Treasurer

Options Available for Completing a Title Transfer

Published 1/17/2025 1:53:48 PM

Polk County Treasurer’s Office offers multiple options to complete a title transfer transaction. These include U.S. Mail, private shipping services including UPS and FedEx, or placing items in the drop box. If an in-person transaction is preferred, an appointment is required.

It’s important to note that Iowa Code requires that no information on the title can be crossed out, covered with correction fluid, or otherwise tampered with. If information needs to be corrected or new title is required, staff can assist with the process.

Submit Information by U.S. mail, shippping service or place items in drop box

To complete a title transfer using the U.S. Postal Service, shipping service, or placing items in the drop box, follow these steps.

  1. Review the checklist and gather the required information.
  2. Use the Iowa DOT Fee Estimatorto determine the estimated title and registration fees. Please note, this tool is NOT compatible with mobile devices.
    1. Include a check or money order for the appropriate payment. No cash payments should be mailed, OR
    2. Provide your phone number and request to be called to make an electronic payment by phone. Transaction fees will apply.
  3. Place the required documents, or copies of the required documents, in an envelope.
    1. Mail to 111 Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309, OR
    2. Place in the drop box located south of the main entrance of the Polk County Administration Building at 111 Court Avenue.
  4. If corrections are required, the submitted materials will be mailed with an explanation of necessary corrections or additional information.

Scheduling an in-person appointment

If completing a title transfer in person, an appointment is required. Refer to the title transfer checklist to ensure all materials are provided.

Click here to schedule a title transfer appointment.

Title transfer requirements

A title transfer is required to be completed within 30 days of when the ownership was transferred by a dealer according to Iowa Code. The county treasurer’s office records the date the required documents are received in the office. If additional time is required to provide information or correct the submitted documents, the receipt date remains on record when the customer provides good faith effort to complete the process in a timely manner.

Title transfers can be completed by submitting the required forms using U.S. Postal Mail or placing items in the drop box.

If you are visiting our office to complete a title transfer, an appointment is required.

Learn more.

To ensure that there are no delays, be sure to collect the required information. For assistance call 515-286-3030.

Use the Iowa Department of Transportation Fee Estimator to estimate fees. This tool is not mobile responsive.

Special circumstances, including transfers of titles upon the death of an owner, may require additional information. See the Iowa Department of Transportation website.


Office closed Feb. 17 in observance of Presidents Day. Regular hours are Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Third Thursday, 9 a.m - 4:30 p.m. For faster sevice, schedule an appointment.