An Iowa Trailer Bill of Sale enables the buyer and the seller to draft a deal before exchanging a trailer.
Once the parties consent to signing the document, no further changes can be made unless an Iowa notary public is present. Alternatively, they need to sign a new trailer bill of sale with the updated terms of the ownership transfer.
Registering a Trailer in Iowa
Registration is handled through the county treasurer’s office in the owner’s county of residence or a county bordering your county. If you move from one county to another, you must report your new address to the former county within ten days so your motor vehicle information can be forwarded to your new county of residence.
What Paperwork Is Required To Register a Trailer in Iowa?
Whether you are registering a trailer purchased in Iowa or that you bought or transferred out of state, you must provide the same documentation. The first thing you will need is a new title. If you purchase your trailer from a dealer, they will provide the documentation for you, but if this was a private transaction, you will need to obtain the paperwork yourself.
- Title from the previous owner
- Bill of sale
- Application for an Iowa certificate of title
- Cancellation of Security Interest if there is an uncancelled lien on the title
- Odometer Disclosure Statement if the odometer reading is not completed on the title
- Motor Vehicle Damage Disclosure Form for vehicles eight years old or newer
The application for registration is the same document used for the certificate of title. Once all documents are completed, bring them to the county treasurer’s office along with proof of residency and fee payments.
Homemade trailers must provide a weigh ticket upon requesting registration. If the trailer is over 2000 pounds, the owner must contact the enforcement office to be issued a VIN so they can apply for a title.
Trailer Registration Fees
Trailer title fees are based on unloaded weight. Registration fees are calculated by the county of residence. You can use the calculator provided here to determine your registration fee before going to the county office.
Title for Trailer
All trailers over 2000 pounds must be titled, regardless of use. Homemade trailers must provide a weigh ticket when registered, and trailers over 2000 pounds will be issued a VIN to be titled.
When a homemade trailer is sold, a notarized Iowa trailer bill of sale can be used as a replacement registration if the original registration cannot be found.
Insurance
Iowa does not require separate trailer insurance. You need to have liability insurance when you drive in Iowa, and your liability insurance covers the entire vehicle, including trailers and towed vehicles. However, having additional insurance for trailers is always a good idea if you use the trailer frequently.
Exemptions
All trailers in Iowa must be registered and licensed. Vehicles over 2000 pounds must be titled. There are no specific exemptions for any trailers.
Iowa Trailer Bill of Sale Sample
Download an Iowa trailer bill of sale template below in PDF or Word format:
