How To Get a Car Title in Iowa 2026
Iowa law requires owners of motor vehicles to obtain a certificate of title issued by the Iowa Department of Transportation. The certificate of title serves as legal proof of ownership and is a prerequisite for vehicle registration in the state.
Where to Apply for an Iowa Certificate of Title
Applications for an Iowa certificate of title must be submitted to authorized agencies throughout the state:
- County Treasurer Offices – Available in all 99 Iowa counties; residents may apply at any county treasurer statewide regardless of county of residence
- Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealers – Franchised dealerships authorized to process title applications electronically through the ERT system
- Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division – Required for government-owned vehicles, vehicles under apportioned registration, and certain exempt vehicles
Required Documents for Title Application in Iowa
Applicants must present specific documentation to the county treasurer to complete a title application. Required documents vary based on vehicle origin and transaction type.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application for Certificate of Title (Form 411007) | Completed and signed by all owners | Must include VIN, vehicle description, purchase information, and owner identification details |
| Proof of Ownership | Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (new vehicles), Iowa title (in-state used vehicles), or out-of-state title properly assigned | Ownership chain must be complete and unbroken |
| Iowa Driver's License or ID | Valid identification for all listed owners | Corporate entities must provide Federal Employer Identification Number |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Required for vehicles less than 20 model years old | Federal requirement; must be completed accurately |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Additional documents may be necessary depending on the specific transaction:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lien Release | Verify satisfaction of security interest | Required if previous title showed lienholder; Iowa participates in Electronic Lien and Title program |
| Bill of Sale | Document purchase price and transaction details | Required for private-party sales; many counties mandate a bill of sale for all title transfers since 2020 |
| Vehicle Inspection Certificate | Verify VIN authenticity | Required for certain out-of-state vehicles and rebuilt vehicles |
| Power of Attorney | Authorize representative to sign application | Must be notarized if owner cannot appear personally |
| Damage Disclosure Statement (Form 411108) | Document vehicle condition for new vehicles | Required only if brand-new vehicle has more than 1,000 miles on odometer |
| Tax Documentation | Establish tax liability or exemption status | May be required for specific exemption claims or use tax calculations |
Iowa Title Fees and Costs
The Iowa Department of Transportation has established standardized fees for title transactions, with additional charges assessed for registration and related services.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Title | $35.00 |
| Lien Notation | $20.00 |
| Duplicate Title | $35.00 |
| Title Transfer | $35.00 |
| Title Correction | $35.00 |
| Bonded Title | $35.00 |
Additional Processing Fees
Registration and supplemental fees apply to most title transactions:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fee for New Registration | $10.00 + 5% of purchase price (less trade-in allowance) | Base fee of $10.00 plus 5% of net purchase price |
| Annual Registration Fee | $50.00+ | Varies by vehicle age, weight, and original list price; vehicles 12+ years typically $50.00 annually |
| Electric Vehicle Supplemental Fee (BEV) | $130.00/year | Battery electric vehicles under 10,000 pounds |
| Electric Vehicle Supplemental Fee (PHEV) | $65.00/year | Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles under 10,000 pounds |
| Late Title Penalty | $10.00 | Applied once if title application is filed more than 30 days after purchase, transfer, or establishing Iowa residency |
| Late Registration Penalty | 5% per month | Minimum $5.00 per vehicle; penalty accrues monthly until registration is current |
Total costs can be estimated using the Iowa DOT fee calculator available through the department's online portal.
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Assemble Required Documentation
Collect all necessary documents before visiting the county treasurer's office. Verify that ownership documents display a complete chain of title with proper assignments. For out-of-state titles, ensure all seller signatures are present and notarized if required by the issuing jurisdiction. Obtain lien releases from financial institutions if the previous title showed security interests. Confirm that odometer disclosures are completed for vehicles less than 20 model years old. For new vehicles with more than 1,000 miles, prepare a Damage Disclosure Statement (Form 411108).
Step 2: Complete Form 411007
Fill out the Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration with accurate information. Enter the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number exactly as it appears on the vehicle. List the full legal names of all owners without abbreviations or nicknames. Include complete residential addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers or Iowa driver's license numbers for all owners. Describe the vehicle precisely, noting year, make, model, body style, and color. Record the purchase date and purchase price accurately. If a security interest exists, provide the complete name and address of the lienholder. All listed owners must sign the application using original signatures.
Step 3: Calculate Total Fees
Determine all applicable charges before submission. The standard title fee is $35.00. Add $20.00 if noting a lien. Calculate the fee for new registration by taking the purchase price (minus trade-in value), multiplying by 5%, and adding $10.00. Estimate the annual registration fee using vehicle characteristics; most vehicles 12 years or older pay approximately $50.00 annually, while newer vehicles pay fees based on depreciation schedules. Include electric vehicle supplemental fees if applicable: $130.00 for battery electric vehicles or $65.00 for plug-in hybrids. If the application will be filed more than 30 days after purchase or transfer, add a one-time late title penalty of $10.00. Account for additional late registration penalties if renewal deadlines have passed.
Step 4: Submit Application to County Treasurer
Present the completed application and supporting documents at any Iowa county treasurer's office. Staff will verify document authenticity and completeness. The county treasurer may perform VIN verification if required for your vehicle type. Payment is collected at the time of submission and may be made by cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card (electronic payment convenience fees may apply). The county treasurer retains all original documents and forwards the application to the Iowa Department of Transportation for title production.
Step 5: Receive Certificate of Title
Processing times vary based on workload and whether a security interest is recorded. For vehicles without liens, the Iowa Department of Transportation typically prints and mails a paper certificate of title within 5 to 10 business days, though processing may extend to 21 business days during peak periods. For vehicles with liens, title information is maintained electronically through the Electronic Lien and Title program; the lienholder receives electronic notification while no paper title is issued until the lien is satisfied. Registration credentials, including the registration receipt and license plates or validation stickers, are issued immediately at the county treasurer's office. Track application status by contacting the county treasurer where the application was submitted or by calling the Iowa Department of Transportation at (800) 532-1121.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Certain vehicles are exempt from Iowa's certificate of title requirements:
- Vehicles owned by the State of Iowa used for official government purposes
- Vehicles owned by the United States government not registered in Iowa
- Dealer and manufacturer inventory held for sale with proper documentation
- Implements of husbandry used exclusively for agricultural operations
- Special mobile equipment designed primarily for non-highway use
- Trailers with empty weight of 2,000 pounds or less (subject to registration but not title)
- Vehicles subject to apportioned registration under the International Registration Plan
- Private school buses operated by educational institutions (exempt from registration fees but require title)
- Fire trucks not operated for pecuniary profit (exempt from registration fees but require title)
- Urban and regional transit system buses (exempt from registration fees but require title)
- Certain authorized emergency vehicles owned by nonprofit organizations
Contact Information
Iowa Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Division
P.O. Box 9204, Des Moines, IA 50306-9204
Phone: (515) 244-8725
Official Website: Iowa DOT Motor Vehicles
