How to Get a Title for an Abandoned Vehicle in Utah
Utah has a 10–30 days wait period before you can begin the title process. Here is everything a towing company, storage facility, or property owner needs to know.
Quick Reference
Wait Period & Reporting
10–30 days wait required. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
Notifying the Owner
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder
Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
Lienholder Rights
Lienholder must be notified and given time to respond
Failure to notify a lienholder properly can void the entire abandoned vehicle title process.
The Title Application Process
Form/Program: Abandoned Vehicle Title Application
Process varies by state. Typically initiated by a towing company, storage facility, or property owner.
Restrictions & Requirements
- Must follow state-specific notice and wait period requirements
- All liens must be resolved before a clean title can issue
- Storage or towing facility typically must be licensed
Utah-Specific Note
Utah-Specific Facts for Abandoned Vehicle Title
Utah Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In Utah, the title transfer fee is $6 and registration costs $44 - $150+ depending on vehicle age and type. Vehicle sales are subject to 6.1% state sales tax plus local taxes (up to ~8.5%). Utah does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Emission testing is required in Utah — verify the vehicle passes before completing the sale.
- Safety and emissions inspection required in Cache, Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber counties
- Title transfer at DMV within 48 hours of sale
- Age-based registration fee structure
Official Utah bill of sale form
The official Utah bill of sale form is TC-656 (Bill of Sale). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all Utah requirements and can be used in place of the official form.
Utah sales tax on vehicle purchases
Utah has a 6.1% state sales tax rate. 6.1% state plus local taxes (total up to ~8.5%). Private-party vehicle sales in Utah are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $6.
Utah bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 901 bill of sale documents for Utah transactions, with 24 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
More Utah Vehicle Guides
- GAP Insurance Claim in Utah
- Government Surplus Vehicle in Utah
- Hit-and-Run Vehicle Claim in Utah
- Hold Harmless Vehicle Sale in Utah
- Insurance Required to Register in Utah
- Junk Title Conversion in Utah
Each guide is written specifically for Utah laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in Utah?
Utah requires a 10–30 days wait period. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
How do I notify the owner of an abandoned vehicle in Utah?
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder. Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
How much does it cost to get an abandoned vehicle title in Utah?
DMV fees + towing and storage charges. Costs vary widely by state and accumulate with each day in storage.
How long does the abandoned vehicle title process take in Utah?
45–90 days. Process includes wait periods, notice periods, and DMV processing time.
Does Utah require a surety bond for an abandoned vehicle title?
Not for the standard process. Some states require a surety bond if the title history is unclear or the vehicle has a prior out-of-state registration.
Selling the Vehicle After You Get Title?
Create a compliant Utah bill of sale to protect yourself in the transaction.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: State DMV. Abandoned vehicle laws change frequently — verify current wait periods with your state DMV.