Frequently Asked Questions

Are there times I won’t be allowed to renew registration?

The local county treasurer s office will notify a registration holder every time a registration is needed. The notices for renewing car registration are sent out one month before the renewal month. If there are any questions on renewal dates, contact the local county s office for complete vehicle renewal information. Iowa car registration renewals may be completed online, in person or via mail. Provide appropriate information, payment, and completed forms.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Iowa

Can somebody else renew my registration for me?

To renew car registrations in Iowa, there are options to renew online, via mail, or in person. If choosing to renew Iowa car registration online, all that is needed is the specific PIN, plate number and payment method. To renew via mail provide the Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration and enclose the payment and mail to the appropriate location.

To renew Iowa car registration in person, call the local county treasures office for any documentation and payment. The vehicle registration owner or someone else may renew the registration as long as all requirements are met.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Iowa

Do boats need to be registered?

Motorized boats refer to boats propelled by internal combustion, steam, and electrical or any mechanical methods. All motorized boats must be registered in the state of Iowa. Exceptions to Iowa vehicle registration guidelines include:

  • Inflatable vessels with a length of seven feet or less in
  • Canoes and kayaks with no motor or sail and a length of 13 feet or less
  • Registered, out-of-state vessels using Iowa waters for 60 or less days of a year

For more information: How to Register a Boat or Water Craft in Iowa

Do I need to file a police report if my registration was lost or stolen?

Police reports are usually filed when documents pertaining to identity are lost or stolen. These documents include vehicle titles or driver s licenses. Lost car registrations or stolen car registrations in Iowa are reported to local law enforcement officials to take precautionary measures. Simply visit an official s office and ask to report the case.

Visit a local county treasurer s office with the vehicle plate number and registration replacement fee to complete processing for an IA carregistrationcopy.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Iowa

Do I need to return my license plate if I move out of the state?

License plate returns are only necessary in the case of refund requests. If applying for a refund of Iowa car registration, plates are required to be surrendered to the local county treasurer s office. In the case that a registration holder is not applying for a refund, plates do not need to be returned.

If it can be proved that a vehicle is registered out-of-state, provide the Iowa plate, the out-of-state car registration, and the Claim for Refund to the local Iowa county treasurer.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Iowa

Do I need to turn in my damaged registration?

In Iowa damaged car registrations do not need to be turned in. As a cautionary measure, it is advisable to dispose of these documents carefully. Make sure to dispose of all important vehicle registration through paper shredding and/or document destruction.

To obtain an Iowa car registration replacement, simply visit a local county treasurer s office. At the office, present the plate number for the vehicle and the applicable registration replacement determined by the county.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Iowa

Does a motorized scooter need to be registered?

The steps to register motorized scooters in Iowa are similar to those of car registrations. Provide the following upon visiting the local county official s office:

  1. Certificate of title
  2. The application for an Iowa certificate of title and/or
  1. Registration fees

Bring the certificate of title, application and appropriate fees to the local county treasurer s office. Upon processing, the office will register vehicles within 24 hours.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Iowa

Does my vehicle qualify for a smog inspection?

The state of Iowa does not officially declare any standards for smog inspections on vehicles. Because of this, statewide emissions inspections are not required for getting car registrations in IA. To obtain an Iowa car registration, all that will be needed is the certificate of title, application and appropriate fees taken to the local county treasurer s office.

For information on vehicles and requirements contact the Iowa Department of Transportation at 515-239-1837. For information regarding vehicle registrations and additional documentation contact the local county treasurer s office.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Iowa

How can I renew my vehicle registration?

Iowa car registration renewals must be completed according to the county of the registered vehicle. Renewals may be completed online, in person or through mail.

IA vehicle registration renewals may be completed online at the Iowa Treasurer s website. Keep in hand the plate number, PIN, and a method of payment.

To renew by mail, complete the Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration and enclose the payment. Mail to:

  • Iowa Department of Transportation

Office of Vehicle Services, 6310 SE Convenience Blvd. Ankeny, IA- 50021

To renew in person, visit the local county treasurer s officewith the required payment and forms.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Iowa

How can I transfer my registration to another state?

With ten days of moving out-of-state, Iowa law requires the county treasurer to be notified. This is only in the case that the registered vehicle is out-of-state. A written request of a change of address may be completed at a local DOT office or mailed or faxed to:

  • Office of Driver Services

Iowa Dept. of Transportation

P.O. Box 9204

Des Moines, IA 50306-9204

Fax: (515) 239-1837

The IA car registration will then be forwarded by the county treasurer s office to the correct location. For more information in reference to getting car registration refunds, contact the Iowa DOT at 800- 532-1121.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Iowa

How do I apply for a disabled person parking placard or plates?

Upon completing the process of an Iowa car registration, if the requirements are met a driver is eligible for a disabled person parking placard or plates. When applying, the disability indicator is available as:

  • Removable Windshield Placard
  • Special License Plates
  • License Plate Parking Sticker
  • Provider of Transportation Services

To apply the following must be presented at the office of the according sign:

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Iowa

How do I file a police report if my car registration was stolen?

If there is any reason to believe that an owner is a victim of an Iowa stolen car registration, contact a local law enforcement office. Although police reports are not necessarily a necessity, it may be done to take cautionary measures. It is recommended to report lost or stolen documents to Iowa officials. Documents like a driver s license or vehicle title may lead to cases of identity theft.

To report a case of identity theft, contact the Bureau of Investigation & Identity Protection at 866-908-4636. To obtain more information contact the Iowa’s Office of the Attorney General at 515-281-5926.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Iowa

How do I obtain a duplicate car registration?

In the case of a lost or stolen car registration in Iowa, it is important to request an IA duplicate car registration. In order to obtain a duplicate car registration the following will be needed:

  • The plate number of the vehicle in need of an Iowa car registration copy
  • Registration replacement fee of the county

These requirements must be brought to the local county treasurer s office treasurer s office. Contact thelocal county treasurer s office for additional questions.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Iowa

How do I obtain car registration?

In accordance with Iowa law, within 30 days of residency a motor vehicle must be registered with the appropriate county treasurer s office. The following steps explain how to register cars in Iowa:

  1. Collect the certificate of title
  2. Complete The Application For An Iowa Certificate Of Title And/Or Registration (contact the local county treasurer s officefor application information)
  1. Contact the local county treasurer s officefor information regarding registration fees
  2. Bring the certificate of title, application and appropriate fees to the local county treasurer s office

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Iowa

If I do not renew on time, will there be an additional fee?

Additional fees will be charged to renew expired car registrations. After the three-month window, additional fees will be charged with a $5.00 (subject to change) minimum. The fee will increase at a rate of 5 percent of the fee, per vehicle, per month. At the time of the chosen renewal, the registration holder will be required to pay the fee set by the local county as well as the additional fee for outdated renewal.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Iowa

Is there a different process I must follow if I lost personalized plates?

The process for personalized plate replacements differs from that of a regular plate replacement. The duplicate personalized plate is requested at the local county treasurer s office. Each plate is around $5.00 but additional personalized plate fees may be charged according to the plate. Upon arrival, the county office will send a notification explaining how and when to pick it up.

To pick up the personalized plate, the current registration must be taken to the local county treasurer s office. If not in possession of a car registration, an Iowa duplicate car registration may be asked for as well. Additional fees and charges may apply.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Iowa

Should I carry the registration on me or in the car?

Upon being pulled over, license, car registration, and in some cases, proof of identity will be required. It is advisable to have a vehicle registration in possession. In Iowa, a car should show a current registration sticker on the license plate. To register cars in Iowa visit a local county treasurer s office and provide the certificate of title completed application for an Iowa certificate of title and/or registration and appropriate fees.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Iowa

What are the most common reasons why I would need to replace my registration?

Replacement registrations are available for purchase at the local county treasurer s office. Iowa duplicate vehicle registrations are request when a vehicle registration has been:

  • Lost
  • Stolen
  • Mutilated to the degree of illegibility

If a registration is victim to any of the conditions above, a vehicle owner may then be involved in replacing car registration in Iowa. Simply provide the vehicle plate number and registration replacement fee of the county the vehicle and registration pertains to.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Iowa

What are the required fees for my vehicle registration?

Iowa car registration fees vary by county, age, and list price. Certain trucks and all vehicles after 2010 are additionally calculated by weight. For an IA vehicle registration fee estimate, contact the county treasurer s office where the vehicle will be registered. When registering cars in Iowa counties, be sure to provide payment of registration fees to complete the process. It is advisable to call the local county treasurer s office in advance for an estimate.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Iowa

What are the required fees to get replacement registration?

Although each county may differ in replacement registration fees, the average fee is $3.00 (subject to change). The registration replacement fee of the fittingIowa County must be presented along with the plate number information.

Replacement registrations are usually needed when an owner is a victim of a stolen, mutilated, or lost car registration in Iowa.Iowa duplicate car registrations are necessary when car registration evidence cannot be presented or is illegible. Evidence of car registration is required under the Iowa state law requiring all vehicles operating on public property.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Iowa

What are the required fees to renew my registration?

The required registration fees will be determined by the Iowa county treasurer s office. It is advisable to contact the local county treasurer s office to receive an estimate of the payment.

Additional fees may be required if the renewal period for the registration expires. A minimum penalty of $5.00 per vehicle will be charged. The fee will increase at a rate of 5 percent of the fee, per vehicle, per month.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Iowa

What documents do I need to present to get a replacement car registration?

The only requirements needed to present to obtain when replacing car registrations in Iowa is the plate number of the vehicle and a registration replacement fee of $3.00 (subject to change).

The fee and plate number are brought to the local county treasurer s office. Most county treasurer s office work Monday through Friday, contact the office for hours of operation. County treasurer s office may be contacted by phone or email.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Iowa

What documents do I need to present to get new registration?

In order to obtain an Iowa car registration, certain documents will need to be taken to a local county treasurer s office. Provide the current vehicle ownership document. This document is the certificate of title. With the document, make sure to complete an Application For An Iowa Certificate Of Title And/Or Registration. For access to the application, contact the local county treasurer s department. It may also be wise to infer about the vehicle registration fee.

Upon providing the certificate of title, application and appropriate fees the local county treasurer s office will allow a driver to get car registration in Iowa.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Iowa

What documents do I need to present to renew my car registration?

No documents are necessary to renew a vehicle registration. However, it is important to have all payment and additional information at hand. An IA car registration renewal will be mailed out by the local county treasurer s office.

The notice will have the PIN and plate number needed to be able to renew car registration online.

If completing via mail, the only document required is a completed the Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration that may be accessed by contact the local county treasurer s office.

Contact the local county treasurer s office pertaining to questions regarding in-person renewal documentation.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Iowa

What should I do if I have not received my registration tags or stickers?

Upon renewing the registration with the local county treasurer s office, the processing and mailing should be completed within 24 business hours of the authorization of the payment. Payments are acceptable via mail, online or in person. Allow days for mail processing. If the registration tag or sticker has not been received after seven to 21 days of processing, contact the local county treasurer s office for further assistance.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Iowa

When does my car registration expire?

Car registrations expire on the date of expiration of the current vehicle registration. The local county treasurer s office allows a three month window to renew car registration online or via mail.

A registration renewal notice will be sent out by the local county treasurer s office as a reminder to renew expired car registration in Iowa, along with PIN and plate number information. This will be useful in accessing the online renewal at the Iowa Treasurer s website. An IA car registration renewal may also be completed via mail.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Iowa

Where can I find a local tax county collector office?

The state of Iowa administers vehicle titles, registrations, and vehicle documentations through the local county treasurer s office.

These offices work separately from the Iowa Department of Transportation and vary county to county. If trying to replace a license registration contact the local county treasurer s office.

The County Treasurers’ Office locations by countycan be found online. Make sure to see which location reflects the county under the vehicle registration.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Iowa

Will I need to fill out an application to replace my car registration?

Iowa county treasurer s offices differ from county to county. Certain registration fees and processes may differ. Most counties require only the vehicle plate number and the car replacement registration fee assigned by the county.Contact the local county treasurer s office to inquire about how to replace car registrations in the assigned Iowa County.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Iowa

Will I receive a renewal registration notice in the mail?

The county treasurer offices of each designated county will administer IA car registration renewal notices. A registration renewal reminder will be administered via mail. The reminder holds a specific PIN needed to log onto the online system to renew car registration online. Vehicles may be renewed a month before and a month after the renewal registration month. In the case that a renewal registration notice is not received it is the vehicle owner s responsibility to renew expired car registration in Iowa.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Iowa

Will my registration expire on my birthday or birth month?

Car registrations expire on the date noted on the registration card. Car registrations expire on the first day of the following month of expiration. The three-month window allows for the car registration holder to renew Iowa car registration a month prior to the month of expiration, the month of expiration, and the first day of the month proceeding the month of expiration. Iowa car registration renewals may be completed online, in person or via mail. Contact the local county treasurer s office appropriate information, payment, and completed forms.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Iowa