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Iowa Boat Registration Summary

          Iowa boat registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration, loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of Iowa. More detailed information, forms, guidelines, and other resources are obtainable by downloading a Boat Registration Kit for this state. You will also find an extensive listing of general purpose boat and trailer registration forms on our Forms page. Please visit our State page for additional articles and information about registering or titling boats, trailers, and outboard motors.

The information presented here is subject to change and should be confirmed with the respective state agency.
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Registration Statistics There are approximately 234,000 boats registered in the State of Iowa.
Registration Numbering The boat registration number prefix for Iowa is "IA".
Registration Agency The respective County Recorder's Office administers titling and registration for the Department of Natural Resources.
Registration Requirements All boats must be registered except for inflatable vessels that are 7 feet or less in length and canoes or kayaks that are 13 feet or less in length. Coast Guard documented vessels are also subject to registration.
Title Requirements Titles are issued on all registered boats in Iowa except those which are Coast Guard documented.
Conditional Registrations Iowa has procedures for acquiring boat titles and registrations where no evidence of prior registration has been established. Bonded boat titles are also available. Detailed information about boat title bonding can be found in our boat registration kit for this state.
Boat Registration Records Boat title and registration records are maintained indefinitely. Detailed information on how to obtain verbal and written reports can be found in our boat registration kit for this state.
State Tax Requirements Iowa state sales tax applies to boat transactions.
Loan Perfection Security interests on non-documented boats which are state titled must be recorded on the state title records. On Coast Guard documented vessels, a preferred mortgage must be recorded on the vessel's abstract of title. A UCC financing statement must be filed if the boat is neither titled or documented.
Ownership Designations Iowa recognizes "and" or "or" designations on boat registration applications.
Residency Requirements Non-residents may register a boat in Iowa if this is the state of principal usage.
Reporting Requirements Transfer, abandonment, theft, or destruction of an Iowa registered boat must be reported to the Department of Natural Resources within 10 days.
Hull Inspection None required.
Outboard Motors Iowa does not issue title or registration certificates for outboard motors.
Boat Trailers Boat trailer registration is required in Iowa. Titling is required on boat trailers weighing over 2,000 lbs.
Notary Regulations Iowa does not require bonding for notaries. Notaries must affix an embosser or inked stamp seal to all notarized documents.
Visitation Period A visitation period of 60 days is allowed for boats that are Coast Guard documented, foreign titled, or registered in another state.

Iowa boat registration
Iowa Boat Registration
Department of
Natural Resources

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