How to transfer a car title in Iowa
For private sellers and buyers in Iowa. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Iowa, the seller signs the back of the title, prints the buyer's name and address, fills in the odometer and damage parts, and keeps the plates. The buyer goes to any county treasurer within 30 days of the sale and pays the title fee and the fee for new registration.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Iowa?
Seller
- Sign the back of the title as seller, print the buyer's name and address on the top line, and write the sale date.
- Fill in the odometer and damage disclosure parts on the back of the title.
- Tell the buyer the county where the car was last registered and when the plates expire.
- Take the plates off and keep them. You can put them on a car you buy within 30 days, or turn them in to the county treasurer.
- Keep proof of the sale: a signed receipt from the buyer, a copy of the back of the title, or Form 411107 filed with a county treasurer.
Buyer
- Apply for the title and registration at any county treasurer within 30 days.
- Bring the signed title, a bill of sale signed by the seller, and Form 411007.
- Pay the fee for new registration: $10 plus 5% of the price. It applies to private sales too.
- If the car is registered, you can drive it for 30 days without plates while you carry the bill of sale or the assigned title.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Iowa Department of Transportation before you go: iowadot.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Iowa?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the title over.
Sign the back as seller, print the buyer's name and address, and write the sale date.
Step 2 · Seller
Fill in the disclosures.
Complete the odometer and damage disclosure parts on the back of the title.
Step 3 · Seller
Give the buyer the county and plate details.
Tell them where the car was last registered and when the plates expire.
Step 4 · Seller
Take the plates off.
Keep them for your next car, or turn them in to the county treasurer.
Step 5 · Seller
Keep proof of the sale.
A signed receipt from the buyer, a copy of the back of the title, or Form 411107.
You can use the bill of sale section on a newer Iowa title. If the title has no such section, a separate bill of sale is required. iowadot.gov checked
Iowa bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Iowa?
Step 2 · Buyer
Go to any county treasurer within 30 days.
Fill out Form 411007 and bring the title.
411007 · Application for Iowa Certificate of Title and/or Registrationlegis.iowa.gov checkedStep 3 · Buyer
Pay the fees.
The $30 title fee, the registration fee for the rest of the year, and the fee for new registration.
legis.iowa.gov checked
After Iowa DOT processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Iowa guides
How much does a title transfer cost in Iowa?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $30 | Buyer | legis.iowa.gov Checked |
| Fee for new registration | 5% of the price, plus $10 | Buyer | revenue.iowa.gov Checked |
| Late penalty, after 30 days (if it applies) | $10 | Buyer | legis.iowa.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $30 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Iowa Department of Revenue.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Iowa are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Replacement of Iowa Certificate of Title.
Common questions
How much is the fee for new registration?
5% of the price, plus $10. It applies to private sales too.
revenue.iowa.gov checked
What does the seller do with the plates?
Keep them for a car you buy soon, or turn them in to the county treasurer.
iowadot.gov checked
Does the seller have to report the sale?
No. Form 411107 is optional, but it is one way to keep proof of the sale.
iowadot.gov checked
Sources for this page
- iowadot.gov/registration-plates/
buy-sell-vehicles/ Checkedhow-sell-vehicle - iowadot.gov/registration-plates/
vehicle-registration-titles/ Checkedtitle-vehicle - revenue.iowa.gov/taxes/
tax-guidance/ Checkedgeneral/ iowa-taxfee-descriptions-and-rates - legis.iowa.gov/docs/
code/ Checked2026/ 321.46.pdf - legis.iowa.gov/docs/
code/ Checked321.49.pdf
About this page
This page summarizes official Iowa sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Iowa Department of Transportation, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.