Utah VIN Lookup

Buyers interested in purchasing used cars in Utah should consider conducting a VIN check. The VIN check is important because it reveals information about the vehicle. Therefore, if the car has been involved in an accident or has extensive damage, the buyer can learn about it and thus make a good decision.

Utah is one of the safest states for motorists. Around the Rocky Mountains, most residents prefer using trucks to navigate rough terrain and tow. Trailers are also common in the state for camping enthusiasts. However, in cities like Salt Lake and St. Georgia, residents prefer using sedans and SUVs for their daily commute.

Before purchasing a vehicle in Utah, residents should always conduct a VIN check to verify the vehicle's history and condition. Individuals can obtain VIN information from the Utah DMV or through the NMVTIS and NHTSA check services. Finally, multiple free and paid online services offer vehicle history by performing a VIN check.

VIN Verification

Authorities in the US may request and conduct VIN verification for vehicles within their states of operation. The process involves inspecting the car's VIN to ensure it matches the one on documents such as the title and insurance.

In Utah, VIN verification is required for units being registered in the state for the first time. However, new vehicles are exempt from this rule if they are sold by licensed and bonded Utah dealers. The following people may conduct VIN inspection and verification in the state:

• DMV employees in Utah or any other state.
• Law enforcement agency employees.
• Licensed dealers.
• Safety inspectors.
• Designated contractors.
• Any person authorized by the DMV by writing.

Utah Car Ownership and Driving Information

Ownership Rate

96.1%

High Car Ownership Rate

Utah had the third-highest rate of car ownership in the nation. 96.1% of households in the state reported having access to at least one vehicle.

Miles Per Year

15,516

Average Annual Mileage

The average annual mileage of a driver in Utah is 15,516, which corresponds to the high car ownership rate.

Popular Car

Ford F-Series

Popular Car Makes in Utah

The most popular vehicle in Utah was the Ford F-Series. Other popular cars in the state were the Ram 1500/2500/3500, Chevrolet Silverado, and Toyota RAV4.

Crashes

61,406

Fatalities

332

Car Accidents

In 2021, Utah recorded a total of 61,406 crashes with 332 fatalities.

Crashes

31%

Speeding Related Crashes

Speeding contributed to 31% of fatal crashes in 2021 in the state.

Crashes

909

Alcohol-Impaired Driving

In 2022, Utah recorded 1.5% of filtered crashes as alcohol-related. The alcohol-related crash count in that year was 909.

Crashes

223

Drug-Impaired Driving

In 2022, 0.4% of all filtered crashes were Drug-Related in Utah. That same year had 223 drug-related crashes.

Crashes

35%

Teen Safety

In 2021, teenage drivers accounted for 35% of all crashes, a rate higher than that of any other age group.

Utah DMV

The Utah (DMV) Division Of Motor Vehicles is the state DMV under the Utah State Tax Commission. The Utah DMV is responsible for handling motor vehicle registration. On the other hand, the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS)is responsible for state driver licensing. Some of the services individuals in the state may access from either include:

• Driver's Licensing: This includes issuing and renewing driver's licenses, providing written and practical driving tests, and managing driving records and points systems.
• Vehicle Registration: Registering and titling vehicles, renewing vehicle registrations, and handling specialty and personalized plates.
• Title Transfers: Facilitating the transfer of titles during the sale or transfer of ownership.
• Identification Cards: Issuing state identification cards for non-drivers.
• Vehicle Inspections: Some areas may require vehicle emissions testing for certain vehicles.
• Online Services: Providing online services for license renewal, registration renewal, and address changes.
• Address Changes: Allowing individuals to update their driver's license and vehicle registration addresses.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Services: We handle CDL applications and renewals and conduct tests for commercial drivers.
• Driving Records: Providing driving records for individuals upon request.
• Disabled Parking Permits: Issuing disabled parking permits for eligible individuals.

Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Drivers in Utah may access various federal law compliance and environmental quality resources from several organizations. Key resources include:

• Utah Department of Environmental Quality(DEQ): The Utah DEQ is responsible for addressing environmental issues within the state, including air quality, water quality, and waste management.
• Division of Air Quality(DAQ): A division of the Utah DEQ, DAQ focuses specifically on air quality management, including regulations related to vehicle emissions.
• Utah Highway Patrol (UHP): The UHP is responsible for traffic laws, regulations, and enforcement in Utah.
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: This agency regulates and sets safety standards for commercial driver's license (CDL) holders.
• Utah Clean Air Partnership (UCAIR): Offers tips for reducing vehicle emissions, information on air quality initiatives and programs, and updates on efforts to improve air quality in Utah.
• Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV): The DMV provides information on vehicle registration titling and emissions testing requirements.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA issues federal regulations and environmental standards related to vehicle emissions and provides information on fuel economy and emissions ratings for vehicles.

Buying a Used Car in Utah

Buying a used car in Utah involves following several steps to ensure you own and register the car legally. In addition, there are key considerations to make the purchase process easy. Consider the following:

Utah Lemon Laws

The Utah Lemon Law does not cover used cars, whether bought or leased. The law only applies to new vehicles that are under warranty. Therefore, used car buyers should find alternative ways to protect themselves.

Title Transfer and Registration

After purchasing the vehicle, individuals must title and register it under their name. During this registration, they must present various documents, such as the original title and bill of sale. The title transfer fee is $6.

Conducting a VIN Check

Because the state Lemon Law does not cover used car purchases, individuals should conduct a VIN check to ensure the vehicle is in good working condition.

Sales Tax

The statewide sales tax for used cars in Utah is 6.85%.

Reasons to Do a VIN Check in Utah

Conducting a VIN check in Utah is important for various reasons, including:

• Title and Ownership Verification: Ensure that the vehicle's VIN matches the title's VIN. A VIN check can help verify ownership details and identify any discrepancies indicating potential fraud.
• Salvage Title Information: A VIN check can reveal if the vehicle has a salvage title, indicating it has been declared a total loss by an insurance company due to extensive damage. Understanding the vehicle's history is crucial for making informed purchasing decisions.
• Odometer Tampering Check: VIN checks often include odometer readings. This information can help you verify whether the odometer has been tampered with, preventing you from unknowingly purchasing a car with incorrect mileage information.
• Recall Information: Check for any outstanding recalls associated with the vehicle. This is important for ensuring that any safety or performance issues identified by the manufacturer have been addressed.
• Theft Records: A VIN check can reveal if the vehicle has been reported as stolen. Verifying the vehicle's status is crucial to avoid legal complications and ensure you purchase a legitimate, non-stolen vehicle.
• Lien Check: Determine if there are any outstanding liens on the vehicle. A VIN search can help you identify whether there are financial obligations attached to the car that you would inherit as the new owner.

How to Lookup a VIN Number in Utah

Potential vehicle buyers in Utah have several options for looking up VINs. They include:

VIN Replacement in Utah

In Utah, it is illegal to own a vehicle with its VIN destroyed, altered, defaced, concealed, or removed. The state DMV does not specify the proper procedure for replacing the car's VIN. However, car owners should contact their local DMV office for more information on the replacement.

It's important to note that the state can penalize a person if an inspector suspects that the vehicle's VIN was altered or modified.

New Vehicle Registration in Utah

In Utah, residents should register their new vehicles within 60 days after purchasing them. The state's DMV oversees all vehicle registrations. To register a car, individuals must provide the following:

• A certificate of title, court order, manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO).
• Serial number (VIN) inspection.
• A valid driver's license or government-issued identification card.
• Utah gas or diesel emission certificate.
• Utah safety inspection certificate.
• Payment of vehicle registration fee.

How to Transfer VIN During a Sale in Utah

When someone purchases a vehicle in Utah, they must apply for a title change within 60 days from the purchase date. A title transfer is the transfer of car ownership, which includes VIN information.

In the state, the local DMV office is responsible for processing title transfers and issuing new titles. To transfer the title of a vehicle in Utah, a person needs to:

• Have a Utah driver's license or an identification card.
• Original certificate of title.
• Bill of sale.
• Utah safety inspection certificate.
• A serial VIN number inspection.
• A completed certificate of title with both buyer's and seller's signatures.
• Utah gas or diesel emission certificate.
• Payment of title transfer fee.

What Would a Vehicle History Report Include in Utah?

A vehicle history report in Utah can help potential buyers make informed decisions since it provides the car's comprehensive history. The report will include information such as the title statement, ownership history, and potential odometer discrepancies that may indicate tampering. Additionally, the report includes data on reported accidents and their severity. This comprehensive overview ensures that buyers in Utah can confidently evaluate a used car's history before purchasing.

How Can I Find the VIN by License Plate?

Some third-party providers can offer a license plate lookup service that researchers can use to find information about the vehicle. This information often includes the car's VIN.

Vehicle Inspections in Utah

Utah no longer has mandatory vehicle inspection requirements as part of registration. Instead, only the following vehicles are required to undergo safety inspection in the state:

• Motorhomes with three axles (considered 'Class 6').
• Commercial vehicles for displaying and presenting to law enforcement, not for registration.
• Rebuilt salvage vehicles requesting a rebuilt title.
• Street legal ATVs during first-time registrations (inclusive of ownership transfers).

In addition, Utah only has mandatory emission inspections for Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, Weber, and Cache Counties.

What Does the Vehicle Inspection Report Include in Utah?

In Utah, a vehicle inspection report provides a comprehensive assessment of a vehicle's condition in relation to safety and emissions standards. Therefore, the report includes details regarding the vehicle's emissions levels, ensuring compliance with the state's environmental regulations. Additionally, it outlines any identified safety issues that may need attention, such as faulty brakes or lighting systems.