Iowa Bill of Sale Template for Cars, Trailers, Trucks, and Boats
A Bill of Sale is an important document you should get after purchasing a vehicle or boat in Iowa. As of 1st January 2022, the bill of sale has become mandatory for registering the vehicle before you can drive it on the road in Iowa.
Iowa Bill of Sale Form
If you need a Bill of Sale template, you can download one from this page to complete and protect your transaction. Get an Iowa bill of sale for free today.
What is the Iowa Bill of Sale For?
The bill of sale is an official transaction record required when buying or selling a vehicle, trailer, or boat. It provides legal proof that ownership has been transferred and is often required for title transfers, tax calculations, and registration with the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT).
This legally binding document helps protect buyers and sellers by properly documenting the sale.
Every Used Car’s Past Matters!
Before you decide to buy a used vehicle in Iowa, you need to check the vehicle’s history to spot hidden records and avoid unnecessary repair costs in the future. A vehicle history report is an important document that reveals the vehicle’s past, including its past owners, theft records, maintenance history, title issues, accident history, and more.
What Information Can You Find in the Vehicle Report?
When you run a VIN check with Detailed Vehicle History, you can get all the detailed information about the vehicle.
- Mileage
- Ownership History
- Sales History
- Usage History
- Accident History
- Lien & Loans
- Recalls History
- Flood Damage
- Title Brand
- Warranty Status
- Salvage Title
- Repair Cost
- Hail Damage
- Ownership Duration
- Accident History
- Maintenance Schedule
Every detail matters. A detailed report helps you verify a car’s condition, title status, and past incidents before buying.
In addition, sellers can display the original factory specifications and features of their vehicles with window stickers. A window sticker shows the standard and optional features, packages, MSRP, safety ratings, and more.
Display accurate vehicle specs to all buyers easily with our window sticker lookup tool!
What's Included in a Window Sticker?
Our window sticker lookup provides all original factory details for your vehicle.
- MSRP & Pricing
- Optional Equipment
- Warranty Details
- Engine Specs
- Exterior Features
- Color Codes
- Standard Features
- Safety Ratings
- Fuel Economy
- Interior Features
- Packages & Options
- Manufacturing Info
What Should Be Written on the Iowa Bill of Sale?
The bill of sale should have written the detailed information of the seller and the buyer and the information about the vehicle sold. If you plan to handwrite your bill of sale, here’s what should be included:
- The name and address of the buyer and the seller
- The contact information of the buyer and seller
- The vehicle’s year, make, model, and the VIN
- The sale price and date of the transaction
- Buyer’s and seller’s signature to legitimate the document
Why You Need a Bill of Sale?
Why Sellers Need a Bill of Sale
As a seller, you must have a bill of sale after the transaction to protect yourself. The bill of sale is a document that legitimizes the title transfer from the seller to the buyer, meaning that whatever happened on the vehicle after the transaction is no longer the seller’s responsibility.
Here’s why sellers need to get Iowa bills of sale:
Protects Against Future Liability
Once the vehicle or boat is sold, the bill of sale proves that ownership has transferred, protecting the seller from future legal or financial responsibility.
Serves as Proof of Ownership Transfer
If any disputes arise regarding the ownership of the vehicle or boat, the Bill of Sale serves as a clear record of the sale.
Assists with Tax Documentation
Sellers may need a bill of sale when reporting the sale for tax purposes, especially if requested by state authorities.
Prevents Fraudulent Claims
In case of a legal dispute, a bill of sale is an official document confirming the transaction’s legitimacy.
Why Buyers Need a Bill of Sale
A bill of sale ensures the buyers have legal proof of the vehicle’s purchase and helps the buyer do a vehicle registration in Iowa.
Provides Proof of Purchase
A bill of sale is a crucial document that confirms a legal purchase, helping buyers prove they are the rightful owners.
Assists with Title Transfers
Some counties in Iowa may require a bill of sale when applying for a title transfer or vehicle registration.
Ensures Transparency
Listing the vehicle’s condition, price, and seller details in a bill of sale helps prevent fraud and misrepresentation.
What to Check Before Buying a Car?
Aside from getting the bill of sale, you may check the background of the vehicle you are about to buy by utilizing these tools.
Check the vehicle history
Avoid costly mistakes by verifying past accidents, title issues, and undisclosed damages.
Look for flood damage
Some areas have a high risk of water-damaged vehicles. A flood damage check helps identify unsafe cars.
Verify the odometer reading
Odometer fraud is common, with sellers rolling back mileage to increase value.
Be informed about the title
Checking the title is important before you decide to buy the car, as nobody wants to buy a car with a bad title.
Check for theft records
You don’t want to be stuck with a stolen vehicle. Check for theft records and avoid legal issues.
Get the service record
Buying a used car means you need to check the service record to ensure that past owners regularly serviced the car.
How to Register a Vehicle in Iowa?
After purchasing a car, truck, or trailer, buyers must register it with the Iowa DOT before driving it on the public road. Registering your vehicle is mandatory. Otherwise, you’ll get a penalty if you don’t register your vehicle within 30 days after the purchase date. To register your vehicle, follow these steps:
Get the Vehicle Registration Title
Buyers must fill out the required forms to apply for a new title and register the vehicle under their name. These forms can be obtained from the Iowa DOT website or a local office.
Provide a Bill of Sale
As of January 1, 2022, Iowa requires a bill of sale for vehicle transfers. This document records essential details, such as the buyer and seller’s names, the vehicle description, and the sale price.
Pay the Registration and Title Fees
The registration cost depends on the vehicle’s weight, age, and type. Additional fees, such as county taxes or special plate charges, may apply.
Submit Proof of Insurance
Iowa law requires all vehicle owners to carry insurance that meets the state’s minimum coverage. Proof of insurance must be submitted during the registration process to complete the application.
Receive License Plates and Registration Card
Once all documents and fees are processed, the Iowa DOT will issue license plates and a registration card. The vehicle is now legally registered and ready for the road.
Registering a Vessel in Iowa
If you own a boat in Iowa, register it before operating it on public water with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Registration is required for most motorized boats and sailboats and helps establish legal ownership.
Complete the Iowa Boat Registration Application
The registration application must include details about the boat, including its make, model, length, and propulsion type. This form is available from the Iowa DNR.
Provide a Bill of Sale
A bill of sale is required as proof of purchase. It should include information about the buyer, seller, and boat details, such as the hull identification number (HIN).
Submit the Hull Identification Number (HIN)
The HIN is a unique identifier assigned to boats, similar to a VIN for vehicles. It helps prevent fraud and ensures the vessel is properly documented.
Pay the Registration Fees
Boat registration fees vary based on the vessel’s size and type. These fees must be paid to complete the registration process.
Receive Your Registration Number and Decals
Once approved, you will receive a registration number and decals, which must be properly displayed on your boat before use on Indiana waters.
Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State
Each state has its own requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!
Frequently Asked Questions
A bill of sale is legitimate when it includes essential information like the date, names, and addresses of the buyer and seller, a description of the item sold, the price, and signatures of both parties, as well as potential notarization, depending on the state.
Although you may drive the car for 30 days with the proof of sale and a portion of the title, full ownership and insurance require the official title to be in your possession.
No, the bill of sale is not a substitute for the title. Although a bill of sale documents a transaction and offers some protection, the title remains the definitive proof of vehicle ownership.