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Recreational Vehicles

New Law Regarding Riding OHVs on Roadway

Please view our FAQ for more information on Iowa's new OHV law.

New Law FAQ

Boat Registrations/Titles/Liens

The County Recorder is responsible for the registration and title of boats, snowmobiles, ATV’s, ORV’s, and off road motorcycles.

Items needed when transferring a boat

  • Bill of Sale
  • Most recent registration (signature of seller required on back of registration)
  • Title, if applicable (signature of seller required on back of title)
  • Proof sales tax has been paid, if applicable
  • Application for Registration, Title and Security Interest

Sales Tax Information

  • Sales are subject to 7% if purchased in Iowa and 6% use tax if purchased out of state. 
  • Anyone purchasing a boat from an individual should obtain a sales receipt 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.

Download Forms

ATV/ORVs/ORMs Registrations/Title/Liens

Any ATV or off-road motorcycle operated on ice, designated trails, or an OHV park must have a current registration decal displayed on the machine. On an ATV this decal must be placed so that it is clearly visible on the rear of the machine. Registration is not required for ATVs being used only for agricultural purposes.

Items needed when transferring an ATV:

  • Bill of Sale
  • Most recent registration (signature of seller required on back of registration)
  • Title, if applicable (signature of seller required on back of registration)
  • Proof sales tax has been paid, if applicable
  • Application for Registration, Title and Security Interest

Sales Tax Information

Sales are subject to 7% if purchased in Iowa and 6% use tax if purchased out of state. 

Download Forms

Snowmobile Registrations/Titles/Liens

All snowmobiles operated in Iowa on ice or a designated trail must have a current registration decal displayed on the machine. The decal must be placed on the windshield or area closest to the headlamp so that it is clearly visible. Registrations expire on December 31st  of each year. Titles are required on snowmobiles registered since January 1998.

Items needed when transferring a snowmobile:

  • Bill of Sale
  • Most recent registration (signature of seller required on back of registration)
  • Title, if applicable (signature of seller required on back of registration)
  • Proof sales tax has been paid, if applicable
  • Application for Registration, Title and Security Interest

Sales Tax Information:

Sales are subject to 7% if purchased in Iowa and 6% use tax if purchased out of state.

Download Forms

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