Iowa Boat Bill of Sale — Free Template

Yes, you can sell your boat in Iowa with a free, DMV-accepted bill of sale — created online in 60 seconds, no signup required, no email gate. Iowa does not publish a single official form number — any complete, signed bill of sale is DMV-accepted. Click below to fill out and download.

Iowa Boat Quick Facts

Quick answers for Iowa boat sellers

Use this Iowa boat bill of sale for private-party transfers. The document records the transfer of ownership, sale price, signatures, and the information both parties need for title records. Boat sales involve dual jurisdiction considerations that car sales do not. Depending on the vessel size and intended use, federal USCG documentation may apply in addition to or instead of state-level titling.

Required information

In Iowa, a bill of sale is a strong seller protection record for private boat transactions. Include accurate party details, HIN, sale terms, and signatures before the vehicle changes hands.

• Buyer legal name
• Seller legal name
• HIN (Hull Identification Number)
• Sale price
• Date of sale
• Hull Identification Number (HIN)
• Vessel length and type
• Engine make, model, and serial number
• USCG documentation number (if federally documented)
• Trailer VIN (if trailer included, list separately)

Boat-specific legal considerations

State DMV titling applies to most recreational boats. However, vessels over 5 net tons used on navigable waters or in coastwise trade may need USCG documentation instead of or in addition to a state title.

• Boats over 5 net tons used in commerce or operating on navigable waters may require federal documentation through the U.S. Coast Guard (46 U.S.C. § 12101). A state title alone may not be sufficient.
• The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is the boat equivalent of a VIN. It is a 12-character identifier that must appear on the bill of sale. Verify the HIN matches the hull before completing the transaction.
• If a trailer is included in the sale, it requires its own separate bill of sale and title transfer. Do not combine the vessel and trailer on one document.
• Sales tax may apply to both the vessel and the trailer separately. Check your state's tax treatment for watercraft and trailers.
• For boats operating on federal waterways, U.S. Coast Guard documentation takes precedence over state DMV titling. Buyers should verify which jurisdiction applies to their intended use.

Iowa fees, taxes, and transfer rules

In Iowa, vehicle sales are subject to 5% one-time registration fee on purchase price. The title transfer fee is $25. Iowa does not require notarization for most private-party vehicle transfers.

• One-time 5% registration fee instead of sales tax
• Title transfer processed at county treasurer office
• Damage disclosure statement required

Does Iowa require a bill of sale?

Iowa sellers should keep a signed bill of sale for private transfers and title records.

Keep a signed bill of sale, complete title transfer promptly, and retain seller records in case of post-sale disputes.

Official DMV guidance: Iowa DMV title transfer information

State requirements for Iowa

In Iowa, a vehicle bill of sale is required for private-party transfers. The state charges 6% sales tax on vehicle sales, calculated on the sale price. Complete the title transfer at your local DMV promptly after the sale.

Additional Iowa requirements:

• One-time 5% registration fee instead of sales tax
• Title transfer processed at county treasurer office
• Damage disclosure statement required

Boat transfer and title notes

Boat ownership transfer uses a Hull Identification Number (HIN), not a VIN. Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (typically over 26 feet) transfer through federal documentation, not state title. State-titled boats transfer like vehicles with a signed title and bill of sale.

Odometer disclosure

Boats are exempt from federal odometer disclosure requirements. There is no mileage or engine-hour disclosure mandate, though documenting engine hours on the bill of sale is considered best practice.

Applicable federal law: 46 CFR Part 67 — USCG Documentation of Vessels

Title and registration

State-titled boats use a certificate of title similar to a vehicle. USCG-documented vessels use a federal Certificate of Documentation. Buyers should verify which system applies before closing.

Special disclosures for boat sales

• USCG documentation status — vessels over 5 net tons may be federally documented instead of state-titled.
• Hull condition and any history of submersion, grounding, or hurricane damage should be disclosed.
• Trailer inclusion — if the boat is sold with a trailer, the trailer requires its own title transfer in most states.

Common mistakes to avoid

Private-party boat sales in Iowa go wrong when paperwork is rushed or incomplete. Avoid these costly errors:

• Incorrect or missing HIN. Every hull has a 12-character HIN stamped on the transom. Copy it exactly — a single wrong digit can block registration or flag a stolen-vessel check.
• Forgetting the odometer disclosure. Boats do not require an odometer reading, but if the boat has an engine-hour meter you should still record it for the buyer's benefit.
• Missing or incomplete signatures. Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale. In Iowa, an unsigned document has no legal weight. If there are co-owners, every owner listed on the title must sign.
• Not obtaining a lien release. If there is an outstanding loan on the boat, the seller must obtain a lien release from the lender before the title can transfer. Buyers should verify the title is clear before handing over payment.
• Not notifying the Iowa DMV of the sale. Sellers who skip the DMV sale notification remain liable for parking tickets, tolls, and even accidents involving the boat after it changes hands. File a release-of-liability form with Iowa as soon as the sale closes.
• Accepting personal checks or informal payment. Personal checks can bounce days after the sale. Use a cashier's check, money order, or verified electronic transfer for the full amount. Document the payment method on the bill of sale.

What happens after the sale

After the sale is complete, the seller should notify the Iowa DMV of the transfer to release liability for the boat. The buyer must register the boat and transfer the title within the deadline set by Iowa — failure to do so can result in late fees or penalties. Both parties should keep signed copies of the bill of sale and any supporting documents (odometer disclosure, lien release, etc.) for at least five years. The seller should cancel or transfer their insurance policy on the sold boat, and the buyer must obtain valid insurance before driving or operating the boat.