by Armando Martinez
License Plate Transfer Process in Iowa
When you sell a car in Iowa, the license plates stay with the seller, who has 30 days to either transfer the plates to a new-to-them vehicle or turn them into their County Treasurer along with a completed Plate Cancellation form. The buyer has to obtain their own license plates within 30 days of the purchase date. The seller must provide the buyer with a signed and dated title, a Bill of Sale, Damage Disclosure Statement, and a current odometer reading entered on the title or by completing as Odometer Disclosure Statement to transfer ownership. The title should include the purchase price and date of sale. If there's a lien on the vehicle, the seller should get the title from the lien holder before selling the car.
As a seller it is important that you provide the County Treasurer with notice that you have sold the vehicle by completing and filing Iowa DOT form #411107 “Notice of Sale of Vehicle and Delivery of Title” with the county treasurer of the county where the vehicle is registered certifying the sale or transfer of ownership of the vehicle and the assignment and delivery of the title to the buyer. Upon filing the form, it is presumed that the seller has assigned and delivered the certificate of title for the vehicle and you are no longer liable for any citations or damage resulting from the operation of the vehicle post-sale.
License Plate Fees in Iowa
The license plate fees in Iowa can vary depending on the type of vehicle and other factors. Here are some of the fees you may need to pay:
- Title fee: $25
- Registration fee: varies based on vehicle type and weight
- Sales tax: 5% of the purchase price
If you're obtaining a new license plate, there will be an additional fee for the plate and validation stickers.
Conclusion
When selling your car in a private party sale in Iowa, make sure you understand the license plate transfer process and fees involved. Make sure to provide the necessary documentation, including a signed and dated title, Bill of Sale, Damage Disclosure Statement, and current odometer statement. Expect to pay title fees, registration fees, sales tax, and additional fees for new license plates. By following these steps, you can successfully navigate the license plate process and have a successful private party car sale in Iowa. For detailed instructions visit https://iowadot.gov/mvd/buyingselling/selling-your-vehicle#30085565-selling-to-an-individual-who-is-not-a-licensed-dealer. Good luck!
This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.
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