How Utah Handles Manufactured Home Titles
In Utah, the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (Utah DMV) is responsible for issuing and transferring manufactured home titles. Utah has one of the lowest base title fees nationally at $6, though registration and other charges add to the total. Manufactured home titles go through the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles at any DMV location statewide. Utah also has a well-developed process for converting manufactured homes to real property when the home is on owned land.
Before filing anything, call Utah DMV at (801) 297-7780 and describe your situation. Their staff can confirm which current form version you need and whether your documents are complete — a 10-minute call that prevents weeks of delay from a rejected submission.
Required Forms
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| TC-656 | Utah Application for Certificate of Title — covers manufactured homes |
| TC-843 | Lien Release |
| Lien Release (lender form) | Required if a lender is listed on the current title — must be obtained from the lender and submitted with the transfer |
| Heirship / Small Estate Affidavit | Used when transferring after the owner’s death if the estate qualifies under Utah’s small estate threshold |
Step-by-Step: Standard Sale Transfer
- Obtain the current title from the seller — The seller’s name on the title must match their government-issued ID exactly. Check for any lienholder listed on the front of the title document.
- Have the seller sign the title assignment section — The seller signs the back of the title in the designated assignment area. If two names appear on the title, both must sign unless the title specifies survivorship rights (e.g., “or” vs. “and”).
- Resolve any liens — If a lender is listed, obtain a signed lien release before filing. Utah DMV will not issue a clean title while an active lien is recorded.
- Complete the transfer application (TC-656) — Fill in all required fields. Download the current version from the agency’s official website on the day you file — forms change periodically.
- Submit to Utah DMV — File in person at the appropriate office or by mail. Include all forms, the original signed title, and payment.
- Receive new title — Utah DMV issues a new title in the buyer’s name. Store it securely — replacement titles take additional time and fees.
Fee Schedule (2025)
| Transaction Type | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard title transfer (sale) | $6 title fee (plus registration) |
| Duplicate / replacement title | Typically $10–$50 |
| Estate / heirship transfer | Same as standard transfer fee |
| Lien filing (new lender) | $2–$15 |
| Estimated total | $40–$120 |
Always confirm current fees with Utah DMV at (801) 297-7780 before filing — fee schedules change.
Timeline in Utah
Utah DMV offices: same-day to 2 business days in-person. Mail: 2–4 weeks.
Documents Required for Every Transfer
- Current title document (original — not a photocopy)
- Completed TC-656 (downloaded from Utah DMV website on day of filing)
- Government-issued photo ID for all signing parties
- Lien release from lender (if lienholder listed on title)
- Payment for fees
- For estate transfers: certified death certificate + signed heirship affidavit
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Utah charges an annual fee based on the age of the home. Fees range from approximately $20 to $100+ depending on year. Registration must be current before a title can be transferred.
Utah allows conversion through an Affidavit of Affixture filed with the county recorder. The DMV title is then retired. This is commonly done when the home is on owned land and the owner wants conventional mortgage financing.
Never pay in full for a home with an active lien without a formal arrangement to clear it. The safest approach is to use an escrow: the seller's loan is paid off from the purchase price at closing, the lender releases the lien simultaneously, and only then does the title transfer to you. Contact Utah DMV at (801) 297-7780 to confirm the lien status using the home's serial number before committing to any purchase.
File a duplicate title application with Utah DMV using form TC-656 or the state's specific duplicate title form. You will need the home's serial number (found on the HUD data plate inside a cabinet or on the steel chassis frame), your photo ID, and payment of the duplicate fee. If there is a lienholder on the title, most states send the duplicate to the lienholder unless they provide written consent for you to receive it.
Related: After-Death Transfers · Lien Release Guide · Lost Title · Path Finder Tool