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Recreational Vehicles

Boats, ATVs, off-road utility vehicles, off-road motorcycles, and snowmobiles are registered and titled in the Recorder’s Office in the county in which you reside.

Registration & Sale Forms

Boat Registration

Registration and renewal of boats are done in the Recorder’s Office. Boat registrations must be renewed every three years and are transferable. These can be acquired starting January 1st of the new registration cycle and are valid for three years. All Iowa registrations expire on April 30th of the renewal year. A $5 penalty will be added to the renewal fee for expired registrations as of July 1st.

A signed registration and title (if titled) is required to transfer a boat registered in Iowa. A Bill of Sale, registration, and title (if titled) is required to transfer a boat that is registered in another state. Casual sales of boats are subject to Iowa Sales Tax. A receipt, bill of sale, or satisfactory evidence must be presented that sales tax was paid.

If renewing by mail, you will need to add $1.00 per item requested for postage.

Title/Lien Fees

Boat Title: $13.50
Boat Lien: $13.50

Helpful Resources

Boat Registration Guide - Iowa DNR
Iowa Boating Laws and Responsibilities
Boating Information - Iowa DNR
Registering a Boat Without Registration and/or Title - Iowa DNR
Driving Your ATV/UTV/ORV on Iowa Public Roads & Streets- see below for slow-moving vehicle sign requirements:

ATV, ORV, ORM and Snowmobile Registration

Registrations for ATVs, ORVs, ORMs, and Snowmobiles are on an annual cycle and expire on December 31 of every year. Registrations are renewed from September 1 through December 31 of every year without a penalty and are non-transferable. All Off-Highway Vehicles and Snowmobiles have titles. The current cost of an OHV renewal is $18.50.

On May 1, Senate File 2423 was signed into law. Residents will no longer need to purchase a user permit to operate snowmobiles on public land & ice. Beginning July 1, the registration, renewal and transfer registration fee for a snowmobile will be increased to $33.50.

If renewing by mail, you will need to add $1.00 per item requested for postage.

Proof of Insurance is required for snowmobiles.

A signed Iowa title and bill of sale (registration) is required to transfer an OHV or Snowmobile. A signed title (if applicable), registration and a bill of sale are required for out-of-state machines transferring into Iowa. Casual sales of OHVs and Snowmobiles are subject to Iowa Sales Tax. A receipt, bill of sale, or satisfactory evidence must be presented that sales tax was paid.