An Iowa Bill of Sale is a legal document used to transfer ownership of a valuable item from one person to another, based on the specific state laws of Iowa (IA).
How to Register a Vehicle in Iowa
To register a vehicle in Iowa, you must present a signed and notarized Iowa vehicle bill of sale, along with the necessary registration forms, payment for sales tax and registration fees, and proof of insurance, to your county treasurer’s office.
Bill of Sale – By Type (5)
A form to buy or sell a motor vehicle in Iowa. In many states, a bill of sale is required to register a vehicle at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Vehicle Bill of Sale
A document that transfers ownership of recreational water vehicles (such as motorboats, sailboats, yachts, and jet skis) in Iowa.
Boat Bill of Sale
A form to buy or sell a trailer (or any non-motorized vehicle pulled by another vehicle) in Iowa and register it at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Trailer Bill of Sale
A document to transfer ownership of a gun (such as a handgun, rifle, or shotgun) in Iowa and avoid legal or criminal issues involving the weapon after it is sold.
Firearm Bill of Sale
A form to record the transfer of a motorcycle in Iowa. You can protect yourself from fraudulent sales by detailing information about the bike sold.
Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Requirements
It is a required document for vehicle registration in Iowa and is a record of the sale price for tax purposes.
Whether you are buying or selling the vehicle, an Iowa vehicle bill of sale is a legally binding agreement that protects both parties if a question of ownership arises.
Language, Sales Tax & Notarization Requirements
- Language: An Iowa vehicle bill of sale does not have to be in English, but it should be in a language understood by all parties involved.
- Notarization: To register and title a vehicle for a private sale, you must present a signed and notarized Iowa vehicle bill of sale.
- Sales Tax: According to the Iowa Department of Revenue, Iowa charges a 6% sales tax and a 6% use tax for personal property sold in the state. Some jurisdictions charge an additional local sales tax. These rates are subject to change, so check with your county treasurer to confirm taxes before registering.
Vehicle Registration Forms
- Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration (Form 411007)
- Certificate of Title
- Bill of Sale
- Cancellation of Security Interest (Form 411168), if applicable
- County of the previous registration
- Completed Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 411077)
- Damage Disclosure Statement (Form 411008)
- Sales and use tax
- Registration fees
- Proof of insurance
Boat Registration Forms
- Bill of Sale or other proof of ownership
- Original Certificate of Title and Current Registration (if lost or damaged, use DNR Form 542-8067)
- Application for Boats, Snowmobiles, ATVs, and ORVs (Form 542-8067)
Sample
Below is an example of a general Iowa bill of sale for personal property.
