Utah License Plate Lookup

Utah license plate lookup tools allow individuals to access crucial vehicle information, encouraging transparency and safety in vehicle transactions. It may help potential buyers verify a seller’s claims about a vehicle. These insights are invaluable when researching a used car for purchase.

Consumers can perform these lookups using various online tools like Bumper. These tools pull data from public records to provide detailed vehicle history reports: This data might include number of previous owners, accident reports*, and information on recalls and safety issues.

Information accessible through license plate lookup

Vehicle history

A Utah license plate lookup could reveal details about a vehicle’s past, including major accidents*, theft history, and salvage status. For example, you can learn if the vehicle was involved in significant road mishaps or natural disasters such as floods or fires. This is vital for gauging the car’s current condition and safety.

Recall and safety issues

A license plate lookup can also identify recalls or safety concerns related to the vehicle. Checking for recalls is crucial, as driving a vehicle with unresolved safety issues can pose significant risks. You can try to find details about the vehicle’s recall status through resources like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which provides updates on manufacturer recalls and safety standards

Understanding this information could help check if the vehicle is safe to operate before finalizing a purchase, contributing to better-informed decisions and promoting buyer protection.

Types of Utah license plates

Standard issue plates

Utah currently offers four standard-issue plates. These plates are issued to most vehicle registrants and are required to be displayed on both the front and rear of the vehicle until January 1st, 2025 when the state will only require a rear plate. These plates are versatile and used by most drivers for general transportation purposes. Available standard plates include:

1. In God We Trust: A reflective white plate with blue serial lettering and an American flag offset to the left with the text “In GOD We TRUST” written underneath. “UNITED WE STAND” in red text underneath and “Utah” in a scripted font above.
2. Life Elevated Skier: Features a skier on a snowy mountain and blue serial lettering. “LIFE ELEVATED” and “UTAH” on top. “GREATEST SNOW ON EARTH” is written underneath.
3. Life Elevated Arches: A graphic depicting Delicate Arch, the largest free-standing arch in Utah’s Arches National Park, sits behind blue serial lettering. “UTAH” in black at the top of the plate, with “LIFE ELEVATED” written in blue letters underneath.
4. Off-Highway Vehicle: Issued to off-highway vehicles, and not eligible for personalization.

Special group plates

Various specialty plates are available in Utah, including those supporting charitable organizations and plates designated as “exempt” for publicly owned or leased vehicles. To obtain a specialty plate, applicants must meet specific criteria and pay additional fees, which vary depending on the type of plate. Special group plates often generate funds for specific purposes, honor specific groups, and have distinct designs. Examples include plates for veterans, university alumni, and conservation efforts. Vehicles that fall under the exempt category, such as those owned by public entities and Utah Highway Patrol vehicles, display “EX” plates and must adhere to particular regulations

Special group plates require a combination of a five-character format and a unique group sticker. If desired, certain special group plates can also be personalized: Starting a new special group plate program involves submitting application TC-204 along with the required fees and documentation to the Utah DMV, ensuring the program meets all stipulated guidelines.

Personalized plates

In Utah, the fees for personalized license plates vary depending on the type of plate chosen. For standard personalized plates, such as the “Life Elevated Arches” and “Life Elevated Skier” designs, the cost is $95.75. Specialized plates supporting charitable causes, like the “Autism Awareness,” “Boy Scouts,” and “Cancer Research” plates, require an additional contribution of $25 or more, bringing the total to $125.75 or higher. Some plates, like the “Amateur Radio” plate, have lower fees at $30.75. These fees often include donations to specific organizations or initiatives, making personalized plates in Utah a way for residents to support causes they care about while customizing their vehicle’s plates.

Vehicle Registration Renewals in Utah

Vehicle registration in Utah must be renewed annually, with renewals available up to 60 days before the registration expires. Here are several methods available for renewing your vehicle registration in Utah.

Automatic Renewal

Utah offers an automatic renewal option to help residents avoid forgetting their registration deadline. By signing up through the Motor Vehicle Portal (MVP), the DMV will send a reminder notice, detailing any inspection requirements. Once those are met, the renewal will automatically be processed, and a confirmation email, along with the registration and decal, will be sent out. To use this service, you must provide your bank account information for the automatic payment of fees.

Online Renewal

The most convenient method of renewing your registration is through Utah’s online system, RenewalExpress. This allows you to renew from nearly any location, offering a quick and easy process for completing registration requirements.

Mail Renewal

For those who prefer to complete the renewal by mail, Utah offers this option as well. Residents must send the necessary inspection documents and payment to the DMV. All payments should be made to the Utah State Tax Commission, and mailed to the specified DMV address:

Motor Vehicle Division

P.O. Box 30412

Salt Lake City, UT 84130

On the Spot Station Program

In Utah, many inspection stations offer the “On The Spot” program, which allows you to complete both the inspection and registration renewal in one visit. This option is convenient for those who need both services and want to save time. You can find participating stations through the DMV’s station map.