How do I get a duplicate title?
Duplicate Title
If the title to your vehicle was altered, destroyed, lost, or stolen you may obtain a duplicate title for $25.00.
If you just made an error on your title and you need a replacement you can surrender your title, complete an application for replacement title, pay $25, and get a title the same day.
If you've lost your title and you need a replacement title you can complete an application for replacement title, pay $25, and after 5 days your title will be printed. If the scheduled print day falls on a weekend or holiday your title will be printed on the next working day. You can indicate on the replacement title if you would like the replacement title mailed to you or if you would like to come back and pick it up. The 5 day waiting period will NOT start until we receive the application for replacement title and the $25 payment.
All of the vehicle information required on this form can be found on your vehicle registration.
All owners on the face of the title must sign for a duplicate title- even if there is OR between the names.
Applications should be mailed to:
Buchanan County Treasurer
PO Box 319
Independence, IA 50644
How do I transfer a salvage title to a regular title with a salvage theft inspection?
* This does not apply to dealer's putting vehicles into dealer inventory.
Use the Attached Information
How do I transfer an Iowa Title? Seller Information
Seller Information:
Review the "How to Sell your Vehicle in Iowa" guide by Iowa DOT
(1) Be sure to remove your license plates from the vehicle. Return these plates and registration to your county treasurer.
a. Let the treasurer's office know that you sold the vehicle, and on what date it was sold so they can apply for a refund if any credit remains on the plates.
(2) Seller must sign and print their name on the back of the Iowa Title. See this sample title.
a. If the front of the title shows ownership to : John Doe and Jane Doe then both will need to sign as seller on the back of the title.
b. If the front of the title shows ownership to : John Doe or Jane Doe then only one owner will need to sign as seller on the back of the title
c. If the front of the title shows ownership to: ABC Business you must sign as seller on the back of the title specifically as ABC Business by John Doe, your title (such as owner, agent, associate...etc)
(3) Date the title with the date of sale. The date of sale must be clearly written without any alterations.
Tips: Make sure your pen works correctly before dating the title. Write the date on a separate paper before writing it on the title. Be sure to use the correct month, date, and year. The date of sale should match your bill of sale date.
(4) Although a bill of sale is not required when transferring an Iowa Title from a private sale, you may want to have one so that you have the buyer's information if needed for future reference. The bill of sale does not need to be notarized.
(5) If the year of the vehicle is 9 years old or newer (2007 or newer) the seller will need to complete odometer reading section and mark the correct type of mileage (actual, not actual, or exceeds mechanical limits).
Tips: Mileage must be clearly written without any alterations. The mileage stated on the back of the title must be higher than the mileage stated on the front of the title. A duplicate title may be required if mileage is not clearly written or is inaccurate.
(6) If the year of the vehicle is 7 years old or newer (2009 or newer) the seller will need to complete the damage disclosure section on the back of the title.
How do I transfer an Iowa Title? Buyer Information
Buyer Information:
(1) Make sure all the information that the seller put on the title is correct. If a mistake was made request the seller to obtain a duplicate title or complete an affidavit of correction.
a. Duplicate Title: Will need to be applied for in the county that title was originally issued. Seller will need to complete an Application for replacement title. The fee is $25.00. By surrendering the title that has the mistake you will be able to obtain a title the same day that you apply for the duplicate title. If a title is not surrendered there is a five day waiting period to obtain the new title.
b. Affidavit of Correction: can be filled out in place of obtaining a duplicate title for errors on the assignment of title line, if the seller or buyer signs in the incorrect location, or for errors with the date of sale. This form will need to be signed by both buyer and seller in front of a notary, and notarized. The notary's commission date must be on the stamp or clearly written.
(2) Be sure to keep record of the sellers name, address, and telephone number in case you need to contact them for future reference.
(3) The title will need to be assigned to the desired applicants for title and registration of the vehicle. All owners on this assignment line will need to sign an Iowa application for title.
a. You may want to fill out an Application for Title prior to coming into the office to transfer the title, especially if the vehicle is being transferred into John Doe or Jane Doe's name and John Doe will not be present at the time of transfer.
How much will it cost to transfer a vehicle?
Title Fee: $25.00
One Time Registration Fee: 5% of the purchase price
License Fee: Use the Weight & List Price Calculator to determine what the annual license fee is. If you do not register the vehicle for a full year it will be pro-rated.
Security Interest Fee: $10.00 for a lien attachment
The buyer will be responsible for any prior delinquent licensing fees or penalties. If the title is not transferred within 30 days of the date of sale the buyer will incur title penalty and license penalty.
How do I transfer Out Of State (OOS) titles?
Titles differ from state to state. Each year we purchase a NADA guide that we can reference to see state by state titling and registration procedures. If a mistake is made on an OOS title we are required to follow that state's requirements to fix the mistake.
Buyer's Information: (Printer Friendly Checklist)
(1) Seller must sign and print their name on the back of the OOS (out of state) title
a. If the front of the title shows ownership to : John Doe and Jane Doe then both will need to sign as seller on the back of the title.
b. If the front of the title shows ownership to : John Doe or Jane Doe then only one owner will need to sign as seller on the back of the title
c. If the front of the title shows ownership to: ABC Business you must sign & print as seller on the back of the title specifically as ABC Business by John Doe, your title (such as owner, agent, associate...etc)
(2) Date the title with the date of sale. The date of sale must be clearly written without any alterations.
Tips: Make sure your pen works correctly before dating the title. Write the date on a separate paper before writing it on the title.
Be sure to use the correct month, date, and year. The date of sale should match your bill of sale date.
(4) A bill of sale is required when transferring an OOS title. The bill of sale does not need to be notarized but must include the seller's name, seller's signature, buyer's name, date of sale, make, year, and VIN of the vehicle.
a. A bill of sale is required even if no money was exchanged for the OOS vehicle.
(5) If the year of the vehicle is 9 years old or newer (2005 or newer) the seller will need to complete odometer reading section and mark the correct type of mileage (actual, not actual, or exceeds mechanical limits). Frequently OOS titles will only have two boxes (not actual or exceeds mechanical limits), and by not checking either box you are claiming it to be actual mileage.
Tips: Mileage must be clearly written without any alterations. The mileage stated on the back of the title must be higher than the mileage stated on the front of the title. A duplicate title may be required if mileage is not clearly written or is inaccurate.
(6) If the year of the vehicle is 7 years old or newer (2007 or newer) the buyer will need to complete an Iowa Damage Disclosure Statement and complete section 2 of the form. The buyer will sign where it says buyer's signature and also date.
How do I contact the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT)?
Motor Carrier Services (apportioned plates):
(515) 237-3268
DOT Investigators:
(515) 237-3050
Motor Vehicle Enforcement:
(515) 237-3050
Office of Vehicle Services:
(515) 237-3110
Iowa Department of Revenue:
(800) 367-3388
Dealer Information
Use the Dealer Inquiry Tool Click here. Then click on "Fee Calculators" under "Registering a Vehicle". An "ARTS" page appears that says Welcome Motor Vehicle Guest". Hover over where it says Tools in the top left hand corner and click on Dealer Inquiry.
Forms:
Affidavit of Correction
Odometer Disclosure Statement
Damage Disclosure Statement
Application for Title
Owner Certification for Motor Homes
Please Contact us with any questions at (319) 334-2005.
