Free Iowa Used Car Bill of Sale
Used-car private sales in Iowa are buyer-beware: there is no state lemon law for private sales, no required safety inspection, and no cooling-off period. The county treasurer calculates the one-time registration fee on the purchase price ($10 plus 5%), so write the real price — understating it is fraud. Form 411007 (title application), plus a separate bill of sale when the title lacks the Transfer/Sale Date section, at a county treasurer within 30 days completes the transfer. Remember: the 5% fee is NOT a sales tax — Iowa has none on vehicles.
Free PDF includes a light diagonal watermark. Go Pro to remove it. Already subscribed? Sign in.
Iowa Used Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
Iowa's one-time registration fee applies to used-car private sales — $10 plus 5% of the purchase price (Iowa Code §321.105A). This is NOT a sales tax.
Exemption: Some family transfers and gifts can be exempt from the 5% fee — confirm with the county treasurer and bring documentation.
Inspection Requirements
No safety or emissions inspection required for used-car private sales between Iowa residents. Vehicles brought in from out of state need a one-time VIN verification by an Iowa peace officer or treasurer staff before first-time Iowa titling.
Registration
Registration for this vehicle type is handled by County Treasurer's Office — not the same agency that handles cars in Iowa. Plan for separate filings.
Iowa Used Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Run a vehicle history report (Carfax/AutoCheck) and verify the VIN matches the title and dashboard
- Test drive, inspect for rust (huge issue in Iowa winters), check title for liens or salvage brand
- Complete a bill of sale (or the title's Transfer/Sale Date section) with the accurate purchase price — the treasurer calculates the 5% fee on the purchase price
- Seller signs title assignment, completes federal odometer disclosure (vehicles of model year 2011 or newer)
- Buyer takes title, a separate bill of sale (if the title lacks the sale section), Form 411007, ID, and insurance to a county treasurer within 30 days
- Pay 5% one-time fee (NOT sales tax), $25 title fee, plus prorated annual registration
- Seller files Notice of Sale with Iowa DOT to release liability
Common Pitfalls
- Underreporting the price on the bill of sale — the 5% fee is calculated on the purchase price, and misstating it is fraud
- Buying a salvage-branded title without realizing it tanks resale value 30-50% and can void some insurance coverage
- Skipping a pre-purchase inspection on a winter-belt Iowa vehicle hides $2,000-$5,000 in rust repair on frame and brake lines
- Missing the 30-day titling deadline costs a $10 penalty at the treasurer
- Failing to verify a clean lien release on the title means the lender can repo the car from the new buyer
Pro Tip
Iowa used-car deals close at the county treasurer with Form 411007, a separate bill of sale when the title lacks the sale section, and the 5% one-time fee — not sales tax — within 30 days.