Title Transfers

Buying, gifting, inheriting, or moving a vehicle into Polk County, Iowa comes with one essential legal step: transferring the title. This guide explains when a Polk County IA title transfer is required, which vehicles are covered, what documents you must gather, how to complete each form correctly, where and how to submit your paperwork, and how to estimate fees before you file. You’ll also find step-by-step instructions tailored to common scenarios—cars and light trucks, small and large trailers, homemade trailers, and towable RVs—plus practical tips to avoid penalties and processing delays.

Understand When Polk County IA Title Transfers Are Required

Recognize every situation that triggers a title transfer

A title transfer is required any time the information printed on the front of the current title changes. That includes:

Change of ownership when a vehicle or towable unit is sold or gifted to another person.

Move into Iowa where you are bringing a titled or registered item into the state and need it issued in your name here.

Ownership changes due to life events such as death or divorce.

Junking a vehicle where a junking certificate is requested.

Polk County’s process applies to:

Motor vehicles (passenger vehicles, pickups, light trucks)

Mobile/manufactured homes

Towable trailers, including homemade, travel, and semi-trailers over 2,000 lbs. empty

Note on boats: Boats are registered through the county recorder, not through the treasurer.

For official details and definitions, review Title Transfers on the county site via the Polk County Treasurer’s Title Transfers page.

Timing matters: A new owner has 30 days from the ownership transfer date to present a properly assigned title to an Iowa county treasurer. If you miss that window, penalties are automatically assessed.

Start Right: How to Prepare for a Polk County Title Transfer

Collect the right identification, forms, and supporting documents

Before you submit, gather the following (as applicable to your situation):

Valid proof of identity. A valid Iowa driver’s license is preferred. If you don’t have one, a Social Security card must be presented. (A military ID cannot substitute for this requirement.)

The current title properly assigned to you (or the ownership document required for your scenario).

A bill of sale (required when selling and when transferring ownership as a gift).

Damage disclosure paperwork if required for your vehicle.

Any additional documents for special situations (e.g., transfers upon the death of an owner).

When you’re ready to dive into the county’s specific requirements and submission options, consult the Polk County Treasurer’s Title Transfers page for the official Polk County IA title transfer instructions.

Choose Your Filing Path: Mail, Drop Box, or In-Person by Appointment

Submission options and what to expect

Polk County allows three ways to complete a title transfer:

U.S. Postal Mail. Include all required forms, supporting documents, and payment (see payment section below).

County drop box. Place a sealed envelope with all required documents at the south entrance of the Polk County Administration Building.

In person (appointment required). This is the fastest way to complete your transfer if your documents are in proper order. Appointments are required and provide same-day completion when everything is correct.

To manage your in-person visit, use the Polk County Treasurer Appointments page on the county website. To see where things stand when you’ve mailed or dropped off your packet, check the Title Transfer Application Status page for Polk County processing updates.

Prevent Delays: Follow Document-Completion Rules to the Letter

Treat the transfer like a legal record—because it is

Title transfers are legal transactions. Polk County emphasizes that documents cannot be altered once completed. Make sure you:

Use blue or black ink only.
Print legibly—no hard-to-read handwriting.
Ensure all amounts, VINs, and dates match across all forms and the title.
Do not use white-out, correction tape, or cross-outs.
Keep names consistent and in the same format on every document (legal names preferred).

A meticulous packet avoids back-and-forth calls, resubmissions, and late penalties. The county’s general criteria and checklist reminders are summarized on the Polk County Treasurer’s Title Transfers page.

Use the Right Forms: Required Paperwork for Most Polk County IA Title Transfers

Core forms you’ll likely need

Polk County highlights the following commonly used forms for title transfers. Complete them thoroughly and print clearly:

Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration, Form 411007 – Obtain the official Iowa DOT application via Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration.

Bill of Sale – Required when selling and also when transferring a vehicle as a gift (see Polk County’s Title Transfers topic for reference).

Motor Vehicle Damage Disclosure Statement, Form 411108 – Access the Motor Vehicle Damage Disclosure Statement directly.

When completing Iowa DOT online forms, download and save each form to your computer before filling it out to ensure all fields render correctly.

Submission Logistics: Where to Send, What to Include, and How to Pay

Mail-in and drop-box submissions

If you’re not going in person, Polk County instructs you to mail your complete packet—or place it in the drop box—to:

Polk County Treasurer’s Office
111 Court Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309

You may indicate on your cover note if you prefer to be contacted to make payment by phone (transaction fees will apply).

Accepted payment types vary by submission method:

By mail or drop box: Include payment by check, cashier’s check, or money order. Cash and credit cards are not accepted for mail or drop-box submissions.

In person (appointment required): You can pay by credit or debit card, cash, check, or money order.

For more on how to mail, drop, or pay, use Payment Options on the Polk County site.

Estimate Title and Registration Costs Before You File

Calculate your fees with the state’s official estimator

Polk County directs residents to the Iowa DOT Fee Estimator to estimate:

Title and registration fees
Security interest (loan) recording fees
Use tax
Credit from a vehicle that has been sold, traded, or junked

Because the tool isn’t mobile-responsive, use a computer. From the top navigation, hover “Tools”, choose “Dealer Inquiry,” then select “Fee Estimator.” Enter the vehicle information and click “Calculate.” Remember to add postage to your total if you’re mailing—postage isn’t included in the estimator’s calculations. Access the estimator via Iowa DOT Fee Estimator.

Handling Ownership Changes After a Death

Follow state guidance for title transfers involving an estate

Transfers triggered by the death of an owner may require additional documentation and steps beyond Polk County’s basic checklist. The county directs residents to the official state resource: Title Transfer After Death on the Iowa Department of Transportation website. Start there to understand which documents—such as affidavits or court papers—will be required in your situation.

Vehicle-Specific Directions: What to Do for Common Polk County IA Title Transfers

Motor vehicles (cars, SUVs, light trucks)

For a standard passenger vehicle or light truck, Polk County’s minimum requirements typically include:

Complete the application – File the Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration (Form 411007).

Prepare a bill of sale – Include a bill of sale even if the vehicle was gifted (mark it accordingly).

Provide the current title – Ensure it’s properly assigned to you with accurate buyer/seller information and odometer disclosures where applicable.

Pay the fees – Expect a one-time $35 title fee and annual registration based on your vehicle’s year, make, and model. Use the Iowa DOT Fee Estimator beforehand so nothing surprises you.

Submit on time – File within 30 days to avoid automatic penalties.

Submit by mail/drop-box or in person – Choose your path; appointments are required for in-person service.

Practical tip: Double-check VIN entries and seller signatures on the title and your application. Small mismatches are a top source of processing delays.

Small trailers (≤ 2,000 lbs. empty)

Iowa treats small utility and similar trailers differently from larger equipment. Titles are not required for small trailers; registration is required.

When the small trailer is used:

File the Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration (Form 411007).

Provide a bill of sale.

Provide the prior owner’s registration signed over or a current title (if the state you’re coming from issues titles for small trailers).

Pay the $20 annual registration fee.

When the small trailer is new:

File the Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration (Form 411007).
Provide a bill of sale and, when required, a manufacturer’s certificate of origin (MCO).
Pay the $20 annual registration fee.

Large regular and semi-trailers (> 2,000 lbs. empty)

Larger trailers require both a title and registration.

When the large trailer is used:

File the Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration.
Provide a bill of sale.
Present a properly assigned title.
Pay the $35 one-time title fee.
Pay the $30 annual registration fee.

When the large trailer is new:

File the Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration.
Provide a bill of sale.
Submit the manufacturer’s certificate of origin (MCO).
Pay the $35 one-time title fee.
Pay the $30 annual registration fee.

Accuracy check: Ensure the empty weight you list is accurate and matches supporting paperwork. The >2,000-lb threshold determines whether a title is required.

Homemade trailers

The process depends on the empty weight:

2,000 lbs. or less:
File the Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration (Form 411007) with the Polk County Treasurer—by mail or drop box—as outlined in the county’s submission options.

More than 2,000 lbs.:
Before titling, obtain an Iowa-assigned VIN through the Iowa Department of Transportation Investigation Bureau. Polk County instructs builders to email the state Investigation Bureau at invbureau@iowadot.us to receive instructions for getting the assigned number and completing any inspection steps. After you have the assigned VIN, proceed with your title and registration packet to the county per the usual process.

Towable recreational vehicles (travel trailers, 5th-wheels, teardrops)

Towable RVs are designed for vacation or recreational use and have a unique fee structure in Iowa.

When the RV is used:

File the Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration (Form 411007).
Provide a bill of sale.
Present a properly assigned title.

When the RV is new:

File the Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration (Form 411007).
Provide a bill of sale.
Submit the manufacturer’s certificate of origin (MCO).

Fee note: The annual registration fee for towable RVs is based on model year and square footage. Use the Iowa DOT Fee Estimator to preview what you’ll owe for your specific unit before you file.

Avoid Common Errors That Cause Rejections or Delays

A checklist of “don’ts” based on Polk County’s guidance

Don’t cross out any information on a title or application. If something is wrong, contact the county for direction rather than scratching it out.

Don’t use correction fluids or tapes. These render documents invalid for processing.

Don’t mismatch names across title, bill of sale, and your application. Use the same full legal name everywhere.

Don’t guess on VINs, weights, or dates—if you’re unsure, verify against your seller’s paperwork or manufacturer documentation first.

Don’t wait past 30 days from the transfer date; otherwise, a penalty is automatically added.

Track Your Packet and Plan Your Visit

Know how to monitor status and schedule office time

Mailed or drop-box submissions: Use the county’s Title Transfer Application Status page to see the date Polk County is processing through for title requests received by mail, shipping services, or drop box.

Need face-to-face service: Appointments are required. Secure a time through the Polk County Treasurer Appointments page. When you appear with proper documentation, same-day completion is available for in-person title transfers.

Boats Are Different: Where to Go for Watercraft Titles and Registrations

Redirect to the correct Polk County office

Watercraft are not processed by the treasurer’s vehicle team. For boats, start with the county recorder. You can reach the office’s contact details through the Polk County Recorder page to ensure you’re using the correct intake process for marine titles and registrations.

Pro Tips for a Frictionless Polk County Title Transfer

Practical, process-driven suggestions that reflect county guidance

Pre-fill and print your forms from a computer. The state’s forms are best completed after downloading and saving locally to avoid missing fields.

Use the same ink color (blue or black) across all documents.

Submit a complete packet—application, bill of sale, title/MCO, disclosure(s), and payment method—together.

Note your contact preference in your packet if you want the treasurer to call for payment by phone (transaction fees apply).

Check status online if you mailed or used the drop box so you know when to expect your documents to return by mail.

Use the state estimator before you pay so you can include correct amounts and avoid bounced checks or follow-ups.

Step-By-Step: How to Assemble a Compliant Polk County Title Transfer Packet

1) Verify whether a title or registration (or both) is required

Motor vehicles and large trailers (>2,000 lbs. empty): Title and registration are required.

Small trailers (≤2,000 lbs. empty): Registration only; no title required.

Homemade trailers: Depends on empty weight (see homemade trailer section, including the assigned-VIN step for >2,000 lbs.).

Towable RVs: Title and registration, with registration fee based on model year and square footage.

2) Gather the correct, official forms

Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration (Form 411007) – required for nearly all transactions.

Bill of sale – required when selling and for gifts.

Motor Vehicle Damage Disclosure (Form 411108) – complete if applicable.

MCO – for new units where required.

Properly assigned title – for used units requiring a title.

3) Complete everything neatly and consistently

Blue or black ink.
No corrections (no white-out, no cross-outs, no taped fixes).
Matching names, VINs, dates, and sale price across every document.
Readable handwriting or typed information.

4) Estimate your fees (optional but recommended)

Use the Iowa DOT Fee Estimator and add postage if you’re mailing the packet.

5) Choose your submission method

Mail: Include payment by check, cashier’s check, or money order (no cash/credit).

Drop box: Place your sealed packet at the south entrance of the county building with check, cashier’s check, or money order.

In person: Appointment required; you may pay by card, cash, check, or money order and, when your documents are correct, expect same-day completion.

6) Track progress (if not completed in person)

Use Title Transfer Application Status to see which submission dates the county is currently processing.

Special Situations You Should Plan For

Gifts, trades, and credits

If you gift a vehicle, Polk County requires a bill of sale identifying that the transfer is a gift. If you’ve traded, sold, or junked another vehicle, the Iowa DOT Fee Estimator lets you factor in potential credits when estimating what you’ll owe on the new title and registration.

Loans and security interests

If your vehicle is financed, your security interest recording fees can be estimated using the state’s calculator. Make sure lienholder details are spelled correctly and match your loan documents.

Multiple owners

Use consistent legal names across the title, bill of sale, and application. If you’re changing how names are listed (e.g., adding/removing a spouse), review the county’s guidance and ensure that your underlying documents (such as divorce decrees or estate papers) are ready to support the change. Estate scenarios should begin with Title Transfer After Death on the state site.

Homemade trailers >2,000 lbs.

Email invbureau@iowadot.us (Iowa DOT Investigation Bureau) for assigned-VIN instructions before you attempt to title and register the trailer with Polk County. After receiving your assigned VIN and completing any required inspection steps, proceed with the county packet as usual.

Where Titles Don’t Go: Boats and the County Recorder

Watercraft are handled by a different county office. If you’re transferring ownership of a boat, you’ll work with the recorder instead of the treasurer. Begin at the county’s official County Recorder page to contact the recorder’s office and confirm required forms and fees for marine titles and registrations.

Hours, Identification, and Contact Basics

Office hours and ID requirements to remember

The Polk County Administration Building is open Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month (closed major holidays).

Valid identification is required for in-person processing: a valid Iowa driver’s license is preferred. If that’s unavailable, a Social Security card must be presented; a military ID cannot be used for this transaction.

For general vehicle questions, the county directs residents to call 515-286-3030.

Title Transfers: Departments, Addresses, and Phone Numbers

Polk County Treasurer – Vehicle / Title Transfers — 111 Court Avenue, Room 154, Des Moines, IA 50309 — 515-286-3030

Polk County Recorder’s Office — (address per county recorder; confirm via office) — 515-286-3160

Iowa Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division — (state office contact) — 515-244-8725

Iowa Department of Transportation – Investigation Bureau — (state office contact) — 515-239-1101

Polk County Title Transfers FAQs

What timeline applies and what happens if I miss it?

Polk County follows Iowa’s 30-day rule: the buyer must present a properly assigned title to any Iowa county treasurer within 30 days of the transfer date so a new title can be issued. Submissions after that window automatically incur penalties under county procedure. For Polk-specific steps and requirements, review “Title Transfers” on the treasurer’s site via the county’s official page: Title Transfers.

How can I file—mail, drop box, or in person?

The county accepts complete packets by U.S. Mail or via the secure drop box at the administration building; in-person service is available by appointment only and is typically completed the same day when documentation is correct. Start, choose your method, and book a time from the county’s official scheduler: Online Appointments.

Which official forms are commonly required?

Most transactions use the Iowa DOT Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration (Form 411007), a Bill of Sale (also for gifts), and, when applicable, the Motor Vehicle Damage Disclosure Statement (Form 411108). Polk County instructs applicants to download and save state forms before filling them out to ensure all fields render. Access the county’s current checklist and links to these forms on: Title Transfers.

How do I estimate fees and avoid payment mistakes?

Use the state’s official calculator to preview title, registration, security-interest recording fees, use tax, and possible credits for a sold/traded/junked vehicle. The tool isn’t mobile-responsive and postage isn’t included in totals, so plan accordingly. Open the estimator from: Iowa DOT Fee Estimator.