Signing Your Iowa Vehicle Title
Iowa title transfers are straightforward as long as everything is filled out cleanly. Use a blue or black ink pen only and sign your name exactly as it appears on the front of the title. No white-out, no strike-throughs, and no corrections.
What Will Get an Iowa Title Rejected
- Signing in the wrong section
- Signature not matching the name on the title
- White-out, scribbles, or cross-outs
- Writing over mistakes instead of replacing the title
- Using pencil or marker
If any of these occur, the Iowa DOT will usually require a duplicate title before the vehicle can be sold.
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Where to Sign an Iowa Title
Turn the title over and look at the top half of the back of the title.
- Sign on the line labeled “Signature(s) of Seller(s)”
- Print your name directly below on the line labeled “Printed Name of Seller(s)”
Do not sign anywhere else unless instructed by the Iowa DOT.
Vehicles with Multiple Owners
If more than one owner is listed on the front of the Iowa title, all listed owners must sign.
Iowa titles do not allow one owner to sign on behalf of another unless legal documentation is provided.
Titles Showing a Lien or Bank Name
If a lienholder or bank is listed on the front of the Iowa title, the lien must be released before ownership can be transferred.
- Lien release noted directly on the title
- Or a separate lien release letter from the lender
Without a lien release, the Iowa DOT will not complete the title transfer.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged Iowa Title
If your Iowa title is lost, stolen, damaged, or voided, you must obtain a duplicate title before selling the vehicle.
- Duplicate titles are issued through your county treasurer’s office
- Processing time is typically about 2 weeks
- Duplicate title fee is $25
- Online duplicate requests are not available
County treasurer locations can be found at:
https://www.iowatreasurers.org/
Can I Sell a Car in Iowa Without a Title?
No. Iowa requires a valid vehicle title to sell a car. If your title is missing, a duplicate must be issued before the sale.
Official Iowa DOT guidance is available here:
https://iowadot.gov/mvd/buyingselling/selling-your-vehicle
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