Register & Title a Motorcycle in Iowa

ATTENTION: Be prepared to satisfy any insurance requirements when you register & title your motorcycle.

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This page will cover the street legal requirements and motorcycle registration and title process in Iowa and provide some tips on how to register if you bought the motorcycle without a title.

Learn more about motorcycle title transfers in Iowa.

Iowa Title & Inspection Requirements for Used Motorcycles

  • Does Iowa have an equipment/safety inspection?
    • No safety inspection required.
  • Does Iowa require VIN Inspections for motorcycles bought out of state?
    • Not required.
  • Does Iowa require a title for old motorcycles?
    • Titles required for all motorcycles.

How to Title and Register a Motorcycle in Iowa

To register your bike in Iowa, you’ll need the following:

Find more information about Iowa motorcycle registration and registration renewal.

How to Register a Motorcycle with No Title in Iowa

Option 1: Motorcycles from Iowa

Before sale is complete, ask previous owner to get a duplicate title:

Learn how to replace a lost motorcycle title in Iowa.

Option 2: Bikes from out of state

If the motorcycle was bought in a state that requires motorcycle titles:

Option 3: Register in a No-Title State

Register the bike in a non-title, no residency requirement, mail-in registration application state, such as Vermont.

Iowa Street Legal Motorcycle Equipment Requirements

Iowa requires motorcycle to have:

  • Rearview mirrors.
  • Passenger footrest when carrying a passenger.
  • Speedometer and Odometer.
  • Daytime headlights.

Learn more about street legal motorcycle requirements.

This information was correct at the time of writing it, but state laws are subject to change.

More Iowa Motorcycle Resources