Des Moines, Iowa
How to Fill Out a Des Moines Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Complete guide for filling out a motorcycle bill of sale in Des Moines, Iowa. Includes the exact Polk County Treasurer – Motor Vehicle location, current tax rates, and notarization requirements.
Title Transfer Fee
$25.00
Sales Tax Rate
5.00%
Notarization
Not Required
Step-by-Step: Filling Out Your Des Moines Motorcycle Bill of Sale
- 1
Enter seller and buyer information
Write full legal names and current addresses exactly as they appear on government-issued IDs. Both buyer and seller must use their full legal names — no nicknames or abbreviations. Errors here cause delays at the Polk County Treasurer – Motor Vehicle.
- 2
Record Motorcycle details and VIN
Enter the year, make, model, body style, color, and the 17-character VIN exactly as printed on the dashboard (visible through the windshield) or door jamb sticker. The VIN must match the vehicle title exactly. Also enter the current odometer reading — federal law mandates accurate odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 model years old.
- 3
Record sale price, date, and payment method
Write the agreed sale price in both numeral form ($12,500.00) and written form (twelve thousand five hundred dollars). Enter the exact date of the sale — this date triggers the Iowa title transfer requirement. Note payment method: cash, check, or other.
- 4
Both parties sign and date
Both buyer and seller sign and date the completed form. Sign with blue or black ballpoint ink. Iowa does not require notarization for private vehicle sales. A signed title is sufficient. Print at least two originals — one for each party.
- 5
Submit to the Polk County Treasurer – Motor Vehicle
Bring the signed bill of sale, the vehicle title (signed over on the back), and a valid ID to: 111 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Phone: (515) 286-3060. You'll pay the title transfer fee of $25.00 and sales tax at 5.00%.
Des Moines Title & Registration Office
Office
Polk County Treasurer – Motor Vehicle
Address
111 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone
(515) 286-3060
Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Special requirements in Polk County:
- Title transfer at the Polk County Treasurer office within 30 days
- Iowa charges 5% use tax on private party vehicle purchases
- Seller must sign the title and provide odometer disclosure
- Buyer must obtain Iowa plates at the time of title transfer
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Signing before the notary if notarization is required — the notary must witness the signature
- ✗VIN errors — even one wrong character causes the IA DMV to reject the title transfer
- ✗Leaving the sale price blank or writing "gift" if money changed hands — this triggers audit risk
- ✗Skipping odometer disclosure — federal law requires it for vehicles under 10 years old
- ✗Using correction fluid to fix mistakes — always initial handwritten corrections instead
- ✗Not keeping a copy — both buyer and seller need a signed original
FAQ — Motorcycle Bill of Sale in Des Moines
- Where do I file a motorcycle bill of sale in Des Moines?
- File at the Polk County Treasurer – Motor Vehicle, located at 111 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Phone: (515) 286-3060.
- What is the vehicle title transfer fee in Des Moines?
- The title transfer fee in Polk County is $25.00. Combined sales tax rate: 5.00%. Iowa charges 5% use tax on private vehicle sales (no local add-on for vehicles)
- Does Des Moines, Iowa require notarization for a motorcycle bill of sale?
- No. Iowa does not require notarization for private vehicle sales. A signed title is sufficient.