An Iowa Vehicle Bill of Sale is a document that proves the transfer of a vehicle for a specific purchase price. The terms are agreed upon between a seller and buyer. Both parties and a licensed notary must sign the vehicle bill of sale.
Iowa Vehicle Registration
In Iowa, a vehicle must be registered no later than 30 days after purchase. If a vehicle owner establishes new residency in Iowa, they must register their vehicle within the first 30 days. Vehicle registrations are renewed annually. The County Treasurer mails renewal notices one month prior.
Where to Register Your Vehicle
You must register your vehicle in person at your local County Treasurer’s office. If you are renewing a registration, you can do so online.
Documents Required by the DMV Office
The following documents are required to register your vehicle in the state of Iowa:
- Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration (Form 411007)
- Bill of sale
- Certificate of title
- Motor Vehicle Damage Disclosure Statement (Form 411108) — This is only required for vehicles seven model years old or newer.
- Iowa driver’s license
- Odometer disclosure statement
- Proof of insurance
- Registration fees
If someone else will represent you when registering your vehicle, you will also need a power of attorney form.
How to Write a Bill of Sale for a Car in Iowa
This section will describe what you need to do to write a valid bill of sale to register your vehicle. An odometer disclosure statement is required when you transfer your vehicle if it is a 2011 model or newer and under 16,000 pounds.
Step 1 – Use a Template for Your Iowa Vehicle Bill of Sale
Use our legal template and follow the steps outlined below to help you write your Iowa Vehicle Bill of Sale.
Step 2 – Add Vehicle Information
Fill in the required information about your vehicle. This includes the following:
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Year
- Make
- Model
- Full name of the seller
- Full name of the buyer
- Sale date
- Sale price (if the transfer was a gift, write “gift” on the form)
- If a gift, specify the relationship (parent, spouse, child, etc.)
Step 3 – Add Seller Details
Along with the seller’s full name, fill in their mailing address (street and number, city, state, and zip code), phone number, signature, and date of signature.
Step 4 – Add Buyer Details
Along with the buyer’s full name, fill in their mailing address (street and number, city, state, and zip code), phone number, signature, and date of signature.
Step 5 – Add Notary Details
The notary must fill in the date and seller’s name, sign the document, and identify that they are a notary public in the state of Iowa.
Free Iowa Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
You can write your own Iowa Vehicle Bill of Sale by downloading our template below.
FAQs
Does Iowa require a bill of sale for a car?
A bill of sale is required in Iowa for private-party purchases.
What paperwork do I need to sell my car privately in Iowa?
To privately sell your car in Iowa, here is a list of the paperwork you will need:
- Odometer disclosure statement
- Bill of sale
- Damage disclosure statement
- Certificate of title