Buying or selling a vehicle through a private party — rather than at a dealership — can save you money and give you more flexibility. But compared to a dealer transaction, a private sale puts more responsibility on you to make sure all the paperwork is done correctly.
The good news: Iowa has a straightforward process, and Linn County’s Treasurer’s Office is one of the best resources in the state for getting it done right. This guide walks you through everything both buyers and sellers need to know — and shows you how a Metco auto loan can make the buying side even easier.
Part 1: If You’re the Seller
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before you list your vehicle for sale, make sure you have the following ready:
Your vehicle’s Certificate of Title
Your vehicle’s registration (so buyers can verify plate and registration details)
A completed Bill of Sale (required for all Iowa title transfers)
The back of your Iowa title has an Assignment of Title section that both you and the buyer need to complete. Here’s what you — as the seller — are responsible for:
Odometer Disclosure
Required if the vehicle is less than 20 model years old
Record the current mileage — no tenths
This is a federal requirement (Federal Odometer Regulation)
Damage Disclosure
Required if the vehicle is 7 model years old or newer
You must answer questions about whether the vehicle has sustained damage exceeding 50% of its retail value
Sign exactly as your name appears on the front of the title
If the title lists two owners with “AND” between them, both must sign
If the title lists two owners with “OR” between them, either one may sign
Do not make any alterations or erasures — this voids the title
Step 3: Complete the Bill of Sale
A Bill of Sale is required for all Iowa vehicle title transfers. At minimum, it should include:
The sale date
Vehicle description (year, make, model, VIN)
Purchase price
Signatures of both the seller and buyer
The Bill of Sale does not need to be notarized, but keeping a copy for your records is strongly recommended.
Step 4: Hand Over the Title and Bill of Sale to the Buyer
Give the buyer the original, properly signed title and a copy of the Bill of Sale at the time of sale. The buyer then has 30 days to complete the title transfer at their county treasurer’s office.
Step 5 (Optional but Recommended): File a Notice of Sale
You can protect yourself from any liability after the sale — such as traffic tickets or parking violations — by filing a Notice of Sale of Vehicle and Delivery of Title (Iowa DOT Form 411107) with the Linn County Treasurer’s Office. This officially records that the vehicle has changed hands.
In Iowa, license plates belong to the owner — not the vehicle. When you sell your car, keep your plates. You may be able to transfer them to another vehicle you own, or turn them in to the Linn County Treasurer’s Office for a registration refund credit.
💡 Seller Tip Consider going with the buyer to the County Treasurer’s office to complete the title transfer together. This ensures everything is done correctly and protects you from future liability.
Part 2: If You’re the Buyer
Step 1: Get Pre-Approved With Metco
Before you start shopping, get pre-approved for an auto loan through Metco Credit Union. Here’s why it matters in a private sale:
You’ll know your exact budget before you negotiate
You can act quickly — private sales move fast
Sellers take you more seriously when you have financing in hand
Metco offers 100% financing for qualified buyers — no down payment required
Loan terms up to 72 months and financing up to 115% of the vehicle’s retail value (depending on credit history and vehicle condition)
🚗 Metco Auto Loan Highlights
Competitive rates
100% financing available
Pre-approval advantage
Flexible terms up to 72 months
Discounted CARFAX reports
GAP & Debt Protection options
Vehicle Protection Plans available
Step 2: Do Your Homework Before You Buy
A private vehicle sale doesn’t come with the same consumer protections as a dealer purchase. Before handing over any money:
Run a vehicle history report. Metco Credit Union members can access discounted CARFAX reports — ask us about this before you buy!
Verify the VIN on the dashboard, door jam, title, and any paperwork all match
Check that the seller’s name matches the name on the title
Confirm the title is clear of any liens (look for lender info on the front of the title)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle before finalizing the sale
Step 3: Collect All Required Documents at the Time of Sale
When you complete the purchase, make sure you receive all of the following from the seller:
The original Certificate of Title, properly signed and assigned to you
Odometer disclosure completed on the title (if vehicle is less than 20 years old)
Damage Disclosure Statement (either on the back of the title or on a separate Form 411108, if the vehicle is 7 years old or newer)
A signed Bill of Sale with the purchase price, vehicle description (VIN included), date, and both signatures
Step 4: Complete the Application for Certificate of Title
You’ll need to fill out an Application for Certificate of Iowa Title and/or Registration (Iowa DOT Form 411007). All buyers must provide:
Your full legal name (printed)
Iowa Driver’s License or Iowa State-issued photo ID number — OR your Social Security number and Social Security card if you don’t have an Iowa ID
Date of birth
The purchase price (this is required and helps establish the correct tax/fee basis)
Lienholder information (your lender’s name, address, and FEIN — Metco will provide this if you’re financing with us)
Step 5: Transfer the Title at the Linn County Treasurer’s Office
You have 30 days from the purchase date to present all your documents to the Linn County Treasurer’s Office and transfer the title into your name. Don’t wait — penalties start after 30 days.
Title transfers can be done at ANY Iowa county treasurer’s office, not just Linn County
Appointments are recommended — book at linncountyiowa.gov (look for “Make a Title Transfer Appointment”)
Driving the Vehicle Before You Transfer the Title
You can legally drive your newly purchased vehicle for up to 30 days without plates, as long as the previous owner had a current registration. You must carry one of the following in the vehicle at all times:
A signed, dated Bill of Sale that describes the vehicle
The title assigned to your name, or a photocopy of both sides of the title
Note: If the vehicle is from out of state and has no current plates, the Linn County Treasurer can issue a 30-day transit plate for $3.00.
Part 3: What Will It Cost? (Fees & Penalties)
When you transfer a title in Iowa, you’ll owe several fees at the Linn County treasurer’s office:
Fee Type
Amount*
Title Transfer Fee
$35.00
Lien Notation Fee (if financing)
$20.00
One-Time Registration Fee (Use Tax)
5% of purchase price
Annual Registration Fee
Based on vehicle weight, list price, and age (use Iowa DOT fee calculator)
Title Penalty (if late)
$10.00
Registration Penalty (if late)
5% of registration fee per month (min. $5)
*Fees subject to change. Use the Iowa DOT Fee Calculator to estimate your fees before visiting the treasurer’s office: iowataxandtags.org. Note: The Iowa DOT fee calculator is not compatible with mobile devices. Use it from a desktop or laptop browser.
Ready to Finance Your Private Vehicle Purchase?
Metco Credit Union is here to help Linn County residents get behind the wheel with confidence. Whether you’re buying your first car or your fifth, our auto loan team can help you:
Get pre-approved fast so you can shop with confidence
Finance with competitive rates and flexible terms
Access discounted CARFAX reports before you buy
Protect your investment with GAP coverage, Debt Protection, and Vehicle Protection Plans
Refinance your current auto loan if you’re looking to save on your monthly payment
Have questions? Stop by, give us a call, or visit our website to learn more about Metco auto loans. We’re your neighbor, and we’re here to help.
Quick Reference Checklists
Seller Checklist
Locate your original Certificate of Title
Sign the back of the title in the correct seller signature line
Complete the odometer disclosure (if vehicle is under 20 years old)
Complete the damage disclosure (if vehicle is 7 years old or newer)
Complete a Bill of Sale with the buyer (keep a copy for yourself)
Give the buyer the original title and Bill of Sale
(Recommended) File a Notice of Sale with the Linn County Treasurer
Keep your plates — remove them before the buyer drives away
Buyer Checklist
Get pre-approved for an auto loan through Metco Credit Union
Run a CARFAX or vehicle history report (discounted for Metco members!)
Verify the seller’s name matches the name on the title
Confirm the title is free of any liens
Receive the original signed title from the seller
Receive a completed Bill of Sale with purchase price, VIN, date, and both signatures
Complete the Application for Certificate of Iowa Title and/or Registration (Form 411007)
Bring your Iowa Driver’s License or State ID (and Social Security card if no Iowa ID)
Transfer the title at the Linn County Treasurer’s Office within 30 days
Carry the Bill of Sale or title copy in the vehicle until plates are transferred
*This blog is intended for general informational purposes. Always verify current requirements with the Linn County Treasurer’s Office or Iowa Department of Transportation, as rules and fees may change. While the process is generally consistent across Iowa counties, we recommend contacting your local county office if you live outside Linn County.
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