Recreational Vehicles
Applications and Forms
- Bill of Sale Boat, ATV, or Snowmobile
- Application for Registration, Title, and Security Interest
- Affidavit for Untitled, Unregistered ATV, Motorcycles, Utility Vehicles, Snowmobiles, or Boats
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS
SNOWMOBILE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS – (Machines Registered in Iowa)
Each snowmobile in Iowa used on public land, public ice, or a designated snowmobile trail of this state must be currently registered with the Iowa DNR.
OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS – (ATV, ORM & UTV)
(Machines Registered in Iowa)
Each OHV in Iowa used on public land or ice, a designated riding area, or a designated trail of this state must be currently registered with the Iowa DNR.
DECAL PLACEMENTS:
- Snowmobile. Display the registration decal on the windshield of the snowmobile so that the decal is clearly visible.
- All-terrain vehicle. The decal shall be affixed to the rear of the ATV so that the decal is clearly visible.
- Off-road motorcycle. The decal shall be affixed to the steering yoke in such a manner that the decal does not cover up the vehicle identification number and is clearly visible.
- Off-road utility vehicle. The decal shall be affixed to the rear of the vehicle so that the decal is clearly visible.
MACHINES REGISTERED IN ANOTHER STATE
DNR Nonresident User Permit Required
- SNOWMOBILE: Nonresident user permits will be sold at any general agent ELSI vendor (hunt and fish licenses) and County Recorder Offices. The Nonresident User Permit will be printed on license/tag paper. It will not be issued to a machine, but rather to the user. The Nonresident User Permit must be displayed on the snowmobiles windshield.
- Any OHV registered in another state and used on public land or ice, a designated riding area, or a designated trail of this state must display registration in accordance with an approved numbering system of that state and the evidence of registration must be in full force and effect. This vehicle must also be issued and display an Iowa DNR Nonresident User Permit.
Purchasing ATVs & Snowmobiles
New or Used From a Dealer
If you purchase a new or used snowmobile or ATV from a dealer, then the registration is to be completed by the dealer.
Sale Between Private Parties (Previously Registered)
Iowa Registered:
- Registration does NOT need to be current to transfer ownership but a $5 penalty may apply
- Registration receipt or screen print from an Iowa County Recorders office
- Title signed by seller*
- Bill of Sale signed by seller listing purchase price. Sales Tax will be collected on the purchase price.
- Application for Registration (obtained at local County Recorder’s office)
*If the Title has a notation regarding a lien, the lien MUST be released by the County Recorder listed on the title.
Registered Out of State:
- Need Registration and/or Title from the previous state signed by seller
- Bill of Sale signed by seller listing purchase price. Sales Tax will be collected on the purchase price.
- Application for Registration (obtained at local County Recorder’s office)
Never Registered in Any State
Contact the Worth County Recorder at 641-324-2734 or the Iowa Department of Natural Resources at 515-281-5918 for instructions.
*A used vehicle in possession of a Snow/ATV dealer when registration expired will NOT pay the $5.00 penalty fee.
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is subject to change by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. If you have any questions, please contact us or the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Purchasing Boats or Personal Watercraft
Casual Sales (Between Individuals)
See below if purchasing from a dealer.
Used Vessel – Registered in Iowa
Registration does NOT need to be current to transfer ownership, but a $5 penalty may apply.
Documentation Required:
- Registration signed by seller OR screenprint from an Iowa County Recorder’s office
- Title, if previously titled, signed on the back by seller*
- Bill of Sale signed by seller listing purchase price of VESSEL ONLY. Iowa State sales tax will be collected on the purchase price.
- Application for Registration (Obtained at Recorder’s office).
*If the Title has a notation regarding a lien, the lien MUST be released by the County Recorder’s office listed on the title.
Used Vessel – Registered in Another State
Documentation Required:
- Registration signed by the seller, if required by the previous state
- Title, if previously titled, signed by seller
- Bill of Sale signed by seller listing purchase price of VESSEL ONLY. Sales tax will be collected on the purchase price.
- Application for Registration (Obtained at County Recorder’s office)
Used vessels previously registered in another state will pay the fees listed for “New Vessel Fees” on reverse side, prorated by date of registration, plus any penalty, title or lien fees.
A Vessel Never Registered in Any State
Contact the Worth County Recorder at 641-324-2734 or the Iowa Department of Natural Resources at 515-281-5918 for instructions.
New Vessel From a Dealer
Documents will be provided by the dealer, which includes:
- MCO/MSO – Manufacturers Certificate/Statement of Origin (if required)
- Bill of Sale – Must show the amount of sales tax collected by dealer or sales tax will be collected by the County Recorder’s office.
- Application for Registration
- Fees are based on the date of registration and length
Used Vessel From Dealer
Registered in Iowa:
Registration does NOT need to be current to transfer ownership.
Documentation Required:
- Registration signed by seller OR screenprint from an Iowa County Recorder’s office
- Title, if previously titled, signed on the back by seller*
- Bill of Sale listing tax collected by the dealer
- Application for Registration
*If the Title has a notation regarding a lien, the lien MUST be released by the County Recorder’s office listed on the title.
*If registration was expired when the dealer took possession of the boat there will be a $5.00 penalty added to the fees listed above.
Used Vessel From Dealer Registered in Another State:
Documentation Required:
- Registration signed by the seller, if required by the previous state
- Title, if previously titled, signed by seller
- Bill of Sale listing tax collected by the dealer
- Application for Registration
Used vessels previously registered in another state will pay the fees listed for “New Vessel Fees” prorated by date of registration, plus any title or lien fees.
State Sales Tax Information
- Sales of boats, other watercraft, and off-road vehicles in Iowa are subject to the state sales tax of 6 percent plus local option taxes if any. This applies to sales by Individuals, as well as, dealers.
- Anyone purchasing a boat from an individual should obtain a receipt or bill of sale that shows the cost of the boat. The buyer will then pay the sales tax on the cost of the boat to the County Recorder.
- If a trailer is purchased with the boat, the 5% motor vehicle use tax is paid to the County Treasurer.
