Utah registrations renew in the month shown on your license plate decal. The renewal itself takes five minutes online; the thing that trips people up is the emissions test that has to happen first. Here is the order of operations.
Step 1: Check whether you need an emissions test this year
You need a test only if your vehicle is registered in Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, Weber, or Cache county and it is your vehicle's year. Vehicles under six model years old test every two years (even model years in even calendar years, odd in odd). Older vehicles test annually in most counties, but only every two years in Cache County. Our county-by-county requirements guide has the full table, and the renewal notice the DMV sends you also says whether a test is required.
Step 2: Get the test inside your two-month window
The emissions test must be completed no more than two months before your renewal date. Do it early in the window: if the vehicle fails, you want time for repairs and a retest before your tags expire. The test itself is a 15-minute OBD-II check for 1996 and newer vehicles, and in Cache Valley we bring it to your driveway.
Step 3: Renew
- Online: the DMV's Renewal Express at dmv.utah.gov, once your emissions certificate is on file (it transmits electronically from the tester)
- On the spot: some testing services can process the renewal right at the time of your test
- In person: any DMV office
Your new decal arrives by mail. Until it does, keep your renewal receipt in the vehicle.
Step 4: Never do the scramble again
Most people remember their registration month exactly when the reminder notice shows up, or worse, when they notice the expired decal. Our free reminder service texts you a month before your registration expires, and you can reply to get your emissions test scheduled at your home. No late fees, no expired tags, no line at a testing station.
Common Questions
Only if your vehicle is registered in Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, Weber, or Cache county AND your vehicle is due that year. Newer vehicles test every two years based on model year; the schedule for older vehicles varies by county.
Up to two months before your registration expires. Results are sent to the DMV electronically, so you can renew online as soon as your vehicle passes.
Driving on expired registration risks a traffic citation. There is no grace period for enforcement, so if your tags have lapsed, take care of the emissions test (if due) and renew as soon as possible.
Yes, through the DMV's Renewal Express at dmv.utah.gov as long as your emissions certificate (when required) is on file. Some testing services, including ours, can also handle on-the-spot renewal at the time of your test.