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*T&C Applied
Yes, a Bill of Sale is required to register the vehicle. The County Treasurer needs it to verify the purchase price for the 5% fee calculation. The Bill of Sale should include the seller’s name, buyer’s name, date of sale, vehicle information (Year, Make, VIN), and the purchase price. Both parties should sign it.n
Check the front of the Iowa title for any listed security interests (liens). If a bank or credit union is listed, the seller must provide a specialized "Cancellation of Security Interest" form, or the title must be noted as released on the face of the document by the lender. Without a clear release of the lien, the County Treasurer will not issue a title in your name.
For vehicles that are 7 model years old or newer, Iowa law requires the seller to disclose whether the car has sustained damage exceeding 50% of its fair market value prior to the sale. This is usually done on the back of the title. If the title doesn't have a section for this, a separate Iowa Damage Disclosure Statement (Form 411108) must be completed.
Iowa generally does not require a safety or emissions inspection for vehicle registration. However, if you are bringing a vehicle in from out-of-state that has a "salvage," "rebuilt," or "flood" brand on the title, it may require a theft examination by a peace officer before it can be titled in Iowa. Because there is no mandatory safety check, it is highly recommended that you hire a mechanic to perform a pre-purchase inspection.
Instead of a traditional sales tax, Iowa charges a one-time "Fee for New Registration" when you title a vehicle. This fee is 5% of the purchase price. You pay this fee directly to the County Treasurer’s office when you register the car, not to the seller. If the purchase price listed seems unusually low, the county may use the vehicle’s fair market value to calculate the fee.
Master the Art of Private Car Sales in Iowa: Essential Tips and Resources.
View Iowa Guide
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