When should I use the odometer exempt page?
Use this page when your boat sale in Utah fits a odometer exempt scenario. It walks you through the specific disclosures and details that apply to this type of transaction.
Odometer exempt — Utah
Utah Boat bill of sale for odometer exempt
Complete your Utah boat bill of sale for a odometer exempt transaction. Enter buyer and seller details, vehicle information, and generate a signed PDF in minutes.
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What to know about odometer exempt sales in Utah
Under 49 CFR § 580.17 as amended in 2021, the age exemption is two-tier: vehicles of model year 2010 or older are exempt (the old 10-year rule), but model year 2011 and newer vehicles are exempt only once they are 20 or more model years old — a 2011-or-newer vehicle that is merely 10+ years old still requires full odometer disclosure. You still must not knowingly falsify mileage. Even if federally exempt, some states have their own mileage disclosure requirements — document the known odometer reading in the bill of sale regardless.
What to include in your bill of sale
- Full legal names and addresses for both buyer and seller.
- Boat make, model, year, VIN, and current mileage.
- Agreed sale price, payment method, and transaction date.
- Any odometer exempt-specific disclosures required in Utah.
Seller guidance
Under 49 CFR § 580.17 as amended in 2021, the age exemption is two-tier: vehicles of model year 2010 or older are exempt (the old 10-year rule), but model year 2011 and newer vehicles are exempt only once they are 20 or more model years old — a 2011-or-newer vehicle that is merely 10+ years old still requires full odometer disclosure. You still must not knowingly falsify mileage. Even if federally exempt, some states have their own mileage disclosure requirements — document the known odometer reading in the bill of sale regardless.
Buyer guidance
While the seller may not be legally required to provide a federal odometer statement, you should still request the actual mileage and note it in the bill of sale. High-mileage vehicles command lower prices, so confirming the reading protects you from misrepresentation claims later.
Utah-Specific Note
Utah Code § 41-1a-902 exempts a vehicle 20 years old or older from odometer disclosure, but the federal 2021 rule change means that clock only starts at model year 2011 — so a 2011 model isn't exempt until 2031, not simply once it turns 20 calendar years old. Utah also exempts a vehicle with a manufacturer gross weight rating over 16,000 lbs, or one registered in Utah for a gross laden weight of 18,000 lbs or more, plus non-motorized trailers, low-speed vehicles, mopeds, and scooters. For a non-exempt sale, complete the disclosure on the back of the Certificate of Title in the Assignment of Title by Registered Owner section, or use standalone Form TC-891 if the title lacks the section.
Legal considerations
Utah Code § 41-1a-902 exempts a vehicle 20 years old or older from odometer disclosure, but the federal 2021 rule change means that clock only starts at model year 2011 — so a 2011 model isn't exempt until 2031, not simply once it turns 20 calendar years old. Utah also exempts a vehicle with a manufacturer gross weight rating over 16,000 lbs, or one registered in Utah for a gross laden weight of 18,000 lbs or more, plus non-motorized trailers, low-speed vehicles, mopeds, and scooters. For a non-exempt sale, complete the disclosure on the back of the Certificate of Title in the Assignment of Title by Registered Owner section, or use standalone Form TC-891 if the title lacks the section.
Utah Boat transfer fees and requirements
In Utah, the title transfer fee is $6 and registration costs $44 - $150+ depending on vehicle age and type. Boat sales are subject to 6.1% state sales tax plus local taxes (up to ~8.5%). Utah does not require notarization for private-party boat transfers. Emission testing is required in Utah — verify the boat 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
Utah sales tax on boat purchases
Utah has a 6.1% state sales tax rate. 6.1% state plus local taxes (total up to ~8.5%). Private-party boat sales in Utah are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $6.
Boat market data and safety information
The most common boat makes in private-party sales are Bayliner, Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Tracker, Yamaha. Average private-party boat prices range from $5,000–$75,000. Boats average 1.8 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Fuel System, Electrical, Steering.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used boat
Before completing a boat bill of sale in Utah, verify these safety items:
- Verify Hull Identification Number (HIN) matches registration documents
- Check for delamination, blistering, or water intrusion in fiberglass hulls
- Inspect transom for softness or rot — the most expensive structural repair
- Test all bilge pumps, navigation lights, and required safety equipment
- Confirm USCG-required PFDs, throwable cushion, and visual distress signals are present
- Verify fire extinguisher is current and properly sized for vessel length
- Test carbon monoxide detector function on cabin boats
- Confirm kill-switch lanyard operation cuts engine immediately
Boat insurance and depreciation in Utah
Boat insurance averages $200–$500/year for boats under 26 ft. Agreed-value policies are preferred over actual-cash-value. Boats depreciate 30–40% in the first 5 years. Aluminum fishing boats hold value better than fiberglass sport boats. Peak season for private boat sales is early spring (march–may) ahead of boating season, with an average of 45 days on market.
Boat registration and titling
Boats are classified as "Watercraft (state-registered) or USCG-documented vessel" for registration purposes. Boats are measured by length, not weight, for registration. Trailers have separate weight-based registration. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to boats.
Safety tips for odometer exempt boat transactions
When completing a odometer exempt boat sale in Utah, always verify the vehicle against NHTSA recall databases. The most common boat recall categories are Fuel System, Electrical, Steering. Check recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls before signing the bill of sale.
Checklist for odometer exempt boat sale in Utah
- Confirm the vehicle qualifies: model year 2010 or older, OR model year 2011+ and 20+ model years old, OR GVWR over 16,000 lbs
- Check your state's mileage disclosure rules — some exceed the federal minimum
- Record the actual known mileage in the bill of sale voluntarily
- Note on the bill of sale that odometer disclosure is exempt under 49 CFR § 580.17
- Retain a copy of the bill of sale showing the exempt-disclosure notation
- Confirm exemption: model year 2010 or older, OR model year 2011+ and 20+ model years old, OR over 16,000 lbs manufacturer GVWR / 18,000 lbs registered gross weight
- For a non-exempt sale, complete the odometer section on the back of the Certificate of Title
- If the title has no disclosure section, both parties complete Form TC-891 instead
- Keep a copy of the disclosure for at least 4 years as required by Utah and federal law
Need the printable workflow?
Use the main Utah boat bill of sale flow when you are ready to generate the completed document.
Open Utah Boat bill of saleThe Private Vehicle Sale Market
17.5M private sales/yr
About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.
Source: Cox Automotive 2024
Other Utah boat sale situations
Frequently asked questions
Why does the odometer exempt scenario have its own page?
Different sale scenarios — such as private party, dealer, or gifted transfers — have different documentation requirements. This page focuses on what buyers and sellers need for a odometer exempt transaction specifically.
What should be included in this bill of sale?
Include the buyer and seller details, vehicle identifiers, sale price, date, signatures, and any notes specific to the odometer exempt transaction.
What are the Utah fees for a odometer exempt boat transfer?
Utah charges a $6 title transfer fee. Registration costs $44 - $150+ depending on vehicle age and type. Sales tax: 6.1% state sales tax plus local taxes (up to ~8.5%). Notarization is not required for most transfers.
What boat makes are most commonly sold in Utah?
The most popular boat makes in private-party sales are Bayliner, Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Tracker, Yamaha. Average private-party prices range from $5,000–$75,000.
Do I pay sales tax on a odometer exempt boat sale in Utah?
Utah has a 6.1% state sales tax rate. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases
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