Boats, ATVs, off-road utility vehicles, off-road motorcycles, and snowmobiles are registered and titled in the Recorder’s Office in the county in which you reside.
Registration and renewal of boats are done in the Recorder’s Office. Boat registrations must be renewed every three years and are transferable. These can be acquired starting January 1st of the new registration cycle and are valid for three years. All Iowa registrations expire on April 30th of the renewal year. Boat registrations can be renewed from January 1 through April 30, 2022 without penalty for 2025 decals.
A signed registration and title (if titled) is required to transfer a boat registered in Iowa. A Bill of Sale, registration and title (if titled) is required to transfer a boat that is registered in another state. Casual sales of boats are subject to Iowa Sales Tax. A receipt, bill of sale or satisfactory evidence must be presented that sales tax was paid.
If renewing by mail, you will need to add $2.00 per item requested for postage.
Boat Registration Fees
Helpful Resources
Registrations for ATVs, ORVs, ORMs and Snowmobiles are on an annual cycle and expire December 31 of every year. Registrations are renewed September 1 through December 31 of every year wuthout a penalty and are non-transferable. All Off-Highway Vehicles and Snowmobiles have titles. Current cost of a renewal is $18.50.
Snowmobiles are required to have a $18.50 user permit when riding on public land, public ice and designated snowmobile trails in addition to the registration decal.
If renewing by mail, you will need to add $2.00 per item requested for postage.
Proof of Insurance is required for snowmobiles.
A signed Iowa title and bill of sale (registration) is required to transfer an OHV or Snowmobile. A signed title (if applicable), registration and a bill of sale are required for out-of-state machines transferring into Iowa. Casual sales of OHVs and Snowmobiles are subject to Iowa Sales Tax. A receipt, bill of sale or satisfactory evidence must be presented that sales tax was paid.
OHV Registration Fees
Helpful Iowa DNR Resources
