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Vehicles

Registering a motor vehicle in Iowa

Looking for interstate registration for commercial vehicles?

Iowa law requires you to title and register your motor vehicle with the county treasurer’s office in your county, or an Iowa county contiguous (bordering) your county, within 30 days from the date you establish residency. Iowa registration is required, even though your license plates may still be valid in another state.

The following documents are required to be surrendered to the county treasurer's office:

Your current ownership document (certificate of title).
A completed application for an Iowa certificate of title and/or registration. The application must be signed by all owners. If there is a lien against the vehicle, it should be noted on the application.
As of January 1, 2022, a bill of sale is required per Iowa Department of Revenue.

If you move from one county to another, you must report your change of address to the county treasurer in your former county of residence within 10 days after your move so your motor vehicle registration information can be forwarded to the county where you now live.

For some transactions, the county treasurer’s office may require verification of your identity using a driver's license, state-issued ID, or Social Security Card.

Renew your vehicle registration

You are required to renew your vehicle registration in your county of residence.

Download application forms

Vehicle registration resources

TITLING A MOTOR VEHICLE IN IOWA

Title a brand-new vehicle purchased from a dealer

Legally assigned Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO)
Bill of sale, or purchase agreement
Completed Application for Iowa certificate of Title (form 411007)
Odometer Statement (form 411077)
Damage Disclosure(form 411108) (only required if brand new vehicle has over 1000 miles)

Title a newly purchased (used) vehicle with an Iowa title

Signed title from previous owner/dealer
Bill of sale or purchase agreement - Bill of Sale on Iowa Certificate of Title
Completed Application for Iowa certificate of Title (form 411007)
Cancellation of Security Interest (form 411168), if an uncancelled Lien is showing on front of the title
Odometer Statement completed on back of title. If vehicle mileage is not noted on the back of the Title for vehicles model year 2011 or newer, use form 411077
Damage Disclosure (form 411108) (for vehicles 8 years old or newer)

Title a newly purchased (used) vehicle with an Out-of-state (non-Iowa) title

Signed title from previous owner/dealer
Sales tax receipt, bill of sale, or purchase agreement
Completed Application for Iowa certificate of Title (form 411007)
Cancellation of Security Interest (form 411168), if an uncancelled Lien is showing on front of the title
Odometer Statement completed on back of title. If vehicle mileage is not noted on the back of the Title for vehicles model year 2011 or newer, use form 411077
Damage Disclosure (form 411108) (for vehicles 8 years old or newer)

How do I tranfer a title after a death?

Find out how to transfer a title after a death.

Additional information

Registering government agency & school district vehicles

Iowa Code 321.18 and 321.19 allow school districts and government agencies to apply to the Iowa DOT for title and registration of school district- or agency-owned vehicles, and to receive a permanent registration certificate and registration plates for these vehicles without charge.

Application process for registering government agency or school district vehicles

Federal safety label required on all vehicles to be titled and registered

A vehicle is required to have a manufacturer's label attached to the vehicle, certifying that it meets all the federal safety standards, if the vehicle is to be titled and registered for use on a highway. If there is no manufacturer's label, the vehicle will not be titled or registered in Iowa.

The language found in Iowa Code 321.30(15) reads, "Unless otherwise provided for in this chapter, the department or the county treasurer shall refuse registration and issuance of a certificate of title unless the vehicle bears a manufacturer's label pursuant to 49 C.F.R. pt. 567 certifying that the vehicle meets federal motor vehicle safety standards."

Bonded vehicles

If the applicant is unable to obtain correct title documents for a vehicle, a title bond is required as a condition of titling. Following are typical situations which require a title bond:

applicant is unable to obtain a title from the seller;
applicant receives a title from the seller but the VIN or other pertinent data is incorrect and a corrected document cannot be obtained;
vehicle was junked and is 25 years old or older.
unreleased security interest holder cannot be located to release security interest.

Application for the bond title must be made on an “Application for Registration and Bonded Certificate of Title for a Vehicle” form 411008. The form specifies the additional information which must be submitted with the application to VMCS.