Iowa Trailer Bill of Sale Form
An Iowa trailer bill of sale form explains the agreement between a buyer and seller before exchanging a trailer. Essentially, the document serves as a glorified receipt by referencing the item’s description, its selling price, and both parties’ personal information. It also requires each person to print their name, sign, and enter the date. This action makes the bill of sale legally binding, thus ensuring the seller collects payment, and the buyer receives the trailer in the discussed condition.
County Versions
Johnson County
Download: PDF
What is an Iowa Trailer Bill of Sale?
An Iowa trailer bill of sale allows the buyer and seller to draft a deal between one another. As soon as both parties agree to the listed terms, they sign to show consent. After that time, they cannot make changes to the document. Instead, they must complete a new bill of sale or edit the information before a notary public, who must also sign. Witnesses do not need to attest to the form; however, buyers and sellers can have another person sign to verify the sale.
How to Register a Trailer (4 Steps)
Trailer registration must occur within thirty (30) days of purchasing or moving to the state. Individuals must make an appointment with a county treasurer to provide the documents and payment as required.
The office requires residents to notify them within ten (10) days of an address change. If the person moves to a different county, they must attend the office closest to them (i.e., not the previous location).
Step 1 – Weigh Station
The county treasurer must know the trailer’s empty weight when the owner registers and titles it. Homemade trailer builders must weigh it at an official station.
If the property weighs 2,000 pounds or less, it does not need a vehicle identification number (VIN). However, trailers weighing more than 2,000 need a motor vehicle enforcement officer to issue a VIN. They can contact the office by emailing invbureau@iowadot.us.
Step 2 – Trailer
Trailers with a gross weight of 2,000 pounds or under require registration. In contrast, trailers with a gross weight of over 2,000 pounds require registration and title.
Previous owners in possession of the title must transfer it to the buyer. If the seller does not have the title, they must apply for a replacement by sending an application (Form 411007) and a notarized bill of sale.
Step 3 – Register
Owners with title possession can register the trailer. They must bring the associated paperwork on the day of their appointment. The state recommends contacting the office before attending to ensure they have the documents sorted and ready for submission.
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Step 4 – Renew
Trailer registrations expire each year on the last day of the owner’s birthday month. The new registration begins on the first of the month following their birthday.
Residents can renew starting thirty (30) days before the expiration date and no more than thirty (30) days after. If they miss the renewal month, then the state charges them extra. They can renew at their local office or online.