Motorists who are wondering “How to perform an out of state car title transfer?” can complete the process through the Iowa Department of Transportation (IA DOT). Vehicle owners need to transfer an out of state car title in Iowa after they move from an out-of-state residence to IA or after they purchase a motor vehicle from another state.

When performing this process, individuals need to satisfy certain requirements and steps, such as preparing a set of mandatory documents and paying the applicable fees. To discover “How to transfer car title from state to state in Iowa?” continue reading the following sections.

What is a cross-state car title transfer in Iowa?

A cross state car title transfer in Iowa is another term used for the process of transferring a vehicle title from one state to IA. Vehicle owners who want to perform an out of state car title transfer need to know that such procedure may be conducted either after moving to a new state of residence or after purchasing an out-of-state motor vehicle.

To re-title a car on another state DMV’s database, vehicle owners need to first obtain the car title issued from the out-of-state DMV. A certificate of title is a legal document that may be used as proof of ownership over the motor vehicle when performing a complete title transfer.

When is an out-of-state car title transfer necessary in Iowa?

Vehicle owners who are wondering “When is out of state car title transfer necessary in Iowa?” need to know that a title transfer is needed upon the move to IA from another state and upon the purchase of an out-of-state motor vehicle. New vehicle owners may also wonder “Is out of state title transfer necessary for new cars only?” when purchasing a motor vehicle from another state.

Both new and used cars may be transferred to IA by performing the same procedure. To discover “Does used vehicle need out of state title transfer in Iowa?”, motorists with specific questions that pertain to their situation are encouraged to contact the IA DOT.

Information and Documents Needed for an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Iowa

In addition to the below documents needed for out of state title transfer, motorists may be also required to provide a bill of sale and other information and documentation, depending on their specific situation. Motorists need to collect the out of state car title transfer information:

  • Out-of-state vehicle title and/or car registration
  • Application for title
  • Payment for the applicable fees
  • Lessee’s signature on the application for title for a leased vehicle and payment of five percent one-time new registration fee

Therefore, vehicle owners who want to provide the accurate out of state car title transfer form in Iowa may contact the IA DOT prior to beginning the procedure.

Steps for Completing an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Iowa as a New Resident

When completing an out of state title transfer as a new state resident in Iowa, motorists need to satisfy certain requirements and submit a list of documents at a local IA DOT office within 30 days of establishing a residence in IA. Vehicle owners may be required to satisfy the following:

  • Prepare the out-of-state car title and/or registration
  • Complete and sign an application for title
  • Pay the applicable fees at the time of registering
  • Have the lessee sign a leased vehicle title application if the vehicle is leased
  • Have the lessee pay a five percent one-time new registration fee

When completing an out of state title transfer in person, motorists are encouraged to contact the IA DOT and discover more details about how to complete a title transfer procedure successfully.

Out-of-State Title Transfers in Iowa After Buying or Selling a Vehicle

When performing an Iowa out of state title transfer after buying a car, motorists may be required to conduct a similar procedure to the one for transferring a motor vehicle upon the move to a new IA residence. Vehicle owners may perform a process of transferring an out of state title after getting a new car by preparing the mandatory documentation and completing the required steps.

To conduct an out of state title transfer after selling a vehicle or buying one, motorists may be expected to complete an odometer statement or a damage disclosure statement, depending on the age of the motor vehicle.

Cross-State Car Title Transfer Fees in Iowa

The price of cross state car title transfer is formed by taking into consideration several types of fees that must be paid upon the move to IA or upon the purchase of an out-of-state motor vehicle. In general, the cross state car title transfer fees, as well as registration fees and taxes, may vary based on the county where you reside. Overall, a replacement title certificate costs $25 in Iowa.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.