What Is an Iowa Vehicle Bill of Sale?
An Iowa vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that is used to record the transfer of a car from one person to another. It lists details of the sale, the names of both parties, the purchase price, and the vehicle description.
Starting January 1, 2022, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) began requiring a bill of sale for most vehicle title and registration paperwork upon transfer of title from one person to another. This rule follows guidance from the Iowa Department of Revenue. Some counties, like Linn and Hardin, started requiring a bill of sale as early as 2020.
A vehicle bill of sale in Iowa confirms the sale happened and helps report the right price for tax purposes. If there is ever a disagreement about the sale, this form can help prove the agreed-upon terms.
When Do You Need a Vehicle Bill of Sale in Iowa?
You can use a vehicle bill of sale in Iowa whenever you are:
- Selling a car to another person (private sale)
- Gifting a vehicle to a family member or a friend
- Selling a junk or salvage car
- Transferring a vehicle to a family member
In Iowa, you can use a handwritten or digital bill of sale, as many counties accept either format. However, it must be legible, complete, contain all necessary information about the sale and the vehicle, and be free of alterations. Legal Templates provides a free Iowa vehicle bill of sale template you can customize and download to meet local county requirements quickly and easily.
Does a Vehicle Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized in Iowa?
In Iowa, you don’t need to notarize your vehicle bill of sale to make it valid. Many county treasurers’ offices explicitly state that notarization is not required for title transfers. For example, in Story County, a bill of sale does not need to be notarized.
However, there are some exceptions. For example, in Hardin County, the treasurer’s office notes that notarization may become necessary if submitted documents contain errors or alterations.
Moreover, some counties may also reserve the right to request additional verification or notarization if questions arise about the legitimacy or accuracy of the transaction (Iowa Code § 321.13).
Requirements vary by county, so it’s best to check with your local treasurer’s office before submitting your documents. Even if notarization isn’t required, it can add legal weight to the document and confirm the identities of both parties.
Sample Iowa Vehicle Bill of Sale
View a sample Iowa vehicle bill of sale template to understand what your completed document should look like. Whether preparing an auto bill of sale in Iowa or starting an Iowa bill of sale for a vehicle transfer, this example shows the key sections you’ll need to include. After reviewing the sample, you can create and download your Iowa bill of sale in PDF or Word format using our free template.
