Selling or buying a car in Iowa? Fill in the free bill of sale below, then follow Iowa’s title rules. A bill of sale records the price, date, VIN and as-is terms; the signed title is what usually transfers ownership.
Free Iowa Vehicle Bill of Sale template
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Vehicle Bill of Sale
Seller: ____, ____ Buyer: ____, ____
Vehicle
| Year | Make | Model | VIN |
|---|---|---|---|
| ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ |
Odometer reading: ____ miles. To the best of Seller’s knowledge this reflects the actual mileage, unless noted here: __.
Sale
On ____, Seller sold the vehicle to Buyer for $____, receipt of which Seller acknowledges.
As-is
The vehicle is sold as-is, where-is, without warranties of any kind, express or implied, except that Seller states they are the legal owner and the vehicle is free of liens and encumbrances unless listed here: __.
Title
Seller will sign over the certificate of title to Buyer. Buyer is responsible for registration, taxes and fees required by ____.
Seller: __ Date: __
Buyer: __ Date: __
This free template is general information, not legal advice, and may not suit your state or situation. Some documents must be signed before witnesses or a notary. For anything important, have a lawyer review it.
Iowa rules to know
- Bill of sale required for all title transfers, signed by the seller, even for gifts.
- Buyer: 30 days to apply for title at the county treasurer.
- Disclosures. Damage disclosure for vehicles 7 model years old or newer; odometer disclosure for model year 2011 and newer.
- Plates go back to the county treasurer. Fees include a $35 title fee and the 5% fee for new registration.
What else you need
The certificate of title is what legally transfers ownership in most cases. Federal rules require an odometer disclosure at every transfer for model year 2011 and newer vehicles, for their first 20 years. If Iowa has its own bill of sale form, you can use it alongside this one.
Tips for sellers
- Keep a signed copy of this bill of sale and a photo of the signed title.
- Notify your insurer once the car is gone.
- Accept payment you can verify (cash or a cashier’s check confirmed with the bank).
Sources
Iowa rules checked October 23, 2026. Laws and agency rules change; confirm with the state agency linked above. This is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a bill of sale in Iowa?
Yes. Linn County Treasurer: a bill of sale signed by the seller is required for all title transfers, even gifts.
How long do you have to transfer a title in Iowa?
The buyer has 30 days to apply for title.
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized in Iowa?
The Iowa page we checked does not require notarizing a bill of sale. Follow any notary lines printed on the title itself.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
No. The title transfers legal ownership; the bill of sale records the transaction.
Questions from readers
Question about the Iowa Vehicle Bill of Sale? Ask it here. We answer common questions in general terms on this page. This is not legal advice.
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