Boats

You must have an Iowa Registration Certificate and registration decals to legally operate a vessel on Iowa’s public waters. Exceptions: Inflatable vessels that are 7’ or less and canoes and kayaks that are 13’ or less and have no motor or sail.

Documentation necessary to register and title a vessel:

1. Application form filled out and signed by the buyer.
2. New boat – Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO or MCO) and Bill of Sale proving sales tax has been paid.
3. Used boat – Bill of Sale - signed by the seller and notarized & current registration signed over.
4. Title – if the vessel was previously titled - signed by the seller.

Additional Information

• Iowa Boating Reference Guide
• Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Affidavit & Applications

• Affidavit for Unregistered or Untitled ATVs-Boats-Snowmobiles-ORVs
• Application for ATVs-Boats-Snowmobiles-ORVs

Bill of Sale

• Bill-of-Sale