Transferring a Car Title in Iowa

Titles are transferred at a county treasurer's office. The seller removes the plates, completes the odometer and damage disclosure statements on the back of the title, signs the title, prints the buyer's name and address and the sale date, and tells the buyer the county of last registration and the registration expiration date; the seller should keep proof of sale (for example Form 411107, Notice of Sale of Vehicle and Delivery of Title). The buyer receives the signed title and a bill of sale and applies with an Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration (Form 411007); the DOT recommends buyer and seller go to the treasurer's office together. A buyer must submit the title and bill of sale to the county treasurer within 30 days of purchase to get plates; meanwhile a currently registered vehicle may be driven up to 30 days with the bill of sale or assigned title in the vehicle. A 30-day temporary permit costs $25. For transfers to a spouse, parent or child, the recipient must apply for title within 30 days.

New residents must title and register their vehicles with any county treasurer's office within 30 days of establishing Iowa residency, bringing the current title and a completed application signed by all owners. To get an Iowa driver's license, a new resident makes an appointment at a DMV location (or county office) and shows proof of identity, residence and Social Security number; holders of a valid license from another U.S. state, D.C., a U.S. territory or Canada may not need the knowledge or driving test, but a vision test is required.