What is an Iowa Vessel Bill of Sale?

An Iowa vessel bill of sale is a document that transfers ownership of motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Speed boats, canoes, sailboats, and kayaks fall under this category. Individuals should fill out a bill of sale form, even if the watercraft does not require registration. This process verifies that the buyer and seller agreed to the deal.

The document often accompanies the title, which, once signed, officially removes the seller’s accountability. In addition to verifying possession, it also helps in legal disputes, reporting finances, paying taxes, or obtaining an insurance plan.

How to Register a Boat in Iowa (5 Steps)

Residents who made a private purchase can use the seller’s registration to drive the vessel for thirty (30) days. After this time, the individual must register and title the boat in their name through a local county recorder.

Dealerships generally handle the registration and title process for the customer and give them a thirty-five (35) day temporary pass. The registration and title should arrive by mail before the expiration date. If the dealer does not send in the documents, the owner becomes responsible for handling the matters themselves.

Non-residents can operate their boats for up to sixty (60) consecutive days every year. Owners planning to drive their vessel in Iowa waters longer must obtain an in-state registration.

Step 1 – Exemptions

Most boats in Iowa require registration; however, some do not. Owners can register their vessel even if state law does not require it.

Registration exemptions include:

• Inflatable boats without a motor or sail (7 feet long or less only);
• Regular or inflatable kayaks and canoes without a motor or sail (13 feet long or less only);
• Vessels owned by the government for search and rescue purposes; and
• Public school-owned watercraft for research and studies.

Residents unsure of whether their boat(s) meet registration requirements should contact the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) customer service line at 515-725-8200. Individuals with questions about the total registration cost (including local tax) should contact their county recorder.

Step 2 – Title

Boats over seventeen (17) feet long and watercraft with a lien need a title. If the vessel qualifies, the owner needs to obtain a title before registering. Titling and registration can also occur together during the same appointment.

Step 3 – Register

Step 4 – Decal + Number

After approving the registration paperwork, the county recorder sends the applicant their certification number and decals. Owners must permanently attach the information to the vessel using paint or a professionally made sticker. In addition, they need to have the certificate on board to present it to boat patrol if stopped.

Registration sequences begin with “IA,” followed by four (4) numbers and two (2) letters. For example, an Iowa registration number could appear as IA-4850-FI. Spaces or hyphens must exist between each section to increase readability.

The number must reach at least three (3) inches in height with bold, block lettering that reads from left to right. Its color must distinctly stand out from the boat’s hue. The owner cannot place additional text, numbers, or stickers nearby to keep the information clear.

Decals are the only exception to this rule. The stickers must appear in line with the registration number on both sides of the boat. It must face the stern four (4) inches away from the number.

Step 5 – Renew