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Registering a Motor Vehicle in Iowa
Iowa law requires you to register your motor vehicle with the county treasurer's office in your county within 30 days from the date you establish residency. Iowa registration is required even though your license plates may still be valid in another state.

The following documents are required to be surrendered to the county treasurer's office:

  1. Your current ownership document (certificate of title).
  2. A completed application for an Iowa certificate of title and/or registration. The application must be signed by all owners. If there is a lien against the vehicle, it should be noted on the application.

If your vehicle cannot be titled or registered by your county treasurer because you do not have the proper title documents, you may be able to file a bond as a condition of obtaining a title and registration plates.

Click here to go to Bonded Certificate of Title page

You will want to contact your county treasurer's office for amount of registration fees.

If you move from one county to another, you must report your change of address to the county treasurer in your former county of residence within ten days after your move so your motor vehicle registration information can be forwarded to the county where you now live.

Application Forms

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Application of Title and/or Registration for a Vehicle Form #411007 (two pages)

Application for Replacement of Iowa Certificate of Title Form #411033

Application for Certificate of Title / Registration of a Leased Vehicle Form #411179

When completed, forward these application forms to your County Treasurer's Office

©Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division
Last Updated:  February 05, 2008