Appointments
You may submit your transaction by phone, U.S. Postal mail or place the required documents in the drop box to avoid a late penalty. To ensure proper processing, please place your items in an envelope.
If you are visiting our office, an appointment is highly recommended. Limited walk-in service is available.
When an appointment is required
If you prefer to complete your transaction in person, an appointment is REQUIRED for the following transactions:
- vehicle purchases
- mobile home purchases, select the property tax appointment option
- in-state transfers
- move-ins to Iowa
- trailers (regular, homemade, travel). Boats are registered in the recorder's office.
- lien releases
- replacement title services
- transferring a vehicle upon death of a spouse
An appointment is required for some transactions. View list on left for more information.
The appointment schedule is updated daily at 7 p.m.
Privacy policy for collecting personal information.
Set cell phone location services to check in online.
When arriving for your appointment, check in online using your phone. Online check in service is available at 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after your scheduled appointment.
When you check in online, skip the information booth. Move to the seating area until your number is called.
Update location settings to check in online.
Title Services
Select this service for vehicle purchases, in-state transfers, move-ins to Iowa, trailers (regular, homemade, travel), lien releases, and replacement title services.
- You must have the physical title paperwork with you in order to make an appointment. A bill of sale is required for all vehicle title transfers, including when the vehicle is given as a gift.
- Review and print the Title Transfer Requirements Checklist
- DO NOT schedule an appointment for title transfers or when moving into the state if you have already submitted the required paperwork to our office by U.S. Postal mail or placed in drop box.
Plate Pick Up
Select this service for all license plate related transactions, including picking up specialty or personalized plates, exchanging plates, and related actions.
- If you need license plates for a newly purchased vehicle, please select Title Transfer service.
- If you have recently moved into the state, please select Title Transfer service and then select Move-Ins to Iowa.
- If you have ordered specialized/personalized plates, only schedule this service once you have received a letter informing you that your plates are available to pick up.
Registration Renewal
Select this service to renew a vehicle registration in person.
- Bring your registration renewal notice or your old registration to the appointment.
- If you are required to carry SR-22 insurance, an AAMVA document is required to renew your registration.
Paying online is the fastest and most convenient way to renew your registration. Visit www.iowataxandtags.org and save time and late fees. All renewed registrations are mailed out the next business day after your payment is processed.
Property Tax
Select this service to make property tax payments, redeem a tax sale, or transfer a title for a manufactured or mobile home.
- Transferring ownership of a mobile home.
- Tax sale buyers should return certificates using U.S. Postal mail or placing in the drop box.
- Vehicle transactions cannot be processed under this service type. Please schedule a separate appointment for vehicle services.
