State rules
Utah auto loan rules
Utah has 255 Census places covered on AutoLoanable, with a combined estimated population of 3,204,467. Vehicle financing in Utah is governed by state law — the interest-rate caps, title-lending rules, sales-finance licensing and the regulator that oversees them. The sourced figures below apply to every car loan made to a borrower in the state.
The lowest rates are only available to the most qualified applicants.
Advertising disclosure: AutoLoanable may receive a referral fee if you apply through the link above. That fee does not change the rate you are offered, and it does not change our content. We are not a lender. Read the full disclosure.
Key rules for car buyers in Utah
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | No general cap — parties may agree to any rate; 10% per annum legal rate if no rate is specified (Utah Code § 15-1-1) Source says: The parties to a lawful written, verbal, or implied contract may agree upon any rate of interest for the contract |
Utah State Legislature as of 2026-09-17 |
| Vehicle title loan status | Title lending requires registration with the Utah Department of Financial Institutions; the Title Lending Registration Act sets operational limits (one loan per vehicle, loan may not exceed fair market value, no rollovers unless requested) but sets no state interest-rate cap. Source says: "It is unlawful for a person to extend a title loan in Utah or with a Utah resident unless the person: (i) registers with the department in accordance with this chapter; and (ii) maintains a valid registration." License category: Title lender registration (Utah Department of Financial Institutions). |
Utah State Legislature — Utah Code § 7-24-201 as of 2026-09-17 |
| Sales finance / installment lender licensing | Consumer lenders under the Utah Consumer Credit Code (Title 70C) must file a Consumer Credit Notification via NMLS Source says: Entities subject to the UCCC's notification requirement must file a Consumer Credit Notification (CCN) through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS). Motor-vehicle retail installment sales are separately governed by the Utah Consumer Credit Code (general consumer credit law; no separate motor-vehicle retail installment sales act) (Utah Code Title 70C (esp. §§ 70C-1-101 et seq.)). |
Utah Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as of 2026-09-17 |
| State lending regulator | Utah Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) Source says: The Department of Financial Institutions regulates 19 banks, 22 credit unions, 17 industrial banks and 1 trust company. |
Utah Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as of 2026-09-17 |
| Sales tax on vehicle purchases | 4.85% combined state rate (4.70% state sales and use tax plus 0.15% state Medicaid expansion rate); local rates additional Source says: "a state tax imposed on the transaction at a tax rate equal to the sum of: (A) 4.70%" |
Utah State Legislature — Utah Code § 59-12-103 (rate administered by the Utah State Tax Commission) as of 2026-09-17 |
How to use these rules
-
Check the ceiling before you compare offers
If a quoted APR looks extreme, compare it against the Utah cap above — and note that a specific statutory exemption can apply to a particular product.
-
Verify the lender is licensed
Use the regulator named in the table to confirm the lender or sales-finance company may legally serve borrowers in the state.
-
Know what is secured against your car
A vehicle title loan is secured by the car itself. If the state permits it, understand the repossession terms before you sign anything.
-
Budget for tax and fees separately
Sales tax and title fees are financed along with the car, so they raise the amount you borrow — and therefore the interest you pay on them.
Cities in Utah
We cover 255 Census places in Utah.