The Kei Hub — Est. 2024
Registration Guide

Utah

Legal
Relatively Easy

25-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.

Last verified: June 2026Official DMV Website

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
Official DMV

Kei laws change frequently and vary by county. Always confirm with your state DMV before purchasing.