Utah
Legal25-year rule applies; standard plates on all public roads except interstates. Farm-class registration also available.
Important: Kei laws change frequently and vary by county. Always confirm with your state DMV before purchasing.
Key Restrictions
Interstate highways are excluded. Salt Lake County enforces stricter emissions standards than rural counties.
Registration Process
Utah is one of the most kei-friendly states in the country. Vehicles 25 years or older can be registered as vintage/antique vehicles, which simplifies the process considerably.
Step 1 — Title the Vehicle
Bring your title (or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin if new), proof of insurance, and completed TC-656 form to your county DMV. If the vehicle was imported, you'll also need your CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary) and EPA Form 3520-1.
Step 2 — VIN Inspection
Utah requires a physical VIN inspection for imported vehicles. This is done at most DMV locations or authorized inspection stations. Cost is typically $10–$15.
Step 3 — Emissions Test
Kei trucks registered in Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber counties require an emissions test. Most kei trucks pass with no issues. Rural counties are exempt.
Step 4 — Pay Fees
Registration fees are based on vehicle age and weight. Older kei trucks typically fall into the lowest fee tier (~$45–$90/year).
Insurance Information
Most major insurers will cover kei trucks in Utah. Because they're classified as light trucks, standard auto policies apply. Companies known to insure kei vehicles: State Farm, Progressive, American Family, and Farm Bureau. Specialty insurers like Grundy and Hagerty will cover them as collector vehicles with mileage limitations.
Liability minimums in Utah: $25,000 bodily injury per person / $65,000 per accident / $15,000 property damage.
Exemptions
Farm-class registration available as an alternative pathway for agricultural use.
Legislative Activity
No significant legislative activity as of June 2026. Eligibility rests on the federal NHTSA 25-year importation exemption.
Additional Notes
Utah does not require vehicles to meet FMVSS safety standards if they are 25 years or older under the federal 25-year exemption rule. This aligns with NHTSA importation rules.
Interstate highways are excluded. No special slow-moving vehicle restrictions apply for public road use.
Salt Lake County runs stricter emissions enforcement than rural counties — if you're registering there, ensure your vehicle passes emissions before your appointment.
Common Issues
The most common issue is county assessors unfamiliar with kei vehicles. Bring printouts of the 25-year importation exemption rules and your CBP paperwork. Some owners report needing to request a supervisor if front-line staff are unfamiliar with the process.
Required Documents
- CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary) for imported vehicles
- EPA Form 3520-1
- DOT Form HS-7
- Foreign title (translated if non-English)
- Utah TC-656 Application for Title
- Proof of insurance
- Emissions test (Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, Weber counties)
- VIN inspection
Related Tools
Other State Guides
Kei laws change frequently and vary by county. Always confirm with your state DMV before purchasing.