Iowa City, Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa Side by Side Bill of Sale

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

Iowa City, IowaSide by SidePopulation rank #486

A Iowa City, Iowa side by side bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership between a private buyer and seller in Iowa City. 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 Side by Side Bill of Sale in Iowa City

Verify the side by side 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 Johnson County Treasurer – Motor Vehicle to complete title transfer

What to include

Buyer and seller names and addresses
Side by Side 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 — Johnson County

DMV / Title Office

Johnson County Treasurer – Motor Vehicle

Address

913 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240

Phone

(319) 356-6090

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.

Iowa City Transfer Checklist

Title transfer at the Johnson 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 — Johnson County

County Clerk / Recorder

Johnson County Recorder

Phone

(319) 356-6093

Website

https://www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov

Side by Side market data and safety information

The most common side by side makes in private-party sales are Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki. Average private-party side by side prices range from $5,000–$30,000. Side by sides average 2.6 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Steering, Fuel System, Fire Hazard.

Safety checkpoints for buying a used side by side

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

Verify ROPS (cage) is intact and meets manufacturer specifications
Check all seat belts and door/net latching mechanisms
Inspect CV axles and boots — the highest-wear item on side-by-sides
Test power steering operation and differential lock engagement
Confirm headlights, taillights, brake lights, and (where required) turn signals function
Verify horn and reverse-warning beeper operation
Check that windshield (if equipped) is rated and unmodified
Inspect parking brake operation on a 15-degree slope

Side by Side insurance and depreciation in Iowa

Insurance averages $200–$600/year. Multi-passenger models cost more. Required for on-road use. Side-by-sides depreciate 30–40% in 3 years. Sport models (RZR, Maverick) depreciate faster than utility models (Ranger). Peak season for private side by side sales is spring for recreation, fall for hunting season, with an average of 25 days on market.

Side by Side registration and titling

Side by Sides are classified as "Off-highway vehicle (OHV) — some states allow street-legal conversion" for registration purposes. Side-by-sides range from 1,000–2,000 lbs. Multi-seat crew models weigh more. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to side by sides.

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 Side by Side in Iowa City

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 Iowa City in, and which office handles title transfers?

Iowa City is in Johnson County. Title transfers are handled by the Johnson County Treasurer – Motor Vehicle at 913 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Phone: (319) 356-6090.

What is the sales tax rate on a side by side sale in Iowa City?

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

Is notarization required for a side by side bill of sale in Iowa City?

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

What fees should I expect when transferring a side by side title in Iowa City?

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 side by side title in Iowa City?

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 Johnson County Treasurer – Motor Vehicle.

Can I sell a side by side without a title in Iowa City?

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 side by side in Iowa City?

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 Johnson County Treasurer – Motor Vehicle.

Is a bill of sale legally binding in Iowa City?

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.