Iowa
Title Fee
$35.00
Sales Tax Rate
6.0%
Other Tax Rate
Who must title a vehicle in Iowa?
All motor vehicles, trailers, campers, motorcycles, mopeds, OHVs, snowmobiles, vessels 17 feet and longer, and any vessel with a lien must be titled unless exempt.
Exempt: Trailers ≤2,000 lbs. empty, certain older OHVs/snowmobiles, documented vessels, canoes, kayaks, inflatable vessels, implements of husbandry, and special mobile equipment.
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), Vehicle Services Division; for most vehicles, apply at any County Treasurer.
Title fee: $35.00; $13.50 for vessels/OHVs/snowmobiles (via County Recorder).
Lien recording: $20.00.
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title.
Non-title states: Last registration certificate.
Government surplus: SF97-1 or IRS Form 2435.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs, EPA 3520-1, NHTSA HS-7, CBP 7501, manufacturer’s label for FMVSS, bill of sale.
Bill of sale required for all transfers (now included on Iowa titles).
How are special titles or brands handled?
Bonded titles: Required if seller’s title is unavailable, data is incorrect, vehicle was junked and is 25+ years old, or there is an unreleased lien; bond = 1.5x value, valid 3 years.
Brands: Fire, Flood, Lemon Buy Back, Prior Salvage, Rebuilt, Replacement, Salvage, Theft, Vandalism, and odometer brands. Out-of-state brands are carried forward.
Salvage: Required for vehicles with damage >70% of value or insurer settlement; $25.00 fee.
Rebuilt: Requires salvage title, repairs, law enforcement inspection, Affidavit of Repairs, $53.00 exam fee.
Junk: Application for Junking Certificate within 30 days; title may be reinstated within 14 days by original holder.
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Application for Replacement Title (411033) to County Treasurer; $35.00 fee, 5-day wait unless original surrendered.
Affidavit of Correction (411219) for errors; Certification of Correction (411097) for odometer discrepancies.
Other notes:
Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN/HIN inspection required for homebuilt vehicles or as requested.
Are electronic signatures accepted?
Yes, for most forms and odometer statements (not for physical titles).
What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?
Sales/Use Tax: 6.0% state rate + local option (on vehicles subject only to titling, manufactured homes, OHVs, snowmobiles, vessels, and aircraft).
Fee for New Registration: $10.00 + 5.0% of purchase/lease price for vehicles subject to registration (in lieu of sales tax).
Trade-in credit: Allowed if owner is the same on traded and new vehicle.
Credit for taxes paid to another state: Allowed.
Exemptions: Family gifts, Native American, IRP vehicles, new residents (if previously registered elsewhere), certain farm machinery, and more.
Other taxes/fees:
Personal Property Tax: For manufactured homes not in parks/communities; $0.20/sq ft for those in parks/communities.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.
How are liens recorded and perfected?
Lien info entered on title application; $20.00 fee.
Up to three liens may be shown on title.
Lien is perfected as of delivery date.
How are liens released or assigned?
Lienholder cancels security interest on title or with notarized release; must notify County Treasurer.
Lien release required within 15 days of written request ($25.00 penalty if not).
Assignment: Secured party notes “Assigned to [assignee]” on title, signs, and dates; new Application for Notation of Security Interest (411046) required.
How does repossession work in Iowa?
Lienholder must give debtor written notice of right to cure default before repossession.
20 days after notice, repossession may occur if peaceful.
Lienholder may transfer vehicle to new purchaser without a “repo title”; new purchaser must title in their name.
Submit Affidavit of Foreclosure Sale (411067) with title application.
Out-of-state repos: Provide foreign title and foreclosure/repossession form.
Other notes:
Artisan/storage liens require public notice and sale; surplus paid to owner.
ELT (Electronic Lien & Title) program:
Optional for lenders; ELT records released electronically.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
6310 SE Convenience Boulevard, Ankeny, IA 50021
PO Box 9278, Des Moines, IA 50306-9278
515.237.3110
Enforcement Agency:
Iowa Department of Transportation, Vehicle Services6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
PO Box 9278, Des Moines, IA 50306-9278
515.237.3110 | vscusto@iowadot.us
Iowa DOT Vehicle Services
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
Iowa State Patrol, Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit, 215 E 7th St, Des Moines, IA 50319, 515.725.6090
Key Regulations:
DOT and County Treasurers manage titling, registration, tax collection, liens, and repossession.
Insurance required: $20,000/$40,000/$15,000 minimum; higher for commercial/for-hire.
Commercial vehicles require annual safety inspection; special vehicles require physical inspection.
Two plates issued (one for trailers, motorcycles, etc.); plates must be surrendered if not transferred within 30 days.
Title records kept 3 years after cancellation; registration records permanent.