Iowa City, Iowa
How to Fill Out a Iowa City Side by Side Bill of Sale
Complete guide for filling out a side by side bill of sale in Iowa City, Iowa. Includes the exact Johnson 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 Iowa City Side by Side 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 Johnson County Treasurer – Motor Vehicle.
- 2
Record Side by Side 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.
- 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. Print at least two originals — one for each party.
- 5
Submit to the Johnson County Treasurer – Motor Vehicle
Bring the signed bill of sale, the vehicle title (signed over on the back), and a valid ID to: 913 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Phone: (319) 356-6090. You'll pay the title transfer fee of $25.00 and sales tax at 5.00%.
Iowa City Title & Registration Office
Office
Johnson County Treasurer – Motor Vehicle
Address
913 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone
(319) 356-6090
Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Special requirements in Johnson County:
- 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
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
- ✗Using correction fluid to fix mistakes — always initial handwritten corrections instead
- ✗Not keeping a copy — both buyer and seller need a signed original
FAQ — Side by Side Bill of Sale in Iowa City
- Where do I file a side by side bill of sale in Iowa City?
- File at the Johnson County Treasurer – Motor Vehicle, located 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 vehicle title transfer fee in Iowa City?
- The title transfer fee in Johnson County is $25.00. Combined sales tax rate: 5.00%. Iowa 5% use tax on private vehicle sales
- Does Iowa City, Iowa require notarization for a side by side bill of sale?
- No. Iowa does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.