DMV
Temporary Permits
DMV Temporary Permits
The Division of Motor Vehicles may issue permits to Passenger Vehicles, Watercraft, Motorcycles, Trailers, Motor Homes and Off Highway Vehicles. Temporary permits are issued to allow time for the vehicle owner to operate the vehicle while obtaining the required documentation to complete title and/or registration processes on their vehicle. This may include, but not limited to the following:
- Proof of Ownership or Supporting Documentation
- Vehicle Safety Inspection Certificates (if required)
- Vehicle Emission Certificates (if required)
All required fees and taxes for titling and registering the vehicle are due at time of permit issuance along with the $6.00 permit fee. The local DMV office decides upon the length of validity for the permit based on individual circumstances.
The following offices recommend an appointment be scheduled in order to obtain a temporary permit. Schedule an Appointment.
- Taylorsville
- South Valley
- Provo
- Farmington
- Ogden
- Hurricane
Find out more information on our Local Offices page.
Please note: Drive-through services should not be used for obtaining permits due to ownership transfers. The drive-through is reserved for quick renewal of registrations and disabled parking placards.
Using MVP to Transfer Ownership and Apply for a Temporary Permit
If you’ve purchased a used vehicle directly from the previous owner, you can use Utah’s Motor Vehicle Portal (MVP) to transfer the title and apply for a permit. Though every title situation is different from the last, you should at least have the original title or a bill of sale from the previous owner. Either of these should be sufficient to get your title/registration process started on MVP. This should allow you to at least obtain a temporary permit while you round up additional ownership documentation and possible vehicle inspections.
Note that all taxes and applicable fees are due at the time of application for permit and/or title. For more information see Utah Title Transfers Online.
Renewal Express Temporary Permits
Temporary permits may be obtained through the DMV’s online renewal website, Renewal Express. The permit will allow the vehicle owner 30 days to operate the vehicle in order to obtain the vehicle’s safety and/or emissions certificates. This is only applicable if the vehicle’s registration has expired within the last six months. Full registration fees, along with the $6.00 permit fee, must be paid in order to receive and print the temporary permit.
After obtaining the permit and completing the requirements for registration, the registration may be completed by returning to the Renewal Express website, a participating On the SPOT renewal station or at any DMV office.
The completed registration and decal will be received immediately at an On the Spot renewal station or DMV office. If completing the registration on Renewal Express, the owner will receive an additional 15 day temporary permit to operate the vehicle while the new registration and decal are being mailed to the vehicle owner.
Access Renewal Express.
On The SPOT Temporary Permits
Temporary permits may be obtained from one of the participating On the Spot renewal stations. Find an On the Spot renewal station.
The permit will allow the vehicle owner 30 days to operate the vehicle in order to obtain the vehicle’s safety and/or emissions certificates. This is only applicable if the vehicle’s registration has expired within the last six months. Full registration fees, along with the $6.00 permit fee, must be paid in order to receive the temporary permit from the station.
**Note** Participating renewal stations may also charge a convenience fee at their discretion.**
After obtaining the permit and completing the requirements for registration, the registration may be completed by returning to the Renewal Express website, a participating On the SPOT renewal station, or at any DMV office.
The completed registration and decal will be received immediately at an On the SPOT renewal station or DMV office. If completing the registration on Renewal Express, the owner will receive an additional 15 day temporary permit to operate the vehicle while the new registration and decal are being mailed to the vehicle owner.
96 Hour In-Transit Permits
The 96 hour In-transit permit may be used to move an unregistered vehicle from one point to another within Utah or to another state. Proof of ownership and insurance is required. This permit allows use of Utah’s roads for a time not to exceed 96 hours. The fee is $2.50 for motor vehicles and trailers. Utah residents that obtain this permit must provide proof of insurance.
Dealer Permits
When a dealer has sold a vehicle to a Utah resident, a 45 day temporary permit is issued by the dealer. This allows the dealer 45 days to obtain the registration and license plates from the Motor Vehicle Division.
Temporary Permits FAQ
Do I need a permit to transport a newly purchased or unregistered vehicle?
Yes, a temporary permit will need to be obtained from your local DMV office to operate a newly purchased or unregistered vehicle. Keep proof of ownership, such as a copy of the title and bill of sale, with you during transportation. Utah offers permits that range from 96 hours to 60 days. Permit fees and lengths of validity may vary depending on your individual situation.
Proof of ownership and possibly insurance (for Utah residents) will need to be provided in order to receive a permit.
I just bought a used vehicle that is currently titled in Utah. How can I transfer ownership into my name and apply for a permit using the Motor Vehicle Portal (MVP)?
Though every title situation is different from the last, you should have the original title or at least a bill of sale from the previous owner. You can use either of these to get your title/registration process started on MVP. This should allow you to at least obtain a temporary permit while you gather any additional ownership documentation and acquire necessary vehicle inspections.
Note that all taxes and applicable fees are due at the time of application for permit and/or title. For more information see Utah Person to Person Online Title Transfers.
I just purchased a vehicle, but plan to title and register it out-of-state. Am I able to get a permit?
Yes, if you go to a DMV office you will be able to obtain a 96 hour permit. The cost for this permit is $2.50. If you are a Utah resident transporting the vehicle out-of-state you will need to provide proof of ownership and insurance. If you are an out-of-state resident transporting the vehicle out-of-state you will need to provide proof of ownership and your out-of-state identification. The permit only lasts for 96 hours and starts at time of purchase.
My vehicle is due for registration, but I need to complete an emissions inspection. Can I get a temporary permit to obtain the inspection?
Yes, you can get a temporary permit in order to obtain your emissions inspection. There are multiple ways this can be done. You can obtain a permit online by using our Renewal Express website, by visiting a participating On the SPOT renewal station, or any DMV office.