Utah Boat Registration Requirements
All boats used in Utah waters must be properly registered:
- Who needs to register: All motorized vessels and sailboats over 12 feet must be registered
- Registration period: Utah registrations are valid for 3 years from the date of issue
- Registration fees: $30 for 3 years for boats under 16 feet; $40 for boats 16+ feet
- Late fees: Additional $10 penalty if registering more than 60 days after purchase
- Out-of-state boats: Must register within 60 days of establishing Utah residency
- Required equipment: Must meet Utah's safety equipment standards for registration approval
Titling Your Boat in Utah
Utah requires titles for most boats:
When a Title is Required
- All motorized vessels regardless of age or value
- Sailboats 12 feet or longer
- Previously titled boats from any state
- New boats purchased from dealers
Transfer Process for Used Boats
- Obtain signed title from seller with odometer disclosure if applicable
- Complete Utah Division of Motor Vehicles title application
- Provide bill of sale showing purchase price and date
- Pay sales tax: 6.85% in Salt Lake County (Sandy location)
- Submit to any DMV location or mail to state office
- Processing time: Typically 2-4 weeks for title to arrive
Sandy Processing Locations
Convenient DMV offices for Sandy boat owners:
- Sandy DMV: 9030 S 300 W, Sandy, UT 84070 - closest location for boat registration and titling
- Murray DMV: 4976 S 360 W, Murray, UT 84107 - alternative nearby location
- Online registration renewal: Visit dmv.utah.gov for renewals (initial registration must be in person)
- Hours: Most locations open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, some Saturday availability
- Wait times: Best to visit early morning or schedule appointment online
- What to bring: Photo ID, proof of Utah residency, title or bill of sale, payment
Utah Boating Regulations
Key laws every Sandy boat owner must follow:
- Safety equipment: Life jackets for all passengers, fire extinguisher, sound signaling device
- Operator age: Minimum age 13 for motorized boats; 16 recommended for larger vessels
- Boating education: Required for operators born after December 31, 1988
- Utah Lake specific rules: Follow posted speed limits and no-wake zones
- Registration display: Numbers must be permanently affixed in 3-inch letters on both sides of bow
- Validation decals: Place current year decals 3 inches behind registration numbers
- Invasive species: Inspect and clean boat before and after every lake visit
Get Started with Your Boat Registration
Steps to register your new boat in Sandy:
- Gather documents: Title, bill of sale, proof of Utah residency
- Calculate fees: Registration + title fees + sales tax
- Visit Sandy DMV or mail application to state office
- Receive temporary registration (valid 45 days)
- Permanent registration and decals arrive by mail within 2-4 weeks
- Affix numbers and decals per Utah regulations before launching
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