Before any boat can be transferred to a new owner, the seller must sign the back of a registration, and if titled, the back of the title must also be signed. Boat titles are currently issued for boats 17 feet in length or longer, except canoes and kayaks. In addition, financial institutions can require titles for boats less than 17 feet long in order to put a lien on the title. The boat title fee is $10.00 with an additional $10.00 fee for titles with liens.

Sales of boats and other watercraft in Iowa are subject to the state sales tax rate of 6% and the applicable local option tax. This applies to sales by individuals as well as dealers. Anyone purchasing a boat from an individual must obtain a signed Bill of Sale that shows the cost of the boat. The buyer will then pay the sales tax on the cost of the boat to the county Recorder.


ATV and Snowmobile Registrations & Titles

Snowmobile, ATV and dirt bike registrations expire December 31 of each year. The annual registration fee is $17.75.  A penalty of $5.00 is applied to any registration that is not renewed by the expiration date.  We are now able to register ORV’s in the Recorder’s office. These vehicles have not less than 4 and no more than 6 wheels, a bench seat and a steering wheel. They are registered as an ATV, but do not have to be titled.

If you are renewing by mail, please include $1 for postage and handling.  We also need your Driver's License number, social security number or DNR number in addition to the vehicle VIN for renewal purposes.  Please check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for the machine and the make of the machine.  This information will be used to help build your customer record in the ELSI system and will assist with reducing customer wait times.  The VIN number will be required to renew your vehicle.

Titles are required on all new and transferred snowmobiles and All Terrain Vehicles. Dirt bikes are considered ATV's. Title fees for snowmobiles and ATV's are $11.50. If a lien is attached to the title, an additional fee of $11.50 will be applied.

Before any ATV, snowmobile or dirt bike can be transferred to a new owner, the seller must sign the back of a registration and if the recreational vehicle has a title that has to be signed on the back also.  Any used snowmobile and/or ATV coming into Iowa from another state must have a registration.  Online registration receipts are not acceptable; we must have the permanent registration signed over from the seller.  All recreational vehicles sold to another individual must be accompanied by a signed Bill of Sale from the seller.  Effective July 1, 2009, all ATV, snowmobile and ORV casual sales will be subject to sales tax.

If you purchase a recreational vehicle from a registered dealer, it is the dealer’s responsibility to send all paperwork and fees to the county Recorder for registration and transfer.

If you have any questions in regards to registering a recreational vehicle please contact the office. The rules and regulations are as per the Department of Natural Resources.