Iowa VIN Check

Vehicle History

Checking a car's VIN in Iowa is critical because it shows its history, such as accidents and damage. You will need that information if you hope to get a good offer from one of the 341 used car dealers in the state.

Title Verification

Before buying a used car, it's essential to ensure its title is clean. An Iowa VIN helps confirm that the seller can legally sell the car, as registration details and titling are above board. Iowa has 3,118,200 registered vehicles.

Accident History

Accident history checks can reveal any past damage from collisions, which is crucial for making an informed decision on the vehicle. This information can also help you negotiate prices or determine the vehicle's value. There were 338 fatal vehicle crashes yearly; hence, It is advisable to see if the vehicle was previously involved in an accident to prevent future liability.

Mileage Verification

Odometer readings indicate how much life is left in the vehicle. A car with lower mileage is considered to have a longer lifespan and, therefore, is more expensive. In Iowa, This rise in odometer fraud prompted the Iowa Department of Transportation to update its odometer disclosure regulations to align with stricter federal guidelines.

Recalls and Safety Standards

Vehicles operating with open recalls put travelers' safety at serious risk. Manufacturers recall their cars when they discover a safety problem. In Iowa, the government also endorses checks to determine recalls and act on them as soon as possible. Up to 50,000 open vehicle recalls exist in the state. In Iowa, a VIN check can show if your car, truck, or SUV has an open recall.

Theft Check

Vehicle thefts are a relevant consideration when purchasing a vehicle. These checks ensure you do not purchase a vehicle with a criminal record attached. It is also relevant to Iowa, considering more than 5,370 thefts occur annually. Similarly, it is a felony to possess a stolen vehicle, punishable by up to two years in jail.

Natural Disaster-Related Reasons

The weather in the state can wreak havoc on vehicles. Iowa has experienced 80 natural disaster events. These snowstorms, floods, and tornadoes can cause severe damage that isn't always visible when inspecting a vehicle. When you perform an Iowa VIN check, you will learn the vehicle's history with these natural occurrences..

Title Transfer

Transferring a vehicle title in Iowa involves specific steps and requirements to ensure a smooth process. If the seller is not obtaining a new registration, they must remove the plates and return them to the County Treasurer with a Claim for Refund form. The seller must also provide a properly completed and signed Bill of Sale to the buyer and complete the Assignment of Title on the back of the Iowa Title. On the other hand, the buyer must submit the original title, bill of sale, and fees to the County Treasurer within 30 days of purchase.

If the vehicle is purchased from an Iowa resident, the seller must answer damage disclosure questions on the Iowa title. If it is purchased from a non-Iowa resident, the buyer must complete section 2 and sign. Fees include a $25 title transfer fee and a $5 postage fee for standard plates. A $10 lien fee may apply, and a 5% tax is charged on the purchase price. Penalties apply after 30 days if the title is not transferred.

Insurance and Registration Requirements

In Iowa, you must be at least 16 to drive. Drivers must have a valid driver's license, car registration, and minimum car insurance coverage. The minimum car insurance requires liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage: $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage.

Titling Requirements and Sales Tax

To title and register your car in Iowa as a new resident, visit your county treasurer's office within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring a valid Iowa driver's license, a completed application form, and proof of ownership (title or bill of sale).

For out-of-state vehicles, new residents must present their out-of-state title when processing their Iowa registration. If the title is not available, they must bring the registration document with proof of payment for the sales tax. Some counties may require a bond if the title cannot be presented.

For salvaged vehicles, the process involves designating the vehicle as a "salvage vehicle" if the cost to repair exceeds 50% of the fair market value before it was damaged. The vehicle must pass inspection from the Motor Vehicle Division to ensure it meets safety standards and is not repaired using stolen parts.

The state sales tax rate for Iowa is 5% for all car purchases. In addition to the state rate, local and county sales tax rates can range up to 1%. This means the total sales tax rate can be up to 6% (5% state + 1% local).

Iowa - Assigned VINs

Assigned VINs in Iowa refer to Vehicle Identification Numbers assigned by the Iowa Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). This typically applies if you've built a vehicle yourself, made significant modifications like a body swap, or have a car where the original VIN is missing or unusable.

Also, if you're registering a vehicle in Iowa that originated from another state and lacked a title, you might need to go through an assigned VIN process, depending on the situation. The Iowa DOT MVD will inspect the vehicle to verify its identity and ownership before assigning a unique VIN. This VIN will then be used for registration and titling the car within the state.