Selling your car in Iowa doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, or anywhere else in the Hawkeye State, this guide walks you through the process to ensure a legal, safe, and straightforward vehicle sale.
Sell a Car in Iowa – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before you sell your vehicle in Iowa, make sure you have the following items ready:
- Iowa Certificate of Title: Must be properly assigned to the buyer on the back. Both buyer and seller must complete their respective sections and sign in ink (preferably blue or black).
- Valid ID: Iowa driver’s license or Social Security card for identity verification.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles under 10 years old and must be completed on the back of the Iowa title.
- Damage Disclosure Statement: Required for vehicles 7 years old or newer (Form 411108) unless specifically exempted.
- Bill of Sale: Recommended to document the transaction details, especially if using the 30-day temporary driving provision.
- Lien Release (if applicable): Complete Cancellation of Security Interest form (Form 411168) if there’s an existing lien.
Iowa DOT Forms You May Need
Essential forms for completing your sale:
- Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration (Form 411007): Primary form for title transfers and new registrations.
- Damage Disclosure Statement (Form 411108): Required for newer vehicles unless exempted.
- Cancellation of Security Interest (Form 411168): Needed if removing a lien from the title.
- Bill of Sale Template: Used to document transaction details for temporary driving permits.
Find official forms on the Iowa Department of Transportation website.
Sell Your Car in Iowa — Fast & Easy
Get a real offer in minutes
instead of waiting days for responses
Get your car’s true value
trustworthy, no guessing, no back-and-forth
We’ll handle the handoff
no need to navigate county treasurer visits or 30-day deadlines
Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
While a clean and well-maintained car may increase your offer, it’s not required.
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we buy cars as-is — no detailing, no fixing, and no stress. Just a fast, no-obligation offer.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
Before accepting any offer, check your car’s current market value:
- Use Our Instant Appraisal Tool: Get a quote in under 2 minutes.
- KBB, Edmunds, or NADA: Compare your vehicle’s value by mileage, features, and condition.
- Look at Local Listings: Check what similar cars are going for in cities like Waterloo, Iowa City, Dubuque, Ames, and Council Bluffs.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
Here are your main options when selling in Iowa:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Fastest Option): Skip the county treasurer visits, 30-day deadlines, and damage disclosure requirements. We handle everything and offer same-day payment.
- Trade-In at a Dealership: Convenient if you’re buying another vehicle, but expect lower trade-in values.
- Private Sale: Might get you a higher price but requires completing forms with your county treasurer within 30 days, obtaining damage disclosure statements, and managing the complex Iowa title transfer process.
For a fast, no-hassle experience, Ken Ganley Buying Center is the way to go.
Step 5: Get Paid
When you sell privately, there’s always a risk of bounced checks or fake payments. With us, you’ll receive secure, verified same-day payment — no guesswork, no stress.
We take care of the entire process so you can walk away with confidence and cash in hand.
What Affects Car Values in Iowa? Local Market Insights to Know
Iowa’s vehicle market reflects the state’s agricultural heritage and practical Midwest sensibilities:
- Pickup trucks dominate Iowa’s roads, with Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado being the most popular choices, reflecting the state’s rural and agricultural needs
- SUVs are increasingly popular, especially Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Chevrolet Equinox, driven by Iowa’s family-oriented culture and varying weather conditions
- The Chevrolet Impala ranks as Iowa’s most popular sedan, showing strong brand loyalty to domestic manufacturers in the Midwest
- All-wheel drive vehicles command premium prices due to Iowa’s harsh winters and frequent snow/ice conditions
- Iowa ranked as the #1 best state for driving, contributing to strong vehicle demand and better resale values
- Agricultural and work trucks hold exceptional value due to Iowa’s farming economy and need for hauling/towing capacity
- Used car prices in Iowa historically ranked 6th highest nationally, with a 32.6% increase during peak market volatility, showing strong local demand
- Current market shows stabilization with the national average used car price at $25,512 in July 2025, benefiting Iowa sellers
Iowa’s practical vehicle culture and strong agricultural economy create a robust market for reliable, versatile vehicles.
Ready to Sell Your Car in Iowa?
No games. No waiting. Just a real offer and a simple process with Ken Ganley Buying Center.
Start with a free appraisal online or call us today at 330-427-3656.
We help drivers across Iowa sell their cars with ease.
Need help selling your car in Iowa? Here are some quick answers
Where do I complete the title transfer in Iowa?
You must visit your local county treasurer’s office where the vehicle will be primarily garaged to complete the title transfer. Title transfers cannot be completed online in Iowa. Each county has specific requirements, so contact your local county treasurer’s office in advance to confirm required documents and any appointment requirements. Some counties like Dallas County require title appointments, so it’s recommended to call ahead.
What's the deadline for completing a title transfer in Iowa?
The new owner must complete the title transfer within 30 days of the ownership change, or penalties will automatically apply. This 30-day requirement is strictly enforced in Iowa. As the seller, you should also protect yourself by obtaining a buyer’s acknowledgment form or filing Form 411107 (Notice of Sale of Vehicle and Delivery of Title) with the county where the vehicle is registered to document the sale.
Do I need a damage disclosure statement when selling my car in Iowa?
Yes, for vehicles 7 years old or newer, you must complete a Damage Disclosure Statement (Form 411108). However, motor trucks with gross vehicle weight over 16,000 pounds, special mobile equipment, and new vehicles with under 1,000 miles (unless damaged) are exempt from this requirement. The damage disclosure must be completed by the seller and is required even for minor damage that has been repaired.
Can the buyer drive the car temporarily after purchase in Iowa?
Yes, Iowa allows 30-day temporary driving with either a signed bill of sale describing the vehicle or the assigned title/photocopy of both sides. However, if the vehicle is not currently registered, it cannot legally be operated until registration fees are paid. The buyer may purchase a 30-day temporary permit from the county treasurer for a $25 fee if the vehicle lacks current registration.
How much does the title transfer cost in Iowa?
Iowa charges a $35 one-time title fee, plus annual registration fees that vary by vehicle type and county. Registration fees are based on Iowa’s staggered system where all license plates expire the last day of the month in which the vehicle owner was born. If there are multiple owners, they can choose which owner’s birth month to use for the expiration date.
What if there's a lien on my vehicle in Iowa?
You’ll need to complete Form 411168 (Cancellation of Security Interest) to release the lien before the title can be transferred. If you can’t pay off the loan immediately, the lienholder must provide a lien release letter that can be submitted to the county treasurer. The lien must be properly released before any title transfer can occur, and this process may take additional time depending on your lender.
Do license plates transfer with the vehicle in Iowa?
No, you must remove your license plates when selling in Iowa. The new owner will need to apply for new plates with their registration. The only exception is when transferring to a spouse, parent, or child – in these family transfers, both the fee credit and plates may be transferred if indicated on the registration receipt. Always remove and keep your plates before completing any sale.
What if I need to replace a lost title in Iowa?
Complete Form 411033 (Application for Replacement of Iowa Certificate of Title) and submit it to the county where the title originated. There’s a mandatory 5-day waiting period before issuance. All owners listed on the original title must sign the replacement application, regardless of whether the names are connected by “and” or “or.” You’ll need to provide valid identification and pay the replacement title fee during this process.