Utah Bill of Sale: What You Need to Know Before Buying or Selling a Vehicle

When you're buying or selling a vehicle in Utah, paperwork might be the last thing on your mind — until it's time to register, title, or prove ownership. That’s where the Utah bill of sale comes in. Whether you’re the buyer or the seller, this simple document can protect both parties and streamline the legal process.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to correctly use a bill of sale in Utah, what details to include, how it fits into vehicle registration, and where to get the official form.

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What is a Utah Bill of Sale?

A Utah bill of sale is a legal document that proves a transfer of ownership between a buyer and a seller. In vehicle transactions, this form documents the sale and includes important details like the date, vehicle information, and the names and signatures of both parties. In Utah, the official version of this document is known as Form TC-843, issued by the Utah State Tax Commission.

While a bill of sale alone doesn’t establish legal ownership (you still need to transfer the title), it serves as a receipt and can help in resolving any disputes related to the transaction. In some cases, it’s required to register the vehicle with the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

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Why You Need a Bill of Sale in Utah

Whether you're the buyer or the seller, using a bill of sale is smart — and sometimes necessary. Here’s why:

For Buyers:

• It proves you legally purchased the vehicle.
• You’ll need it for registration, especially in private party sales.
• It helps protect you in case the seller tries to dispute the sale later.

For Sellers:

• It documents the date of sale, which is important for liability purposes.
• It formally releases your ownership of the vehicle.
• It ensures you’re not held responsible for the vehicle once it’s out of your hands.

While not always mandatory, the bill of sale becomes especially important if the title is missing details or if there are questions about the sale during registration.

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What’s Included in a Utah Vehicle Bill of Sale?

A complete Utah vehicle bill of sale includes the following information:

• Full names and addresses of the buyer and seller
• Vehicle details:
  • Year, make, and model
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Body type and color
• Sale details:
  • Date of sale
  • Sale price
  • Odometer reading (if required)
• Signatures from both the buyer and the seller

If you're using the official Form TC-843, most of this information will be built into the document for you to fill out.

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How to Register a Vehicle in Utah Using a Bill of Sale (3 Steps)

Here’s a quick guide to help you register a newly purchased vehicle in Utah, especially if it's a private-party sale.

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents

Before heading to the DMV (or registering online), collect the following:

• Utah Bill of Sale (Form TC-843)
• Vehicle Title, properly signed over to the buyer
• Odometer Disclosure (Form TC-891) for cars less than 20 years old
• Application for Utah Title (Form TC-656)
• Proof of Insurance meeting Utah’s minimum liability requirements
• Emissions Certificate, if required (in Cache, Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber counties)
• Previous vehicle registration
• Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney, if someone else is registering the vehicle for you

Need help with title transfer forms? Check our Utah vehicle title transfer form.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

You have two options:

• Online: Upload all the documents through the official Utah DMV portal. Pay the required title and registration fees during submission.
• In-person: Visit a DMV office near you and submit everything physically. Bring valid ID and expect to pay your taxes and fees on the spot.

Step 3: Apply for a Temporary Permit (Optional)

If you're waiting on certain documents (like an emissions certificate), you can request a temporary permit that allows you to legally drive your vehicle in the meantime. Just note: if your application is left incomplete for over 120 days, it will be canceled.

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How to Fill Out the Utah Bill of Sale Form (9-step guide)

Get a copy of Utah Bill of Sale of Automobile (Sold "As Is" w/o Warranty) template in PDF format.

GET A COPY

Now that you’ve seen how the bill of sale fits into the registration process, here’s how to accurately complete the Utah bill of sale form. Use the official Form TC-843 or similar document. Below is a walkthrough of each section you’ll see on the form, including what to write and why it matters.

1. County and Date

• “State of Utah / County of ___” – Enter the name of the Utah county where the transaction is taking place.
• Date – Write the date when the bill of sale is being completed and signed.

2. Seller’s Information

• “THAT I, ___” – The full legal name of the seller goes here.
• “Of ___ County” – The seller’s Utah county of residence.
• “in consideration of the sum of” – Write the sale amount in both words and numbers (e.g., “five thousand dollars ($5,000)”).
• “receipt of payment acknowledged” – This confirms the seller has received payment in full.

3. Buyer’s Information

• “do hereby sell and transfer to ___” – Enter the buyer’s full name.
• “of ___ County” – The buyer’s Utah county of residence.

4. Vehicle Description

This section requires detailed information about the vehicle being sold:

• Make – The manufacturer (e.g., Toyota, Ford)
• Model – The specific model (e.g., Camry, F-150)
• Body Type – Sedan, SUV, pickup, etc.
• Year – Vehicle’s model year
• Vehicle Ident. No. (VIN) – 17-digit VIN number, usually found on the dashboard or title

5. Warranty of Ownership

This section is pre-written. It states that the seller legally owns the vehicle and has the right to sell it. No action is needed here unless you want to include more specific terms.

6. Disclaimer of Warranties

This is a “sold as-is” disclaimer. It states the buyer accepts the vehicle in its current condition, with no warranties from the seller.

7. Additional Terms (Optional)

If you have any extra conditions (e.g., “Seller will provide emissions certificate within 7 days”), write them here. If not applicable, you may write “N/A.”

8. Signatures

• Seller’s Signature and Printed Name – Must be signed and printed by the seller.
• Buyer’s Signature and Printed Name – Must be signed and printed by the buyer.

9. Notarization

• Fill in the county, date, and have the form notarized by a Notary Public.
• This step is optional in most private vehicle sales in Utah but can add legal protection.

By following this guide, both parties can ensure that the Utah bill of sale is completed clearly and legally. Mistakes or missing fields can cause delays in registration — so double-check every section before signing.

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Where Can You Get a Utah Bill of Sale Form?

The official Utah bill of sale can be downloaded as a PDF from the Utah State Tax Commission website. Look for Form TC-843.

You can also pick up a paper copy from most DMV locations, or generate one through trusted third-party legal form services. Just make sure the version you’re using is current and includes all necessary fields.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using an outdated form or missing mandatory fields
• Failing to record the correct odometer reading
• Not collecting signatures from both parties
• Forgetting to bring all documents to the DMV
• Assuming a bill of sale alone transfers ownership (title is still required)

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Conclusion

Having a properly completed Utah bill of sale is a small step that offers big protection. It’s not only a way to document a transaction — it’s your proof that a sale took place, and it can help you register your vehicle without headaches.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned seller, make sure you have this simple but powerful document ready. It’s one of the most important tools in any Utah vehicle transaction.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a bill of sale required to register a car in Utah?

Yes, especially in private party sales. It serves as proof of the transaction and is often requested during the registration process.

2. What’s the difference between the title and the bill of sale?

The title proves legal ownership of the vehicle. The bill of sale documents the sale transaction and supports the transfer of that title.

3. Can I handwrite a Utah bill of sale?

Yes, but it’s best to use the official Form TC-843. Handwritten versions must still include all required details.

4. Do I need to notarize the bill of sale?

No, Utah does not require notarization of the bill of sale for motor vehicles.

5. Can I register a car in Utah without a bill of sale?

Possibly — but it’s not recommended. A bill of sale can help avoid complications or delays during the title transfer and registration.

6. What happens if I lose my bill of sale?

Try to get a duplicate from the seller or create a replacement document with both parties’ agreement and signatures.

7. How much are title and registration fees in Utah?

Fees vary by vehicle type, county, and weight. Expect to pay registration fees, title fees, and sales tax.

8. Can You Use a Bill of Sale for Other Property in Utah?

Yes. While this article focuses on vehicle transactions, you can also use a Utah bill of sale for:

• Boats and watercraft
• Trailers
• ATVs and snowmobiles
• Personal property (furniture, electronics, etc.)

For boat sales, for instance, we also have a Texas boat bill of sale form sold as-is, which follows a similar format.