Recreational Vehicles

Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) operated in Iowa on public land, public water, public ice, or designated riding areas must be registered with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Boats, ATVs, off-road utility vehicles, off-road motorcycles, and snowmobiles are registered and titled through the Auditor & Recorder's Office in the county where you reside.

Registration Instructions

Select the appropriate Bill of Sale and Application Links below.
Print Both Forms.
Complete all required information.
Bring the forms to the Auditor & Recorder's Office with any additional required documents.
Payment is accepted by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. (Additional 3% fee applies for card payments.)

Boat Registration

Boats over 17 feet in length require a title.
Canoes and kayaks are exempt.
Boat registrations are valid for 3 years and are currently issued through April 30, 2028.

To check your registration status, call 641-754-6323.

Resources:

Required Paperwork

In-State:

Registration & Title (if applicable)
Bill of Sale
Iowa DNR Application

Out-of-State:

If titled:

Title
Bill of Sale
Iowa DNR Application

If not titled:

Registration
Bill of Sale
Iowa DNR Application

OHV, ATV & Snowmobile Registration and Renewals

All newly purchased vehicles, or those not yet entered into the Recreational Vehicle and Vessel Registration Systems (RVVRS), must be registered with the Auditor & Recorder's Office.

Registrations must be renewed anually. The renewal period without penalty is September 1 through December 31.