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No Notary Required for Bill of Sale in Iowa City, IA

Notarization Not Required — Iowa City

Iowa does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.

Iowa City Title & DMV Office

This is the official office handling vehicle title transfers in Iowa City. Notary services may be available here or at a nearby county office.

Office Name

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

https://iowadot.gov/mvd

Where to Get Notarized in Iowa City

Iowa does not require notarization, but some buyers request it for added protection. If you'd like notarization anyway, here are your options in Iowa City:

🏦 Banks & Credit Unions

Most banks in Iowa City offer free notary services to account holders. Call ahead to confirm availability — walk-in notary hours vary by branch.

📦 UPS Store / FedEx Office

UPS Store and FedEx Office locations in Iowa City typically charge $10–$15 per signature. No appointment needed during business hours.

💻 Online Notarization (RON)

Iowa accepts Remote Online Notarization. Use Proof (formerly Notarize) or DocuSign Notary for a 15-minute session available 24/7 — typically $15–$25.

🏛️ County Clerk / Recorder

The Johnson County courthouse may offer notary services. Contact (319) 356-6093 for hours and fees.

What to Bring to the Notary

  • 1A completed, unsigned bill of sale (sign in front of the notary — not before)
  • 2Government-issued photo ID: Iowa driver's license, passport, or military ID
  • 3The vehicle title (if transferring ownership simultaneously)
  • 4Payment for the notary fee ($5–$15 at most locations)
  • 5Both buyer and seller must be present if both signatures require notarization

Important

Do not sign your bill of sale before the notary appointment. The notary must personally witness your signature to certify it.

Frequently Asked Questions — Notarizing a Bill of Sale in Iowa City

Is notarization required for a vehicle bill of sale in Iowa City, Iowa?
No. Iowa does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.
What is the title transfer fee in Iowa City?
The title transfer fee in Johnson County is $25.00. The combined sales tax rate is 5.00%. Iowa 5% use tax on private vehicle sales
Can I use an online notary for my Iowa City car bill of sale?
Yes. Iowa authorizes Remote Online Notarization (RON). Services like Proof and DocuSign Notary let you notarize documents via video call in about 15 minutes, typically for $15–$25. Available 24/7 — no travel required.
Where is the DMV office near Iowa City?
The Johnson County Treasurer – Motor Vehicle is located at 913 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240. Phone: (319) 356-6090. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.

Trusted by private vehicle sellers nationwide

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)

$60–$85 mobile notary

Mobile notary visit minimums run $60–$85 — higher on weekends, plus per-mile travel fees. State-formatted documents skip the trip.

Source: Thumbtack / NNA