Selling or buying a vehicle in Iowa? A bill of sale has been legally required for all Iowa title transfers since January 1, 2020 — including gifts and family transfers.
This free template is formatted for Iowa’s requirements, including the required bill of sale fields and the Damage Disclosure Statement for vehicles 7 years old or newer.
Click Get This Template below to open it in Google Docs, then click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive.
For templates for all 50 states, visit the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Templates →
On this page:
- What Is an Iowa Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
- Is a Bill of Sale Required in Iowa?
- Iowa-Specific Requirements
- Free Iowa Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
- How to Fill Out the Template
- How to Transfer a Car Title in Iowa
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an Iowa Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
An Iowa motor vehicle bill of sale is a written record of a private vehicle sale.
Since January 1, 2020, Iowa law requires a bill of sale for all title transfers — including gifts, family transfers, and standard private party sales. The bill of sale must include both parties’ names, the date of sale, and the purchase price. Both parties should keep a signed copy.
Is a Bill of Sale Required in Iowa?
Yes — Iowa requires a bill of sale for all title transfers starting January 1, 2020. This applies to every private party vehicle sale, gift, and family transfer without exception.
Many Iowa counties have a bill of sale section printed on the back of new title documents — you must either complete that section or provide a separate bill of sale at the time of transfer.
During the 30-day grace period before the new owner completes the transfer, they may drive the vehicle without plates as long as the prior owner had a current registration — and must carry the properly assigned title or bill of sale plus proof of insurance if stopped by law enforcement.
Iowa-Specific Requirements
1. 30-Day Deadline
The buyer has 30 days from the date of purchase to complete the title transfer at their county treasurer’s motor vehicle office. Penalties apply after 30 days. As of January 1, 2025, title and registration transactions can be processed at any Iowa county treasurer’s office — not just the buyer’s home county.
2. Damage Disclosure Statement Required
A Damage Disclosure Statement (Form 411108) is required for vehicles 7 years old or newer. Both buyer and seller must complete and sign it. The form discloses whether the vehicle has sustained prior structural damage.
3. Odometer Disclosure
Odometer disclosure is required for vehicles 20 years old or newer (model year 2011 and newer under the federal 20-year rule). The odometer reading must be entered on the title assignment. If the vehicle is a 2011 or newer model, provide the current odometer reading in the space provided on the title assignment.
4. License Plates
Iowa plates stay with the seller. Remove your plates before handing over the vehicle and return them to the county treasurer’s office to apply for a refund on any unused registration (minimum $10 refund threshold).
5. What the Buyer Must Bring
- Properly assigned Certificate of Title (signed by all sellers)
- This Bill of Sale (names, date, and purchase price required)
- Damage Disclosure Statement (Form 411108, for vehicles 7 years or newer)
- Application for Certificate of Title (Form 411007)
- Valid Iowa driver’s license or ID
- Proof of Iowa liability insurance
- Payment for title fees and applicable use tax
6. Notarization
Iowa does not require notarization for a standard private party vehicle bill of sale. Notarization is optional but recommended for high-value sales.
Free Iowa Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
This template opens in Google Docs. Click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive, fill it out digitally, or print and complete by hand.
How to Fill Out the Template
Enter the seller’s name exactly as it appears on the Certificate of Title. If two owners are listed with “AND” between names, both must sign. Enter the buyer’s name exactly as they want it on the new title.
In Section 3, copy the VIN character by character from the dashboard plate and the title. Enter the odometer reading for vehicles 20 years old or newer. Enter the full agreed purchase price in Section 4.
Both parties sign Section 11. Remember to also complete the Damage Disclosure Statement (Form 411108) for vehicles 7 years old or newer.
For a complete field-by-field walkthrough of every section, see: How to Fill Out a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale →
How to Transfer a Car Title in Iowa
For the Seller
Sign the seller’s signature line on the first assignment on the back of the title. Complete this bill of sale including both parties’ names, date of sale, and purchase price.
Remove your license plates and return them to the county treasurer’s office. If there is $10 or more in unused registration, you can apply for a refund.
For the Buyer
Within 30 days of purchase, visit any Iowa county treasurer’s motor vehicle office with the signed title, this bill of sale, Form 411007 (Title Application), Damage Disclosure Statement (if applicable), proof of insurance, valid Iowa ID, and payment for title fees and use tax.
Lost Title
If the title is lost, the previous owner must order a replacement title through the Iowa DOT website before the sale can proceed. Contact your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Iowa law has required a bill of sale for all title transfers since January 1, 2020. This applies to every private party sale, gift, and family transfer. The bill of sale must include both parties’ names, date of sale, and purchase price.
30 days from the date of purchase. Penalties apply after 30 days. As of January 1, 2025, the transfer can be completed at any Iowa county treasurer’s motor vehicle office — not just the buyer’s home county.
Form 411108 — required for vehicles 7 years old or newer. Both buyer and seller must complete and sign it. The form discloses whether the vehicle has ever sustained prior structural damage, flooding, or other significant damage.
Yes, for up to 30 days from the date of purchase, as long as the prior owner had a current registration. The buyer must carry the properly assigned title or bill of sale plus proof of insurance if stopped by law enforcement.
No. Iowa does not require notarization for a standard private party vehicle bill of sale. Notarization is optional but recommended for high-value sales.
Yes. Iowa does not require a specific state-issued form. Any bill of sale that includes both parties’ names, date of sale, and purchase price is acceptable. This template meets all Iowa requirements and can be used alongside the title assignment and Form 411007.
This template and all information on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Requirements may vary by county. Contact your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office or the Iowa DOT at iowadot.gov to confirm current requirements before completing your transaction.