Treasurer

This article explains what the Polk County IA Treasurer does and how residents can use the office for property taxes, vehicle titles, registrations, and related services. You’ll find clear instructions for finishing common tasks, how appointments and walk-ins work, what to bring to the counter, how to pay online, when to use the drop box, and where to check your place in line. Every section below walks through services the Treasurer provides, with step-by-step guidance that helps you choose the fastest option and avoid penalties or delays.

Understand the Role: What the Polk County Treasurer Handles (and What It Doesn’t)

The Polk County Treasurer’s Office is the county hub for property tax collection and vehicle services. In daily practice, that means the Treasurer and staff:

Issue vehicle titles, annual registration renewals, junking certificates, and personalized or specialty plates

Notate and release security interests on titles (for example, when a lienholder is added or removed)

Collect one-time new vehicle registration fees as well as ongoing registration and document fees

Process registration credits and refunds when eligible

Serve as an agent of the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) for renewal and title review

Act as a collection agent when payment is due to the Iowa Department of Revenue, Polk County Clerk of Court, or local municipalities for outstanding parking citations

If your errand relates to property taxes or anything about titling, registering, renewing, replacing, or updating your vehicle documents or plates, you’re in the right office. For hunting licenses, marriage records, passports, and land recording, you’ll work with the County Recorder; for assessed values and parcel data, the County Assessor; and for election and certain property-tax rate information, the County Auditor. Throughout this article you’ll see official links to Treasurer pages for quick access to the right forms and instructions.

Start Here: The Treasurer’s Homepage and When to Use It

The Treasurer’s homepage is the county’s central doorway for vehicle and property tax services. From this single entry point you can reach appointments, vehicle instructions, tax payment options, wait-time tools, and tax sale buyer information. Use the Treasurer home page whenever you’re unsure where to start; it organizes every major service area in one place and highlights key dates and announcements as the year progresses.

Visit the Treasurer – Polk County Iowa website to explore services and news items, including reminders that property tax payments are due each March 31 and September 30 and details about processes like the Polk County Property Tax Sale. The homepage also reiterates the office mission to provide a friendly, efficient service experience—important context as you plan your visit and choose the best channel (online, drop box, mail, or in-person).

Access the Treasurer home page from Polk County’s official site: Treasurer – Polk County Iowa.

Plan Your Visit: Appointments, Walk-Ins, Online Check-In, and the Drop Box

Book the right appointment (and know when one is required)

While the Treasurer offers limited walk-in availability, some transactions require an appointment due to the paperwork review and processing time involved. If you prefer to come in, booking ahead keeps your wait predictable and ensures you arrive with the correct documents.

Use Appointments – Polk County Iowa to schedule. An appointment is required for:

Vehicle title transfers for purchases

Mobile home purchases (book under the Property Tax appointment option)

In-state title transfers

Move-ins to Iowa (new registration as a new resident)

Trailers (regular, homemade, or travel) — boats are registered through the County Recorder

Lien releases

Replacement title services

Transferring a vehicle after the death of a spouse

Important appointment notes from the Treasurer:

If you already submitted the required title transfer paperwork by U.S. Mail or placed it in the Treasurer’s drop box, do not book an in-person title appointment for the same transaction.

If you’re scheduling multiple services, make a separate appointment for each one.

The appointment schedule is updated daily at 7 p.m., so check back if your ideal time is full.

On the day of your appointment, check in online on your phone 15 minutes before to 15 minutes after your scheduled time; when checked in, you can skip the information booth and head to the seating area until your number is called.

To use online check-in, enable phone location services.

Schedule or review the full rules on the official page: Appointments – Polk County Iowa.

Use the drop box for speed and to avoid late penalties

If your transaction can be completed without counter assistance, the Treasurer encourages you to submit by phone, U.S. Mail, or the secure drop box to prevent late penalties. The drop box is near the south entrance of the Polk County Administration Building at 111 Court Avenue. Place documents in a sealed envelope, include contact information, and avoid cash.

You’ll find directions and reminders about the drop box under appointments (look for the “Drop Box” section) on the same official scheduling page above.

Know when limited walk-ins make sense

Because walk-in capacity is limited, appointments are the safer bet for time-sensitive, complex, or paperwork-heavy tasks. Walk-ins can work for straightforward services when your schedule is flexible. Before you try a walk-in, check Current Wait Times (linked later in this article) so you can decide whether to wait today or book the next available appointment window.

Master Vehicle Services: Titles, Registrations, Plates, and Refunds

The Treasurer’s Vehicle section explains exactly what to bring, where to go, and how to track your transfer after you’ve submitted documents. If you’re new to Iowa, replacing a title, changing a lienholder, swapping plates, or pursuing a refund or credit, start here and follow the corresponding checklist.

Open the county’s official vehicle portal: Vehicle – Polk County Iowa.

Title transfers: get your documents right the first time

Title services include purchases, in-state transfers, move-ins to Iowa, lien releases, replacement titles, and regular/homemade/travel trailer titles. The Treasurer notes that a bill of sale is required for all vehicle title transfers, even when the vehicle is a gift. You must have the physical title paperwork in hand to book an appointment for title services.

If you mailed or drop-boxed your title documents already, do not book an in-person title appointment for that same transfer.

Boats are titled and registered through the County Recorder, not the Treasurer.

After you submit your paperwork, track progress using the Vehicle Title Transfer Status page (linked later in “Track your title application”).

Annual registration: renew the fast way

The Treasurer offers in-person registration renewal by appointment, but the office strongly encourages online renewal because it’s the fastest, most convenient method and helps you avoid late fees. Bring your renewal notice or old registration if you renew at the counter. If you’re required to carry SR-22 insurance, you must provide an AAMVA document to renew.

Renew online through the statewide portal outlined below under “Pay taxes or renew tags online.”

Specialty and personalized plates: pick up and exchange

For plate-focused errands—picking up personalized or specialty plates you’ve been notified about, exchanging plates, and similar tasks—book the Plate Pick Up appointment type. If you need new plates for a newly purchased vehicle, select Title Transfer instead, because the plate issuance is tied to the title work on that vehicle.

Replacement title, tags, or plates: handle loss, theft, or damage

If your Iowa title is lost or damaged, use Replacement Title. For lost or damaged registration, sticker (validation tag), or plates, use Replace Registration, Validation Tags and License Plates. In either case, review the checklist in the Vehicle section before you come in so you have the required identification and ownership documents.

Refunds and credits: know eligibility before you request

Vehicle Registration Refunds & Credits are available in specific scenarios (for example, if a vehicle was sold and plates were returned, or other qualifying status changes). The vehicle portal lists the circumstances and steps to file. Preparing the right proof and timelines up front makes the decision straightforward for both you and the office.

New Iowa residents: register promptly to avoid penalties

If you moved to Polk County from another state, the New Iowa Residents page covers deadlines for titling and registering your vehicle in Iowa. Because move-in transactions are appointment-required title services, use the Title Services booking option and select Move-Ins to Iowa. Bring your out-of-state title/registration and identity documents as described in the Treasurer’s checklists.

Track your title application without calling

Once you’ve submitted a title transfer, you can check the progress of your paperwork—without calling or visiting the office—using the official Title Transfer Application Status tracker. This tool helps you confirm that your file is in queue and whether the office needs additional information, preventing unnecessary trips and saving time at the counter.

Track your submission here: Title Transfer Application Status.

Property Taxes Made Simple: Due Dates, Online Payments, Receipts, and Tax Sale Basics

Know your due dates and avoid the last-minute rush

Polk County property tax payments are due twice a year, on March 31 and September 30. The Treasurer’s homepage regularly features reminders leading up to these deadlines, including practical tips for paying online and avoiding late interest. Because spring and fall payment windows get busy in person, the office encourages online payment or drop-box/mail submissions with all required details included.

Pay taxes or renew tags online through the official statewide system

The Treasurer points property owners and vehicle owners to Iowa’s official online payment system for property taxes and vehicle tags. The site is secure, convenient, and reduces errors by guiding you through account lookup and payment confirmation. As a bonus, renewed registrations are mailed out the next business day after payment processing, so you can complete renewals early and receive stickers on time.

Use the state portal here: Pay Online.

Find parcel records, valuations, and past payments in the county database

If you need to look up parcels by address, owner, or parcel number—or find a record of past property tax payments for income tax reporting—the county’s Property Database provides search and display tools tailored to Polk County. This is the official county search utility and is the starting point for locating payment histories tied to a parcel.

Search the official database: Search Property Database.

Paying at the counter: how to pick the right appointment

If you prefer to pay in person, book the Property Tax appointment type. This is also the correct selection if you are redeeming a tax sale or transferring title for a manufactured or mobile home. Because vehicle and property systems are handled differently, note that vehicle transactions cannot be processed under the Property Tax service type—book a separate appointment for any vehicle work.

Tax sale buyers: review the county’s official instructions

Polk County conducts an annual property tax sale using an online bidding process. The Treasurer provides a dedicated information page for tax sale buyers, including timing reminders, instructions for returning certificates, and process notes. If you’re returning certificates, the office requests you use U.S. Mail or the drop box at the Administration Building’s south entrance—never include cash in the drop box, and make sure your envelope is sealed and includes contact information.

Review the county’s guidance here: Information for Tax Sale Buyers.

Make the Counter Work for You: Hours, Location, Check-In, and Wait-Time Tools

Know the hours and plan around peak dates

The Treasurer is located in the Polk County Administration Building, 111 Court Avenue, Room 154, Des Moines, IA 50309. Regular hours are Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. On the third Thursday of every month, the office opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 4:30 p.m. The office is closed on major holidays. These hours apply to both vehicle and property tax counters, and the same address appears on multiple Treasurer pages to reinforce consistency for visitors.

Check in online the day of your appointment

Fifteen minutes before to fifteen minutes after your scheduled time, you can check in online on your phone. The Treasurer encourages you to enable location services so the system can verify your arrival. After checking in, skip the information booth and wait in the designated seating area until your number is called.

See current lobby volumes before you head over

If you’re considering a walk-in or deciding between coming today versus scheduling for tomorrow, use the county’s Current Wait Times page to preview how busy the lobby is and how long similar transactions are taking. This helps you make a smart timing decision—particularly useful near the March 31 and September 30 property tax deadlines or during plate/renewal spikes.

Check the official page here: Current Wait Times.

Choose the Right Payment Channel: What to Use When

Online payments (property taxes and vehicle tags)

For most residents, online is fastest for both property taxes and vehicle registrations. Use the trusted statewide site linked above under “Pay Online.” Because the Treasurer mails renewed registrations the next business day after processing, online renewal also cuts down on office congestion and reduces the likelihood of late fees if you’re close to your due date.

Mail and drop box submissions

When you mail payments or use the drop box near the south entrance:

Use a sealed envelope
Do not include cash
Add your contact information in case staff need a quick clarification to finish processing
Allow for mail time, especially near March 31 and September 30

In-person at the counter

In-person is preferred when your paperwork must be reviewed for a title service, when you’re redeeming a tax sale, or when you need counter verification for a unique situation. If your errand fits an appointment-required category, book first; otherwise, review Current Wait Times to decide between walk-in today or a scheduled time this week.

Prepare and Bring the Right Documents: Prevent Repeat Trips

Title services and transfers

Title signed correctly by seller (and lienholder releases where applicable)
Bill of sale (required for all transfers, including gifts)
Government-issued ID that matches your name on the paperwork
Odometer disclosure when applicable
Lien release documents if a security interest is being removed
Proof of address if your Iowa residency or mailing address is changing
Any court or estate documents if transferring after the death of a spouse

Remember: boats are handled through the County Recorder, not the Treasurer; trailers are handled by the Treasurer under Title Services; mobile home title transfers book under Property Tax.

Registration renewals

Your renewal notice or previous registration
AAMVA document if you are renewing with an SR-22 requirement
Payment method consistent with the Treasurer’s Payment Options (covered next)

Payment Options: How to Pay, What’s Fastest, and Where Each Method Fits

The Treasurer lists accepted payment methods and recommended channels on the official Payment Options page. This is the authoritative source for what forms of payment are accepted for property tax and vehicle transactions, both online and in-office. When you’re cutting it close to a deadline, follow the payment method guidance exactly to ensure your transaction posts on time and avoids penalties.

Review official guidance here: Payment Options.

Contact the Office: Get to the Right Counter on the First Try

The Treasurer publishes service-specific phone lines to keep calls short and accurate:

Vehicle: 515-286-3030
Property Tax: 515-286-3060
Fax: 515-323-5202

All counters are at Polk County Administration Building, 111 Court Avenue, Room 154, Des Moines, IA 50309. If you need a department directory or additional contacts within the Treasurer’s team, use the official Contact Us page to find the correct topic-specific route for your question or to confirm the best way to submit documents for your case.

Open the county contact page here: Contact Us.

When You’re New to Iowa: Titles, Registration, and Voter Registration Touchpoints

If you recently moved into Iowa and Polk County:

Title and register your vehicle under Title Services, selecting Move-Ins to Iowa.

Review the Vehicle section for any documentation specific to out-of-state titles.

Consider using Iowa’s official electronic voter registration tool if you’re updating your residency — the Treasurer’s site links to the state portal to help new residents align paperwork in one window of time after moving.

The Treasurer’s web pages organize these resources so you can handle them efficiently in one planning session before your first in-person visit.

Avoid Common Pitfalls: Tips That Keep Your Transaction Moving

Bring the bill of sale for every title transfer, including gifted vehicles.

Check the appointment requirements before you come; several services cannot be handled as walk-ins.

Use the online payment portal for property taxes and vehicle tags to avoid late fees and mailing delays.

Track your title online instead of calling—use the county’s Title Transfer Application Status.

Use the correct service type when booking: property tax, title services, plate pickup, or registration renewal.

Do not include cash in drop-box submissions; always seal the envelope and add contact information.

Watch due dates: property taxes are due March 31 and September 30 each year.

Check lobby volumes via Current Wait Times before choosing walk-in.

Confirm where boats are handled (County Recorder) and where trailers are handled (Treasurer under Title Services).

Department and Counter Directory (Address + Phone)

Polk County Treasurer’s Office — 111 Court Avenue, Room 154, Des Moines, IA 50309 — Vehicle: 515-286-3030; Property Tax: 515-286-3060

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

Polk County Treasurer – Property Tax — 111 Court Avenue, Room 154, Des Moines, IA 50309 — 515-286-3060

Polk County Treasurer FAQs

How do I book an in-person visit, and when is an appointment mandatory?

For faster service, schedule ahead. Appointments are required for transactions that involve document review—such as vehicle purchases, in-state title transfers, moving to Iowa (new registration), trailers, lien releases, replacement titles, and transfers after the death of a spouse. Same-day walk-ins are limited and not guaranteed. You can review requirements and reserve a time through Appointments — Polk County Iowa. If you’ve already mailed or drop-boxed title paperwork, do not book an in-person slot for that same transaction.

What should I bring for a vehicle title transfer in Polk County?

Arrive with the physical title, a bill of sale (required even for gifts), government-issued ID, any lien release documents, and odometer disclosure when applicable. New Iowa residents should also bring out-of-state ownership documents. If your situation involves a manufactured or mobile home, use the Property Tax appointment type rather than a vehicle slot. For step-by-step checklists and related services, start from the Treasurer’s vehicle section after scheduling.

Can I pay property taxes and renew vehicle registrations online?

Yes—use the state’s secure portal to pay property taxes and renew tags. Online payments reduce counter traffic and help you avoid late interest, particularly around the semiannual deadlines of March 31 and September 30. Renewed registrations are mailed the next business day after processing. Go to Pay Online.

How do I check the status of my title transfer after submitting paperwork?

You don’t need to call the office to confirm progress. Use the county’s tracker to see whether your application is queued or if more information is needed. Visit Title Transfer Application Status and have your details ready to look up the file.