When should I use the odometer exempt page?
Use this page when your bus 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 Bus bill of sale for odometer exempt
Complete your Utah bus 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.
- Bus 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 Bus transfer fees and requirements
In Utah, the title transfer fee is $6 and registration costs $44 - $150+ depending on vehicle age and type. Bus sales are subject to 6.1% state sales tax plus local taxes (up to ~8.5%). Utah does not require notarization for private-party bus transfers. Emission testing is required in Utah — verify the bus 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 bus purchases
Utah has a 6.1% state sales tax rate. 6.1% state plus local taxes (total up to ~8.5%). Private-party bus sales in Utah are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $6.
Bus market data and safety information
The most common bus makes in private-party sales are Blue Bird, Thomas Built, IC Bus, Freightliner, Ford (shuttle). Average private-party bus prices range from $5,000–$100,000. Buss average 3.2 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Brakes, Engine, Electrical.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used bus
Before completing a bus bill of sale in Utah, verify these safety items:
- Verify DOT inspection history — buses have stricter inspection requirements than passenger vehicles
- Check emergency exit operation for all doors, windows, and roof hatches
- Inspect brake system including air brake components and ABS function
- Test all lighting, stop arms (school bus), and warning systems
- Confirm fire extinguisher is present, properly mounted, and inspection-current
- Verify first-aid kit and body-fluid cleanup kit are present (school bus requirement)
- Test child-check reminder system and rearmost rear-aisle alarm (where required)
- Inspect seat-frame welds and seat-back integrity for all rows
Bus insurance and depreciation in Utah
Bus insurance varies widely — $3,000–$15,000/year depending on use (shuttle, school, tour). Passenger capacity drives premiums. Retired school buses are cheap ($3,000–$10,000) and popular for conversion projects ("skoolies"). Coach buses retain value better. Peak season for private bus sales is summer when school districts auction retired buses, with an average of 45 days on market.
Bus registration and titling
Buss are classified as "Bus or Commercial motor vehicle — CDL required for 16+ passenger capacity" for registration purposes. School buses typically 14,500–36,000 lbs GVWR. Transit and coach buses can exceed 40,000 lbs. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to buss.
Safety tips for odometer exempt bus transactions
When completing a odometer exempt bus sale in Utah, always verify the vehicle against NHTSA recall databases. The most common bus recall categories are Brakes, Engine, Electrical. Check recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls before signing the bill of sale.
Checklist for odometer exempt bus 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 bus bill of sale flow when you are ready to generate the completed document.
Open Utah Bus 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 bus 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 bus 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 bus makes are most commonly sold in Utah?
The most popular bus makes in private-party sales are Blue Bird, Thomas Built, IC Bus, Freightliner, Ford (shuttle). Average private-party prices range from $5,000–$100,000.
Do I pay sales tax on a odometer exempt bus sale in Utah?
Utah has a 6.1% state sales tax rate. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases
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