An Iowa boat bill of sale is used to prove that a boat was legally sold and transferred to a buyer in a private transaction. The form acts as a sales receipt that may be referred to when registering the boat with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It states the boat’s make, model, length, certificate of title number, hull ID number, and production year. If the transaction includes the purchase of a trailer or outboard motor, the bill should provide a description for each additional item. Apart from the boat information, the bill must specify the total amount paid to the seller (pricing details are required upon registration with the DNR).

Iowa Boat Registration

The owner must register their newly acquired boat with the Department of Natural Resources within thirty (30) days of the sale. Some boats are exempt from registration, such as small kayaks and unpowered, inflatable boats. A full list of exemptions can be found in the Registration Guide. Registration can be accomplished as follows:

1. Fill out the Application (Form 542-8067).
2. Prepare a filing packet that includes the following:
   • Application (Form 542-8067);
   • Bill of sale or proof of ownership;
   • Certificate of title (if applicable);
   • Current boat registration; and
   • Payment for the registration fee. The amount varies depending on the boat’s type, length, motor, and whether it was previously registered or titled.
3. Submit the filing packet to an Iowa County Recorder’s office.