov and select "Vehicle Registration" from the main menu. Click "Renew Vehicle Registration" and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and the last four digits of your driver license or ID card. The system will pull up your registration record and show you the renewal fee based on your vehicle's weight and type.

Review the information on screen to make sure it is correct. If your address, vehicle description, or owner information has changed, you will need to update it before paying. Once you confirm everything, pay with a debit card, credit card, or electronic check. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, and your new registration card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Keep your confirmation number and the email receipt. If your new registration card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DMV at 801-297-7780 to verify the address they have on file.

Renewing by Mail or at a DMV Office

If you prefer not to renew online, use the renewal notice that arrived in your mail. Fill out the form on the back, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address shown on the notice. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days after the DMV receives it, plus mail time in both directions.

You can also renew in person at any Utah DMV office. Bring your renewal notice, current registration card, proof of vehicle insurance, and a valid ID. Payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card is accepted. In-person renewal is processed the same day, but you will wait in line and pay a service fee on top of the renewal cost.

Renewing by mail or in person costs more than online renewal because of service fees. Online renewal has no service fee, making it the least expensive option.

Emissions Testing Requirements Before You Renew

If your vehicle is registered in Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, or Utah county and is model year 1996 or newer, you must pass an emissions test before you can renew your registration. The test costs about $20 and takes 10 to 15 minutes at any certified emissions testing station.

You can find testing stations near you at dmv.utah.gov under "Emissions Testing Stations." Schedule an appointment online or call ahead to check wait times. Bring your current registration card and proof of insurance. The testing station will send your results directly to the DMV, so you do not need to do anything else.

If your vehicle fails the test, you have 30 days to fix the problem and retest at no additional charge. You cannot renew your registration until the test passes. If you live outside the four counties listed above, emissions testing is not required.

Late Renewal Fees and Suspended Registrations

If your registration expires and you continue to drive, you owe a late fee in addition to the regular renewal cost. The late fee is 10 percent of the renewal fee, with a minimum of $10. For example, if your renewal fee is $100 and you renew 30 days late, you owe $110 total.

If you drive more than 30 days past the expiration date without renewing, the DMV may suspend your registration. A suspended registration means you cannot legally drive the vehicle, and you may receive a citation if stopped by law enforcement. To restore a suspended registration, you must renew it and pay the late fee, plus any reinstatement fee the DMV charges.

Renew before your expiration date to avoid these extra costs. If you miss the important date by a few days, renew when ready to keep the late fee as small as possible.

What to Do If You Did Not Receive a Renewal Notice

The DMV mails renewal notices to the address on file with your registration. If you moved and did not update your address, the notice will go to your old address. Log into your DMV account at dmv.utah.gov to check your renewal date and renew online without waiting for the paper notice.

If you cannot find your registration card or renewal notice, you can still renew online using your VIN and the last four digits of your driver license or ID. If you do not have access to the internet or cannot locate your VIN, call the DMV at 801-297-7780 and they will help you renew by phone or direct you to the nearest office.

Update your address with the DMV as soon as you move. You can do this online at dmv.utah.gov, by mail, or in person at any DMV office. Keeping your address current ensures you receive renewal notices and other important documents on time.

Scam Alert: Fake Renewal Notices and Phishing Emails

Do not trust emails or text messages claiming to be from the Utah DMV asking you to click a link and renew your registration. The real DMV does not contact people by email or text to renew. These are phishing scams designed to steal your personal information and payment details.

If you receive a suspicious email or text, do not click any links. Go directly to dmv.utah.gov by typing the address into your browser yourself, or call the DMV at 801-297-7780 to report it. Legitimate renewal notices come by mail only.

Be cautious of third-party websites that offer to renew your registration for you. These sites charge extra fees on top of the state renewal cost and are not affiliated with the Utah DMV. Renew directly through dmv.utah.gov to pay only the official fee with no markup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if it has already expired?

Yes, you can renew after expiration, but you will owe a late fee of 10 percent of the renewal cost (minimum $10). If your registration has been suspended, you must renew it and may owe a reinstatement fee. Renew as soon as possible to keep driving legally.

How long does my new registration card take to arrive?

If you renew online, your new card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, add 10 to 15 business days for DMV processing plus mail time in both directions. In-person renewal is processed the same day, but you receive a temporary registration slip to carry until your card arrives.

What if my vehicle information changed since my last registration?

If you changed your address, added or removed an owner, or the vehicle was modified, update this information before renewing. You can update online at dmv.utah.gov, by mail using a form from the DMV website, or in person at any office. Some changes require a visit to an office with proof of the change.

Do I need to renew my registration if I sold my vehicle?

No, but you must notify the DMV that you sold it. Complete a "Notice of Sale" form and mail it to the DMV within 10 days of the sale. This removes your liability if the new owner gets a citation or is in an accident. You can find the form at dmv.utah.gov.

What payment methods does the Utah DMV accept for renewal?

Online renewal accepts debit cards, credit cards, and electronic checks. By mail, send a check or money order. In person, the DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Online and in-person renewal process when ready; by mail takes 10 to 15 business days after receipt.