How to Sell a Car Privately in Iowa
Selling your car yourself in Iowa comes down to a signed title, the right paperwork, and a few steps people often miss. This guide summarizes what the Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division and state law say, so you and the buyer can finish the transfer cleanly.
Transferring the title
- The seller signs the reverse side of the title as seller, prints the buyer's name and address on the top line, and prints the date of sale. iowadot.gov
- The seller gives the buyer the name of the county where the vehicle was last registered and its plate expiration date. iowadot.gov
- If owner names are joined by 'or', one owner's signature can transfer ownership; otherwise each named owner must sign. legis.iowa.gov
- The buyer must apply for the new title and registration within 30 calendar days after purchase. legis.iowa.gov
Bill of sale
- Depending on the title version, the updated title's Transfer/Sale Date section can serve as the bill of sale; if the title has no such section, a bill of sale is still required. iowadot.gov
- On the updated title the transfer or sale date is the only field in the bill of sale area required for every transfer. iowadot.gov
- The seller gives the buyer a bill of sale when selling to an Iowa resident. iowadot.gov
Odometer disclosure
- The seller must give the buyer a correct odometer statement, normally on the assignment area of the title. iowadot.gov
- If the odometer does not show the correct mileage, the seller checks the box stating why the mileage is not actual. iowadot.gov
License plates
- The seller removes the plates and keeps them when selling to an individual. iowadot.gov
- If another vehicle is purchased within 30 days, the plates can go on it once fees are paid; otherwise they are turned in to the county treasurer. iowadot.gov
- A buyer with no plates may drive a currently registered vehicle for 30 days if a signed bill of sale or the assigned title is carried in it. iowadot.gov
Telling the state you sold the car
- The seller may file form 411107 'Notice of Sale of Vehicle and Delivery of Title' with any county treasurer, which creates a presumption that the seller assigned and delivered the title. iowadot.gov
- A seller who made a bona fide sale and delivered possession is not liable for damage from the buyer's later negligent operation. iowadot.gov
- The agency says it is good practice to keep proof of sale, such as a buyer's receipt or a copy of the back of the assigned title. iowadot.gov
Taxes and fees the buyer pays
- The buyer owes a new registration fee of $10 plus 5 percent of the purchase price when applying for title. legis.iowa.gov
- Gifts between individuals with no consideration are exempt from that fee. legis.iowa.gov
- Late filing of the fee adds 10 percent of the fee. legis.iowa.gov
Loans and liens
- If an uncancelled lien shows on the front of a used Iowa title, the buyer needs a Cancellation of Security Interest (form 411168). iowadot.gov
- With an electronic title, the lienholder releases the lien electronically when the loan is paid and a paper title can then be requested. iowadot.gov
Easy-to-miss rules in this state
- The seller must give the buyer a separate damage disclosure statement at or before sale when damage exceeded 70 percent of fair market value. iowadot.gov
- A junking certificate holder can reinstate a title only by applying within 14 days of the first junking certificate being issued. iowadot.gov
- Selling to a non-Iowa buyer without valid plates, the county treasurer issues a 30-day transit plate for $3. iowadot.gov
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Iowa?
Depending on the title version, the updated title's Transfer/Sale Date section can serve as the bill of sale; if the title has no such section, a bill of sale is still required. On the updated title the transfer or sale date is the only field in the bill of sale area required for every transfer.
Is an odometer disclosure required when selling a car in Iowa?
The seller must give the buyer a correct odometer statement, normally on the assignment area of the title. If the odometer does not show the correct mileage, the seller checks the box stating why the mileage is not actual.
What happens to the license plates when I sell my car in Iowa?
The seller removes the plates and keeps them when selling to an individual. If another vehicle is purchased within 30 days, the plates can go on it once fees are paid; otherwise they are turned in to the county treasurer.
Do I have to tell the state I sold my car in Iowa?
The seller may file form 411107 'Notice of Sale of Vehicle and Delivery of Title' with any county treasurer, which creates a presumption that the seller assigned and delivered the title. A seller who made a bona fide sale and delivered possession is not liable for damage from the buyer's later negligent operation.
Official Iowa resources
- Iowa DOT: How to sell a vehicle
- Iowa DOT: Title a vehicle
- Iowa DOT: Changes to the vehicle title certificate
- Iowa DOT: Electronic lien and title
- Iowa Code 321.46: New title upon transfer of ownership
- Iowa Code 321.105A: Fee for new registration
- Iowa Administrative Code chapter 761-400
Next steps
Once you know the rules, create a free listing and print a QR code sign for the car window. For the general process, see our step-by-step private sale guide, the paperwork checklist, and how to get paid safely. Need paperwork? Use our free bill of sale generator.