Frequently Asked Questions

If you purchased a new vehicle, you will need to bring in the title, along with the bill of sale, driver’s license or state-issued ID and application for a certificate of title completed by all owners.

You'll also need a Damage Disclosure form on vehicles 7 years or newer and an Odometer Disclosure form is needed on vehicles 10 years and newer.

Example of Iowa Certificate of Title

Title, OOS registration, proof of address (mail within last 30 days from a place of business), application for a certificate by all owners.

30 days from date of sale

The month before they are due, the month of and the month after.

Example: Jan renewal - Dec, Jan, Feb

If less than 2,000 lbs, you will need your driver’s license or state-issued ID. If over 2,000 lbs, you will need to contact the Department of Transportation (DOT) at (515) 237-3050.

Call office with their address or come in with old registration and change of address. 

The primary difference is the Treasurer's Office helps you with vehicle licensing, whereas Iowa DOT helps you with your operator's license.  Click here to see the list of services the DOT provides.

Our Council Bluffs Driver's Services Office can be conacted at this number: 712-323-1219.

Letter from a doctor stating permanent or temporary

All owners would need to sign an application. It is a $25 charge and a six-day wait.

There are many circumstances regarding the death of an owner listed on the title. Please contact our office at (712) 328-5631 for any questions about this. Please have the title with you in case we have questions.

Please visit the Iowa DOT Personalized and Specialty Plate’s page to complete your order.

If you sold your vehicle and do not plan to replace it, turn your plates in within six months of the date of sale and we will apply for a refund if any credit of $10 or more.

If you sold your vehicle and plan to replace it within the next six months, you may use those plates on the next vehicles if any credit left of $10 or more that will be applied to the registration on your new vehicle. 

If you have turned in your leased vehicle, you will need to fill out a claim for a refund and a Lease Termination along with your plates. You can then apply for a refund as long as there is $10 or more of credit left.

If you have moved out of state, you will need to complete a Claim for Refund form and also send in a copy of your current out of state registration. You can apply for a refund as long as there is $10 or more of credit left.

Claim for Refund Form

Lease Termination Form