How do I transfer the ownership of a vehicle?
Transferring the ownership of a vehicle in Iowa involves a few important steps that are essential to ensure the process goes smoothly. First, the current owner must provide the buyer with the vehicle title. This title will need to be signed over to the new owner. Be sure to complete the assignment section on the title, which usually includes information such as the date of the sale, the purchase price, and the signatures of both the seller and the buyer.
After the title has been signed over, the new owner will then need to apply for a new title in their name. This typically can be done at the local county treasurer's office. The new owner will need to bring the signed title, proof of identification, and, if applicable, a bill of sale.
It is also necessary to complete an application for a new title, which may be obtained from the county treasurer's office or downloaded from the Iowa Department of Transportation website.
Additionally, the new owner will need to ensure that the vehicle is registered in their name and that they obtain proper insurance coverage. Be sure to check the Iowa DMV website for specific instructions, forms, and any fees related to the ownership transfer process.

Answered Sep 22, 2025
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