In Utah a bill of sale does two jobs: it shows the title changed hands, and it records the price the buyer's tax is based on. The DMV has its own form, TC-843, and says you can use it if you like.
What it is
This is a general bill of sale for a car, light truck or van sold in Utah. It records the people, the vehicle, the price and any trade-in credit, the odometer reading and the condition. Utah bases the buyer's tax on the net purchase price shown on a signed bill of sale that has the details the DMV expects. Without one, the DMV uses the fair market value instead. It does not replace the title.
What to include
- The date of the sale and the city or county in Utah where it took place.
- The full legal names and addresses of the seller and the buyer, written the way they appear on each person's ID.
- The year, make, model, body style and color of the car, so there is no doubt about which vehicle changed hands.
- The full 17-character VIN, copied from the title and checked against the plate on the dashboard or door frame.
- The odometer reading on the day of the sale and whether it shows the actual mileage.
- The sale price, how it was paid and whether it was paid in full on the day.
- Whether the car is sold as-is or with a warranty, and whether any loan or lien is still owed on it.
- Signatures and dates from both people, plus a notary block if your county or the buyer asks for one.
How to fill it in
- Check that the seller's name matches the title.
- Enter the sale date and the price. Add any trade-in credit so the net purchase price prints.
- Fill in both people's details.
- Copy the VIN.
- Enter the odometer reading and check the helper.
- Choose as is or a warranty, and answer the lien question.
- Say when the title is being handed over.
- Check the preview, download the file, print two copies and sign.
- Hand over the signed title at the time of sale, or within 48 hours.
Common mistakes
- Promising the title "later" and then not delivering it within 48 hours.
- Leaving out details the DMV expects, which can lead it to use fair market value for the buyer's tax.
- Forgetting to record a trade-in credit, so the net purchase price is wrong.
- Not replacing a lost title before the sale.
- Getting one character of the VIN wrong.
Selling something else?
Frequently asked questions
Is a bill of sale required in Utah?
The Utah DMV tells buyers and sellers to get or give a bill of sale in a private transaction. It proves the title was transferred and it records the price for the buyer's tax.
What is Form TC-843?
It is the DMV's bill of sale form. The DMV says you can use it if you like, so you can also use a bill of sale like this one that has the same details.
Who pays sales tax on a private sale?
The buyer pays sales or use tax when titling the vehicle. A private seller does not collect it.
How long does the seller have to provide the title?
Utah law requires it within 48 hours of the transaction. The DMV says a common-sense approach is to get the title at the time of sale.
What if the title is lost?
The buyer and seller can complete Form TC-123, the Application for a Duplicate Title, before the sale goes ahead.
What is the net purchase price?
It is the price after any trade-in or other credit. The DMV bases tax on the net purchase price shown on a signed bill of sale with the details it expects.
Official sources
Last reviewed October 5, 2026
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