How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Iowa From Out of State
New Iowa residents who bring vehicles previously registered in another state must complete the registration transfer within 30 days of establishing residency or obtaining employment in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Transportation administers motor vehicle titling and registration operations through county treasurer offices in all 99 Iowa counties.
Base Registration and Title Fees
Registering a vehicle from out of state in Iowa requires payment of registration fees, certificate of title charges, and annual registration fees, which are based on the vehicle's classification and weight. The Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division establishes standardized fee structures implemented across all county treasurer offices statewide.
Annual Registration Fees
Iowa calculates annual registration fees according to vehicle weight, type, and model year for most classifications.
Passenger Cars, Low Speed Vehicles, 1993+ Multipurpose Vehicles, 2010+ Trucks (10K or less):
Formula: $0.40 per hundred pounds of vehicle weight + percentage of list price based on age
| Model Years Old | Percent of List Price | Flat Fee (12+ years) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 7 | 1.00% | - |
| 8 - 9 | 0.75% | - |
| 10 - 11 | 0.50% | - |
| 12 and after | - | $50.00 |
Electric Vehicles (Additional Supplemental Registration Fee):
Formula: $0.40 per hundred pounds + percentage of list price + supplemental fee
| Vehicle Type | Annual Supplemental Fee |
|---|---|
| Battery Electric (BEV) | $130.00 |
| Plug-in Hybrid Electric (PHEV) | $65.00 |
Motorcycles:
| Model Years Old | Annual Fee | Electric Supplement (BEV/PHEV) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 5 | $20.00 | + $9.00 |
| 6 or older | $10.00 | + $9.00 |
Autocycles:
| Model Years Old | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 - 5 | $20.00 |
| 6 or older | $10.00 |
Motor Homes:
| Class | Suggested Retail List Price | Model Years Old | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | $80,000 and over | 1 - 5 | $400.00 |
| Class A | $80,000 and over | 6 and older | $300.00 |
| Class A | $40,000 to $79,999 | 1 - 5 | $200.00 |
| Class A | $40,000 to $79,999 | 6 and older | $150.00 |
| Class A | $20,000 to $39,999 | 1 - 5 | $140.00 |
| Class A | $20,000 to $39,999 | 6 and older | $105.00 |
| Class A | Less than $20,000 | 1 - 5 | $120.00 |
| Class A | Less than $20,000 | 6 and older | $85.00 |
| Class B (Van type) | All prices | 1 - 5 | $90.00 |
| Class B (Van type) | All prices | 6 and older | $65.00 |
| Class C | All prices | 1 - 5 | $110.00 |
| Class C | All prices | 6 and older | $80.00 |
Trailers:
| Trailer Type | Weight/Specification | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Regular trailer | Less than 2,000 lbs | $20.00 |
| Semi-trailer (5th wheel/goose-neck) | More than 2,000 lbs | $30.00 |
| Travel trailer | Based on square footage | $0.30 per sq. ft. (1-6 years old) |
| Travel trailer | Based on square footage | 75% of original fee (7+ years old) |
Special Vehicle Types:
| Vehicle Type | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Motorized bicycle or moped | $7.00 |
| Ambulance | $50.00 |
| Hearse | $50.00 |
| Church bus | $25.00 |
| Motorsport/recreational vehicle | $400.00 |
| Multipurpose vehicle (1992 and older) | $55.00 |
| Multipurpose vehicle (specially equipped) | $60.00 |
Antique Vehicles (25+ years old):
| Registration Date | Model Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Purchased/Transferred on or after 1/1/2009 | All years | Standard minimum fee for vehicle type |
| Grandfather Clause (Titled before 1/1/2009) | 1970-1983 | $23.00 |
| Grandfather Clause (Titled before 1/1/2009) | 1969 and older | $16.00 |
Title Fees
Iowa mandates a certificate of title for all motor vehicles, motorcycles, motorized bicycles, and travel trailers with an empty weight of up to 2,000 pounds. Title fee information is detailed through the Iowa DOT Title a Vehicle page.
Certificate of Title Fees:
| Transaction Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Title fee | $35.00 |
| Lien fee | $20.00 |
Salvage Vehicle Inspection
Vehicles bearing salvage titles or reconstructed from salvage must undergo examination by the Iowa Department of Transportation before receiving a rebuilt title and standard registration. Information regarding salvage vehicle requirements is provided through the Iowa DOT Salvage Vehicles Information page.
Salvage and Rebuilt Title Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Vehicle/Rebuilt title inspection | $50.00 to $53.00 |
| Salvage title | $25.00 |
| Rebuilt title | $35.00 |
| Registration | 5% of the purchase price + $10.00 |
The salvage examination fee is remitted to the Iowa Department of Transportation at the time of inspection scheduling. The rebuilt title fee is paid to the county treasurer when submitting the title application following successful examination.
Government Agencies and Contact Information
Iowa Department of Transportation Central Office
800 Lincoln Way Ames, IA 50010
Phone: (515) 239 1101
Official Website: Iowa Department of Transportation
The Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division establishes regulatory standards for vehicle titling, registration, and driver licensing throughout Iowa. The division coordinates with county treasurers in all 99 counties who serve as agents for processing motor vehicle registration and title transactions.
Iowa Vehicle Licensing Offices
Iowa provides motor vehicle registration services through county treasurer offices in each of Iowa's 99 counties. County treasurer contact information is available through the Iowa DOT County Treasurer Directory.
Polk County Treasurer
Polk County Administration Building 111 Court Avenue, Room 154 Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: ((515) 286 3030
Official Website: Polk County Treasurer
Linn County Treasurer
935 2nd Street SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Phone: (319) 892 5500
Official Website: Linn County Treasurer
Scott County Treasurer
600 West 4th Street, Davenport, IA 52801
Phone: (563) 326 8664
Official Website: Scott County Treasurer
Johnson County Treasurer
913 South Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 356 6091
Official Website: Johnson County Treasurer
Black Hawk County Treasurer
316 East 5th Street, Waterloo, IA 50703
Phone: (319) 833 3013
Official Website: Black Hawk County Treasurer
Story County Treasurer
900 6th Street, Nevada, IA 50201
Phone: (515) 382 7340
Official Website: Story County Treasurer
Dubuque County Treasurer
720 Central Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: (563) 589 1300
Official Website: Dubuque County Treasurer
Woodbury County Treasurer
822 Douglas Street, Sioux City, IA 51101
Phone: (712) 279 6500
Official Website: Woodbury County Treasurer
Dallas County Treasurer
801 Court Street, Adel, IA 50003
Phone: (515) 993 5808
Official Website: Dallas County Treasurer
Pottawattamie County Treasurer
227 South 6th Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Phone: (712) 328 5627
Official Website: Pottawattamie County Treasurer
