Iowa DMV Bill of Sale: A Crucial Document for Vehicle Transfers
When transferring vehicle ownership in Iowa, a bill of sale is an essential document that serves as evidence of the transaction between a buyer and seller. As of December 1, 2019, Iowa law requires a bill of sale for transferring titles to motor vehicles and trailers purchased from private parties. This article will guide you through the importance of the bill of sale and how to obtain and use it in Iowa.
What is an Iowa Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
An Iowa motor vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that records the sale of a vehicle between a private owner and a buyer. While it’s not always required for registration, it provides valuable documentation of the transfer of ownership and can serve as a sales receipt.
Key Components of an Iowa Bill of Sale
A properly completed bill of sale should include:
- Vehicle description (year, make, model)
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Sale date
- Selling price
- Buyer and seller information (names, addresses, signatures)
- Notarization (if required due to errors or alterations on other documents)
Obtaining a Bill of Sale Form
You can obtain an official Iowa bill of sale form from the following sources:
- The Iowa Department of Transportation website
- Your local county treasurer’s office
- Online resources (ensure you use a form that complies with Iowa requirements)
Using the Bill of Sale in Vehicle Registration
When registering a vehicle in Iowa, you’ll need to present several documents, including the bill of sale. Here’s what you need to do:
- Obtain all required documents from the seller, including:
- Complete the Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration
- Visit your local county treasurer’s office with:
Important Considerations
- Vehicle registration must be completed within 30 days of purchase or establishing residency in Iowa.
- The Iowa Department of Transportation may investigate or require additional information to verify the legitimacy of the application and documents.
- If gifting a vehicle, indicate the relationship between the buyer and seller on the bill of sale.
Official Resources
For more information and to access official forms, visit the following Iowa government websites:
By understanding and properly using an Iowa DMV bill of sale, you can ensure a smooth and legal transfer of vehicle ownership. Remember to keep copies of all documents for your records and comply with all state regulations regarding vehicle sales and registration.
Notarizing a bill of sale in Iowa:
- Notarization is often required or recommended for bills of sale in Iowa, especially for vehicle transfers. As of January 1, 2020, most Iowa counties require a notarized bill of sale to transfer titles between private parties .
- To get a bill of sale notarized in Iowa:
- Both the buyer and seller must sign the document in the presence of a Notary Public.
- The Notary will verify the identities of the parties involved and ensure they are signing willingly.
- The Notary will then add their official seal or stamp to the document, confirming its authenticity .
- A notarized bill of sale includes:
- Details about the property being sold (description, condition, etc.)
- Purchase price
- Payment terms
- Representations by the seller
- Signatures of both parties
- A notary acknowledgment section
- While not all counties in Iowa require notarization, it’s generally recommended as it adds an extra layer of security and credibility to the document .
- For vehicle transfers, you may need to provide a notarized copy of the bill of sale to the state of Iowa .
- It’s advisable to check with your local county treasurer’s office for specific requirements, as they may vary by county .
- Even if notarization is not strictly required, it can be beneficial for high-value transactions or situations where proof of ownership transfer is crucial .
To notarize a bill of sale in Iowa, you should visit a Notary Public with the completed document and valid identification. Both the buyer and seller should be present to sign the document in front of the Notary. The Notary will then complete the notarization process by adding their seal and signature to the document.
Finding a Notary Public to notarize a Bill of Sale in Iowa:
- Mobile Notary Services:
- Iowa Notary-Sara’s Mobile Notary in Des Moines (rating: 5/5, 20 reviews)
- Iowa Mobile Notary (rating: 5/5, 1 review)
- Des Moines Mobile Notary (rating: 4.8/5, 19 reviews)
- Henson Mobile Notary Service (rating: 5/5, 2 reviews)
- Notary Businesses:
- EZNOTARY LLC (rating: 5/5, 5 reviews)
- Sedina’s Signing Solutions (rating: 5/5, 3 reviews)
- Same Day Notary (rating: 5/5, 2 reviews)
- Iowa City Notary (rating: 5/5, 1 review)
- Online Notarization:
- Notarize.com offers online notarization services available 24/7 for Iowa residents. Their notaries can legally notarize documents for Iowa, including bills of sale.
- Local Government Offices:
- Some county treasurer’s offices or city clerk offices may have staff members who are notaries public. It’s worth checking with your local government offices.
- Banks and Credit Unions:
- Many financial institutions offer notary services to their customers, though this isn’t mentioned in the search results.
- UPS Stores or Shipping Centers:
- These businesses often provide notary services, although they’re not specifically mentioned in the results.
When choosing a notary, consider factors like convenience, availability, and cost. Mobile notaries can come to your location, which may be more convenient. Online notarization through services like Notarize.com offers 24/7 availability. Local government offices or banks may offer free or low-cost notary services if you’re a resident or customer.Remember to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and do not sign the document until you’re in the presence of the notary. Some counties in Iowa may have specific requirements for notarizing bills of sale, so it’s advisable to check with your local county office for any particular guidelines.
