Utah's Age-Based Uniform Fee — a Second Tax on Top of Sales Tax
Utah charges a state sales tax of 4.85%, and cities and counties add local rates on top, bringing the combined total to roughly 6-7% depending on where you register the vehicle — there's meaningful variation across Utah's municipalities.
What catches a lot of buyers off guard is the Uniform Fee: a separate, age-based fee charged annually at registration in place of the personal property tax Utah otherwise applies to vehicles. Newer, more valuable vehicles pay substantially more than older ones, and this fee recurs every year — it's not a one-time cost like sales tax.
Because the Uniform Fee functions as Utah's version of a vehicle property tax, it's worth budgeting as an ongoing annual cost, separate from the one-time sales tax and registration fees paid at purchase.
Utah Fee Breakdown
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State & Local Sales Tax | ~6.1% combined | 4.85% state base plus local rates; varies by city/county |
| Title Fee | $6 | One-time fee to transfer ownership |
| Registration Fee | $44–$69 | Varies by vehicle type |
| Uniform Fee | $150 average (age-based) | Annual, in lieu of personal property tax — see schedule below |
| Dealer Doc Fee | Capped at $305 | Adjusted periodically by the state |
Utah's Age-Based Uniform Fee Schedule
| Vehicle Age | Approx. Annual Uniform Fee |
|---|---|
| 0–2 years | ~$220 |
| 3–4 years | ~$150 |
| 5–6 years | ~$110 |
| 7–8 years | ~$80 |
| 9+ years | ~$10–$50 |
The Uniform Fee replaces personal property tax on vehicles and declines as the vehicle ages, similar in concept to Arizona's VLT or Minnesota's registration tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the car sales tax in Utah?
What is Utah's Uniform Fee?
Is there a doc fee cap in Utah?
Does Utah tax trade-ins?
Does the Uniform Fee apply every year?
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