Paperwork When Selling a Car in Iowa

Required Paperwork

The most important piece of paperwork when selling a car is the title, which you must sign over to the new owner. You cannot legally sell your vehicle if you don't have a title.

If you lost or damaged the original title, complete the Application for Replacement of Iowa Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle and submit it to the county treasurer where your title was first issued. There is a $15 fee for a duplicate title. Note that while you are obligated to provide the buyer with a valid title, you don't need to supply the registration certificate; the buyer doesn't need it to transfer the title.

You must provide the buyer with the following:

• The name of the county where the vehicle was last registered.

• The date the license plates expire.

• A completed Odometer Disclosure Statement.

• A Damage Disclosure Statement.

• A certificate of title signed over to the buyer.

License Plates

Iowa license plates follow the owner, not the vehicle, so remove them from the car when you sell it. If you buy another vehicle within 30 days, you can transfer the plates to your new vehicle after paying the registration fees.

Notice of Release and Transfer of Liability

If you don't plan on transferring the sold vehicle's plates to another vehicle, you must turn surrender them to your county treasurer.

Bill of Sale

Though not mandatory, it's in your best interest to retain a bill of sale for your files. You can download a copy from our Bill of Sale page.

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