Vehicle registration requirements - Utah

License plate display

Motorcycles, trailers, and semitrailers must display one license plate on the rear of the vehicle. All other motor vehicles are issued two license plates. Vehicles issued two license plates must display one license plate on the front of the vehicle, and the other on the rear of the vehicle.

International Registration Plan

Utah is a member of the International Registration Plan (IRP). The IRP is a base state system for vehicle registration fees allowing a carrier to apply for vehicle registration and pay fees to a single jurisdiction.

Motor vehicles that qualify for apportionment consist of the following:

• A power unit having two axles and a gross vehicle weight (GVW) or registered weight in excess of 26,000 pounds;
• A power unit having three or more axles, regardless of weight; or
• A unit used in combination when the weight of such combination exceeds a GVW or 26,000 pounds.

Temporary permit: In lieu of a permanent registration card or license plate, the division may issue one temporary permit authorizing operation of new or unlicensed vehicles until the permanent registration is complete.

Commercial vehicles meeting the registration requirements of another jurisdiction may, as an alternative to full or apportioned registration, secure a temporary registration permit for a period of 96 hours. The permit is $25 for a single unit and $50 for multiple units.

Agency: Utah Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier Division and/or Utah State Tax Commission, Division of Motor Vehicles, Motor Carrier Services.

Fees: IRP fees will vary.

Other

Reciprocity agreement

Utah has reciprocity agreements with Idaho regarding farm-plated vehicles hauling their own farm equipment or product. These agreements allow Utah-plated vehicles to travel within Idaho, and Idaho-plated vehicles to travel into Utah without an IRP registration.