How to Sell a Boat Privately in Iowa (2026)
| Titling agency | Iowa DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 5% (5% one-time fee applies to all vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | Iowa Title (lien section) |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Iowa — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Iowa requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Iowa DMV only. Boats 26 ft+ may need USCG documentation (federal title) in addition to state registration. Check vessel length and use.
- 3Clear any liens — if the boat was financed, request a payoff and lien release letter. Iowa uses Iowa Title (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — current Iowa registration card, state title (if titled), USCG documentation (if applicable), trailer title, engine serial number records.
- 5Price the vessel — check NADA Guides (boats), BUCValu, or recent Iowa dealer comps. Factor in trailer condition, engine hours, and recent service.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — HIN, vessel make/year/length, engine make/model/serial, trailer VIN (if included), sale price, sale date, both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the Iowa registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Iowa DMV — buyer must register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Iowa DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Iowa lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes the lien release section on the back of the existing Iowa title.
- Owner submits the released title and title application at a county treasurer's office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Iowa title.
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Start My Iowa Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Iowa
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Iowa?▾
Yes. Iowa requires a written bill of sale for private boat transfers to document the hull identification number (HIN), engine details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vessel with Iowa DMV.
What is the Iowa boat title transfer deadline?▾
Iowa requires the buyer to transfer registration within 30 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in Iowa?▾
Iowa charges 5% sales/use tax on private boat sales. 5% one-time fee applies to all vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Iowa DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Iowa boat bill of sale?▾
Iowa does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. However, USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet) require notarization on Form CG-1340 regardless of state.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in Iowa?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Iowa DMV and pays the registration fee plus 5% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
Source: Iowa DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07