Iowa Boat Registration
New owners must register and title their boat within 30 days of purchase.[1] The following boats do not require registration:
- Inflatable boats 7 feet or less without any motor or sail
- Canoes and kayaks 13 feet or less without any motor or sail
Titling is required for boats 17 feet or longer (except for canoes, kayaks, or inflatable boats).
To register and title a boat, the below steps should be completed.
- Prepare a filing packet that includes the following:
- Application
- Bill of Sale
- Certificate of Title (if any) – Assigned to the buyer by the seller.
- Registration – Signed by the seller.
- Provide the documents to the County Recorder’s Office and pay the applicable registration fees and sales tax.