Iowa Bill of Sale Forms (5)

An Iowa bill of sale form ratifies the agreement formed between two (2) parties for the transfer of an item. It binds the buyer to pay the seller the listed amount in exchange for ownership. Each person solidifies the terms by completing and signing the document. Once this step occurs, neither party can make edits, negotiate, or alter the sale.

Summary

Boat and car bill of sales notarization laws vary by county.
Iowa has a self-made motor vehicle bill of sale document that residents must use.
After completing a bill of sale, an owner has to register their trailer with the state.

Types (5)

Boat Bill of Sale – A form that contains concrete details on how and when the transfer of a vessel happened.

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Firearm Bill of Sale – A document used when a seller gives a buyer a gun as a gift or in exchange for cash or trade.

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General Bill of Sale – For a buyer and seller to record a deal for an uncategorized item.

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Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale – Used when selling a car to include information about the vehicle, buyer and seller, and payment.

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Trailer Bill of Sale – A document used to prove ownership of a utility trailer.

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Signing Requirements

Bill of Sale Type	Buyer Signature	Seller Signature	Notarization
Boat	Required	Required	County-based
Firearm	Required	Required	Not required
General (others)	Required	Required	Not required
Motor Vehicle	Required	Required	County-based
Trailer	Required	Required	Not required

What is an Iowa Bill of Sale?

An Iowa bill of sale is a contract created by a buyer and seller to assign financial responsibilities therein. Generally, the buyer gives the seller a monetary amount or personal property of equal value to acquire ownership. If the deal occurs by trade, the person completing the document must include the identifying information of both items.

Most bill of sale forms in Iowa do not require notarization. However, certain counties request residents to have their boat or vehicle bill of sale notarized. Individuals who live in these counties must complete the information up to the signatures section. Once in the notary public’s presence, they can sign their names. The notary gives their approval after checking the identification of both individuals and watching them sign.

The state rejects incomplete bill of sale forms with incorrect information. They can fine or arrest buyers and sellers who intentionally provide false statements or details (§ 321.13).

Registration Forms: Boats

Bill of Sale – A form that contains information about how and when a buyer purchased a vessel.
Application (DNR Form 542-8067) – To apply for watercraft registration in Iowa.
Identification (ID) – The applicant must present an official document verifying their identity.

Registration Forms: Firearms

Residents do not need to register their guns in Iowa, nor do they need a permit to carry them.

Registration Forms: Vehicles

Bill of Sale – Serves as a formal record of a car transfer.
Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration (Form 411007) – Used by residents to apply for an Iowa title and registration.
Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 411077) – Documentation of the automobile’s mileage when the buyer purchases it.
Title – The owner must present the signed, original copy of the title. If the title does not exist (due to being lost, stolen, or destroyed), the owner must complete an application to replace the title (Form 411033).
Identification (ID) – The applicant must prove their residency and personal information by giving the county treasurer an acceptable document, such as a driver’s license.

Additional (Optional) Documents

Iowa Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney (Form 411021) – Gives another person permission to handle registration and other related tasks for the vehicle’s owner.
Motor Vehicle Damage Disclosure Statement (Form 411008) – Vehicles with a model year of seven (7) years or newer require this document to list a history of damages.

Registration Forms: Trailers

Bill of Sale – Documents the sale of a utility trailer from one owner to another.
Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration (Form 411007) – To obtain a utility trailer’s title and/or registration.
Identification (ID) – The individual applying for registration and title must give the county treasurer their driver’s license, passport, state ID, or another official photo ID that lists their credentials.