Signing Requirements – The buyer and seller must both sign the bill of sale.
Registering a Boat
All motorized and sail-powered vessels operating on Iowa’s waterways must be registered with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Individuals who obtain a vessel through a private sale must register within 30 days of purchase.
If the registration is current at the time of sale, the new owner may operate the boat without registering it under their name during these provisional 30 days.
All registrations are valid through the DNR’s three-year cycle system and expire on April 30 of the third cycle period.
Where to Register
The boat’s owner must appear in person at a local County Recorder’s Office to submit all the necessary documentation.
Required Documents
- Bill of Sale;
- Completed Application for Boats, Snowmobiles, ATVs and ORVs (DNR Form 542-8067);
- Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (for brand new vessels);
- Original Certificate of Title and Current Registration (if lost or damaged, apply for duplicate using DNR Form 542-8067);
- Valid Iowa Driver’s License or State-issued ID; and
- Registration Fees (rates vary based on the vessel’s length).