Ames, Iowa

Create Ames, Iowa ATV Bill of Sale Online

Use this bill of sale when selling a atv in Ames, Iowa. It documents the transfer and helps you complete DMV title paperwork.

Ames, IowaATVPopulation rank #557

A Ames, Iowa atv bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership between a private buyer and seller in Ames. As of 2026, Iowa requires both parties to sign the bill of sale, and the buyer must present it at the IA DMV to complete title transfer.

How to Complete a ATV Bill of Sale in Ames

Verify the atv VIN and run a history check
Complete all fields on the bill of sale — buyer name, seller name, sale price, date, and vehicle description
Both parties sign the bill of sale and retain a copy
Seller signs the back of the title, transferring ownership to the buyer
Buyer brings the signed title and bill of sale to the Story County Treasurer – Motor Vehicle to complete title transfer

What to include

Buyer and seller names and addresses
ATV VIN and vehicle details
Sale price and date
Signatures from both parties

Next step

Create a compliant bill of sale and download the signed PDF immediately.

Local Requirements — Story County

DMV / Title Office

Story County Treasurer – Motor Vehicle

Address

900 6th St, Nevada, IA 50201

Phone

(515) 382-7340

Office Hours

Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Transfer Fees & Taxes

Title Transfer Fee

$25.00

Sales Tax Rate

5.00%

Base Registration Fee

$35.00

Iowa 5% use tax on private vehicle sales

Notarization: NOT REQUIRED

Iowa does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.

Ames Transfer Checklist

Title transfer at the Story County Treasurer office within 30 days
Iowa 5% use tax at title transfer
Seller must sign title and disclose odometer
Both parties should keep a bill of sale copy

County Information — Story County

County Clerk / Recorder

Story County Recorder

Phone

(515) 382-7210

Website

https://www.storycountyiowa.gov

ATV market data and safety information

The most common atv makes in private-party sales are Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki. Average private-party atv prices range from $2,000–$12,000. Atvs average 2.1 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Fuel System, Steering, Suspension.

Safety checkpoints for buying a used atv

Before completing a atv bill of sale in Iowa, verify these safety items:

Check CV boots and axle condition — the most common failure point on ATVs
Inspect skid plate and frame for cracks from off-road impacts
Verify winch operation if equipped
Test 4WD engagement and differential lock
Confirm parking brake holds on a slope
Verify throttle limiter is intact and free of binding
Test kill switch and engine-off function
Inspect handlebars for crash bend or weld repair

ATV insurance and depreciation in Iowa

ATV insurance is required for on-road use in states that allow it. Off-road coverage averages $100–$400/year. ATVs depreciate 30–40% in the first 3 years. Polaris and Can-Am models hold value best. Peak season for private atv sales is spring and early fall — before and after riding seasons, with an average of 25 days on market.

ATV registration and titling

ATVs are classified as "Off-highway vehicle (OHV) — title/registration requirements vary by state" for registration purposes. ATVs are classified by engine displacement (cc) rather than weight for most regulations. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to atvs.

Iowa bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 772 bill of sale documents for Iowa transactions, with 21 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

Why Documentation Helps Protect Asking Price

45% faster sale

Vehicles whose listings include a history report spend ~45% less time on site before selling, and report-viewers are 5x more likely to become a lead.

Source: Experian / AutoCheck

$4,000 avg loss

NHTSA estimates 450,000+ vehicles per year are sold with rolled-back odometers — the average victim loses about $4,000 in downstream repair costs.

Source: NHTSA

17.5M private sales/yr

About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.

Source: Cox Automotive 2024

1 in 3 buyers

Roughly 1 in 3 used-car buyers say they suspect private sellers are hiding mechanical problems — documentation closes that trust gap.

Source: JW Surety Bonds (n=3,000)

5 Things to Check Before Buying a ATV in Ames

Run a VIN history report — accidents, odometer rollback, salvage title
Confirm the title is in the seller's name and matches the VIN on the vehicle
Check for any active liens — call the lender or run a lien search with the Iowa DMV
Meet at a safe, public location and bring a friend or mechanic
Never hand over cash until the title is properly signed and the bill of sale is complete

Frequently asked questions

What county is Ames in, and which office handles title transfers?

Ames is in Story County. Title transfers are handled by the Story County Treasurer – Motor Vehicle at 900 6th St, Nevada, IA 50201. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Phone: (515) 382-7340.

What is the sales tax rate on a atv sale in Ames?

The combined rate is 5.00%. Iowa 5% use tax on private vehicle sales.

Is notarization required for a atv bill of sale in Ames?

No. Iowa does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.

What fees should I expect when transferring a atv title in Ames?

Title transfer fee: $25.00. Base registration fee: $35.00. Sales tax at 5.00% is collected at the time of title transfer.

How long do I have to transfer a atv title in Ames?

Iowa requires the buyer to transfer the title within 30 days of the sale date. Late transfers may incur penalty fees at the DMV. Bring your signed bill of sale and the assigned title to the Story County Treasurer – Motor Vehicle.

Can I sell a atv without a title in Ames?

In most cases, no. Iowa requires a clean title to complete a private vehicle sale. If the title is lost, the seller must apply for a duplicate title before selling. The bill of sale alone does not transfer legal ownership.

What documents do I need to buy a atv in Ames?

You will need: (1) the signed title from the seller, (2) a completed bill of sale, (3) a valid government ID, and (4) payment for the title transfer fee ($25.00) and sales tax (5.00%). Bring all documents to the Story County Treasurer – Motor Vehicle.

Is a bill of sale legally binding in Ames?

Yes. A properly signed bill of sale is a legally binding document that protects both the buyer and seller. It records the agreed-upon sale price, date, and vehicle details. Sellers should keep a copy to prove they are no longer liable for the vehicle after the sale date.