Other Iowa Registrations: Motorcycles, Boats, and More

A boat floating in the water
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If you’re looking to register a motorcycle, boat, or any other type of vehicle in Iowa, you’ll need to follow the registration process detailed in this guide. It’s important to ensure that these items are titled and registered before you take them on state roads, waterways, or anywhere in between. To help you navigate the registration process, simply follow the sections below based on your specific vehicle type.

Registering a Motorcycle in Iowa

To register a motorcycle in the state of Iowa you will need the following:

  1. Obtain a bill of sale from the seller: Before you can register your motorcycle, you will need to provide proof of ownership. A bill of sale is typically required and should include the year, make, and model of the motorcycle, as well as the purchase price and date. You’ll then need to register your vehicle within 30 days of purchase at your local MVD.
  2. Get motorcycle insurance: Iowa requires all vehicles, including motorcycles, to have basic insurance coverage. Check with your local insurers or use the Web to find motorcycle insurance that fits your budget and needs. Once you have this, print out your paperwork so you can bring it in when registering.
  3. Complete the registration forms: To register your motorcycle, if you own it, you will need to complete the Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration (Form 411007).
  4. Pay the fees: The fees for registering a motorcycle in Iowa vary depending on the vehicle’s age, weight, and other factors. You can find a fee schedule on the Iowa DOT website. You can pay the fees with cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card.
  5. Submit everything: Take your application, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and payment to your local county treasurer’s office or Iowa Motor Vehicle Division office.
  6. Get your registration: Once your application and documentation have been processed, you will receive your motorcycle registration, license plates, and a certificate of title.

Pretty easy, right?

It’s very much aligned with how you would register a car in Iowa. This is a great time to go ahead and get anything else out of the way at the DMV office, so schedule ahead!

Registering a Boat in Iowa

If you’re a boat owner in the state of Iowa, you’ll need to register your vessel with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) before you can legally operate it on state waters. The Iowa boat registration process is simple, having you provide proof of ownership, insurance, and payment of fees.

To register a boat in Iowa, you will need to complete an Application for Iowa Boat Registration and Iowa Use Tax Form. You’ll need to provide info about the boat, including its make, model, and year, as well as the hull identification number (HIN). You’ll also need to provide proof of ownership via a bill of sale or a title, depending on the age and type of the boat.

To register a boat in Iowa, you’ll also need to have proof of insurance.

With all the paperwork together, visit your local DNR field office to submit your boat registration application. You’ll then pay any necessary fees and then receive your registration certificate. You’ll receive a set of Iowa boat registration decals that you must display on your vessel.

For more information about boat registration: check out the official DNR registration guide.