Benefits of Using Iowa Free License Plate Lookup

VinCheck.info offers a 100% Free Iowa License Plate Search that delivers vital insights into a vehicle’s background, including:

• Vehicle Specifications: Instantly retrieve make, model, year, trim, and body type information.
• Title Status: Check for branded titles like salvage, rebuilt, or junk issued by the Iowa DOT or other states.
• Accident Reports: See if the vehicle has been in any reported crashes, including airbag deployments or structural damage.
• Mileage Records: Identify odometer inconsistencies to spot possible rollback attempts.
• Vehicle Value Estimates: View real-time market values to ensure you’re paying a fair price.
• Lien Checks: Discover if there are active liens or if the car was subject to repossession.
• Usage Type: Determine if the vehicle was used privately, for business, as a fleet vehicle, or a rental.
• Open Recalls: Find out if any manufacturer recalls remain unresolved for safety or performance issues.
• Theft Status: Verify if the vehicle has ever been reported stolen in Iowa or across state lines.
• Sales History: Track previous owners, title transfers, and state-to-state movements.

Running an Iowa license plate search with VinCheck.info helps you uncover the full story behind a vehicle—essential for buyers, sellers, and anyone verifying a used car’s legitimacy.

Sample Vehicle History Report

Iowa License Plates

Iowa State License Plate Design and Display Rules

In Iowa, a vehicle must be properly titled and registered in your name to receive license plates. Most vehicles are issued two plates—front and rear—except for motorcycles and trailers, which only require a rear plate. Plates must be securely fastened and clearly visible to comply with Iowa law. Using plate frames that cover any text (state name, county, sticker, etc.) is prohibited under Iowa Code 321.37(3) and can result in a citation.

Standard Iowa License Plate Design and Serial Format

Iowa’s standard license plates represent the state’s balance of community, agriculture, and innovation. The design includes:

• A blue-to-white gradient with a city skyline, farmland, and a wind turbine
• “IOWA” at the top in bold black text
• A seven-character alphanumeric serial (e.g., ABC1234) excluding the letter “O”
• The name of the issuing county printed at the bottom

This clean, modern design reflects Iowa’s rural roots and forward-looking values.

Types of Iowa License Plates

Standard & Personalized Plates

Iowa drivers can order specialty or personalized (vanity) plates online. You can check availability and reserve your plate if it meets approval. Plates are delivered to your county treasurer’s office. Personalized options include Regular County, Blackout, and Flying Our Colors designs.

Popular choices include:

• Choose Life, God Bless America, Shriners, Education, Organ Donor, Firefighter, and Fallen Peace Officer
• Disability plates and stickers for qualifying individuals
• Amateur Radio Call Letter plates

Decal Plates

Nonprofits may apply for decal plate approval through the Iowa DOT. Approved decals support organizational awareness and fundraising.

Natural Resources Plates

Support Iowa’s wildlife and conservation efforts by selecting a DNR plate. Available designs include:

• Deer, Eagle, Goldfinch, Pheasant, and Trout

Collegiate & University Plates

Show school pride with plates from Iowa institutions, including:

• University of Iowa, Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa
• Other options include Grinnell, Luther, Drake, Briar Cliff, Simpson, and many more

Military and Veteran Plates

Honor military service with plates such as:

• Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Gold Star, Veteran, Disabled Veteran, and Retired Armed Forces
• Medal-specific plates include Silver Star, Soldier’s Medal, and Navy Cross
• Some plates are exclusive to award recipients and require documentation

Replace Lost or Stolen Iowa License Plates or Stickers

Steps:

• Complete an Application for Replacement of Iowa Plate or Sticker (Form 411006)
• Provide a valid photo ID of the vehicle owner
• Bring the remaining plate (if available)
• Include a copy of your current registration

Include:

• $5 replacement fee for plates or stickers
• Payment by check or money order to your County Treasurer

Submit:
In person or by mail to your local County Treasurer’s Office. New plates or stickers are issued shortly after processing.

Iowa License Plate Transfer Rules

When dealing with a vehicle sale or purchase in Iowa, here’s what you need to know about license plates:

• Transferring Plates (Seller Keeps Plate):
  If you’re the seller and plan to buy another vehicle within 30 days, you may keep your license plate and transfer it to the new vehicle after paying the required fees. 
• Selling a Vehicle:
  The buyer must obtain new Iowa license plates and pay the applicable registration fees within 30 days of the purchase. As the seller, you are responsible for providing the buyer with a signed vehicle title.
  

Not Buying Another Vehicle?

If you don’t purchase a replacement vehicle, you must return your old plates to your county treasurer’s office.

Minimum Insurance Requirements in Iowa

To legally operate a vehicle in Iowa, drivers must have proof of financial responsibility. While Iowa does not require traditional auto insurance to register a vehicle, most drivers meet this requirement with an active liability insurance policy.

Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability

Iowa’s minimum car insurance limits are:

• $20,000 for bodily injury or death to one person in an accident
• $40,000 for bodily injury or death to two or more people in a single accident
• $15,000 for property damage in any one accident

Alternatives to Standard Auto Insurance

Drivers in Iowa can also fulfill financial responsibility requirements by:

• Filing a surety bond or real estate bond with the Iowa DOT
• Obtaining a certificate of self-insurance (for qualifying businesses or fleets)

Proof of Financial Responsibility

You must show proof of insurance or other financial responsibility:

• After certain traffic violations or accidents
• When requested by law enforcement

Iowa does not require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection (PIP), though they are available as optional coverages. Failure to comply with Iowa financial responsibility laws can result in license suspension and vehicle registration penalties.

Vehicle Registration in Iowa

Iowa law requires you to title and register your vehicle with your county treasurer’s office within 30 days of establishing residency—even if your out-of-state plates are still valid.

Required Documents

To register a vehicle in Iowa, submit the following to your county treasurer:

• Certificate of title (proof of current ownership)
• Completed application for Iowa title/registration, signed by all owners
  • Include lienholder information, if applicable
• Bill of sale (mandatory as of January 1, 2022)
• Proof of identity may be requested (e.g., driver’s license or Social Security card)

Changing Counties?

If you move to a different Iowa county, report your new address to your former county within 10 days to update your registration records.

Electric Vehicle Registration Fees (Iowa)

Iowa charges an annual EV registration fee in addition to standard vehicle registration costs:

Applies to EVs under 10,000 lbs (cars, pickups, SUVs, motorcycles, etc.)

Stay informed of EV-related fees and changes when registering and charging your vehicle in Iowa.

Motorcycle & Moped Registration in Iowa

A moped (motorized bicycle) is a vehicle that:

• Has a seat or saddle
• Travels on 1–3 wheels
• Can’t exceed 39 mph on flat ground without assistance

It may use a gas or electric motor. Manufacturer certification and speed specs define classification—not nicknames like “scooter.”

Titling & Registration Requirements

• Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) must certify a moped’s top speed (≤39 mph)
• MCOs must be printed on secure title-grade paper
• Used vehicles require a valid Iowa or out-of-state title assigned to the owner
• Submit appropriate tax, title, and license fees with your application

Renew Your Iowa Vehicle Registration

You must renew in your county of residence.

• ✅ Renew Registration Online
• 📞 Or contact your county treasurer’s office

Vehicle Registration Fees & Estimators

Use Iowa DOT’s Fee Calculator to estimate the cost of titling and registering your vehicle.

How to Use:

1. Visit Iowa DOT Fee Estimator
2. Hover over Tools > Select Dealer Inquiry
3. Click Fee Estimator
4. Enter VIN and purchase details
5. Use Credit Calculator for registration credit
6. Click Calculate to view results

Note: The tool doesn’t work on mobile.

Government & School District Vehicle Registration

Per Iowa Code 321.18 and 321.19, school districts and government agencies may register vehicles without paying registration fees.

How It Works:

• Apply through the Iowa DOT
• Eligible vehicles receive:
  • Permanent registration certificates
  • Permanent plates

Iowa Vehicle Title

Looking to title your vehicle in Iowa? Whether it’s brand new or used, purchased in-state or out-of-state, this guide explains everything you need to know — including required forms, disclosures, and steps for titling your vehicle correctly. This resource is especially useful if you’re completing an Iowa license plate lookup and need details about ownership history or registration status.

How to Title a Brand-New Vehicle (Dealer Purchase)

To title a new vehicle purchased from a dealer, you’ll need the following:

• Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO), legally assigned
• Bill of Sale or Purchase Agreement
• Application for Iowa Certificate of Title – Form 411007
• Odometer Disclosure Statement – Form 411077
• Damage Disclosure Statement – Form 411108

Required only if the vehicle has over 1,000 miles

How to Title a Used Vehicle with an Iowa Title

For a used vehicle purchased within Iowa, gather these documents:

• Signed title from previous owner or dealer
• Bill of Sale (included on Iowa title) or Purchase Agreement
• Application for Iowa Certificate of Title – Form 411007
• Cancellation of Security Interest – Form 411168
  Required if there is an active lien shown on the front of the title
• Odometer reading recorded on the back of the title
  If not available (for 2011+ models), submit Form 411077
• Damage Disclosure Statement – Form 411108
  Required for vehicles 8 years old or newer

How to Title a Used Vehicle with an Out-of-State Title

For used vehicles with non-Iowa titles, you’ll need:

• Signed out-of-state title from previous owner or dealer
• Sales Tax Receipt, Bill of Sale, or Purchase Agreement
• Application for Iowa Certificate of Title – Form 411007
• Cancellation of Security Interest – Form 411168
  If there’s an active lien on the out-of-state title
• Odometer reading recorded on the back of the title
  If missing (2011+ models), submit Form 411077
• Damage Disclosure Statement – Form 411108
  For vehicles 8 years old or newer

Frequently Asked Questions