IowaCar Registration

Bonus

Features

24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Benefits

24-Hour Towing Service

24-Hour Mechanical First Aid

24-Hour Tire Change Service

Customers are covered for emergency road service throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Customers are entitled to emergency towing service at no out-of-pocket cost for any tow up to 75 dollars. One service per seven days, two services per contract. Extended distance will be an additional expense covered by the customer.

Customers are entitled to any service requiring minor adjustments (exclusive of parts) to enable a disabled vehicle to proceed under its own power, where available.

Customers may have their tire changed with their inflated and functional spare tire.

Congratulations on your 60-dayRoadside Assistance membershipWhen out on the road, you will know that you are covered and protected by an organization that cares about the safety of you and your family. Our customer service representatives respond quickly to provide you the best service and protection available anywhere.

Rental Car Discounts

24-Hour Lost Key Service

24-Hour Emergency Delivery

24-Hour Emergency Battery Service

Map Routing Service

Customers are entitled to take advantage of our rental car discount codes and pre-negotiated group rates, which are honored at thousands of locations throughout the U.S. and abroad.

If keys are locked inside a customer’s vehicle, the customer will be assisted in gaining entry to the vehicle’s passenger compartment only. Locksmith services may be dispatched as needed at the customer’s expense for labor and key making.

A service truck will deliver emergency supplies of gasoline, water, oil or other necessary supplies. Customers pay only for the cost of the supplies.

Customers are covered for battery boosts and minor adjustments to alternators, starters, etc. while on the road.

We will, at no charge, provide customers with a four-color mapping and travel route information to destinations they specify.

Theft And Hit & Run Protection

A $500 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Hit & Run damages or stealing customers’ vehicles. Whenever you travel, you will like the secure and confident feeling of knowing that you are protected by NSD’s Roadside Assistance. Fast response and excellent service are just two reasons why millions of motorists rely on NSD’s Roadside Assistance for on-the-road protection.

Follow the link in your confirmation email to start redeeming your $25 Gas Coupon.

*PLEASE SAVE ALL THE INFORMATION FOR YOUR RECORDS. You will use your log in information throughout the course of your complimentary gas membership.

CONGRATULATIONS! Redeem Your $25 Gas Card Online

Keeping You Safe Mile After MileOnce your purchase is processed, you will receive an email with the information you need to start your 60-day Roadside Assistance membership.

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Registration Insurance Requirements

Replacing Your Vehicle Registration

DOL Hours and Locationsions

License Plates

Vehicle Registration

Renewing Your Vehicle Registration

Registering Your Vehicle in Washingtontonnrolina

Updating Your Vehicle Registration

Vehicle Safety Tips

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Contents

Registration Insurance Requirements

Replacing Your Vehicle Registration

DOT Hours and Locations

License Plates

Vehicle Registration

Renewing Your Vehicle Registration

Registering Your Vehicle in Iowa

Updating Your Vehicle Registration

Vehicle Safety Tips

Table of

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Vehicle

Registration

Getting a vehicle is always an exciting adventure. It does not matter if it is your first car or if you have already purchased many vehicles in the past, making the decision to obtain a car is a big step and it must be taken carefully to avoid any inconveniences.

Whenever you purchase a car, whether it is new or used, you must register and title your vehicle for legal vehicle operation. Additionally, when you move from another state to Iowa, you will have to follow the procedure to transfer your registration.

Our guide will provide you with step-by-step information on how you can register your vehicle with the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT). Learn how you can also transfer your out-of-state registration and renew proper credentials at the appropriate time. Additionally, we will make sure you have all the necessary documents and forms, so you do not experience any delay to your car registration process. Sit back and relax while we guide you towards getting your vehicle registration in no time. It is important to note that you may need to download any PDF documents linked in this guide and open the documents with the most recent version of your PDF viewer if they do not display in the browser.

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Registration InsuranceRequirements

Before you start the registration process, you should know that every car in Iowa is required to have liability insurance for legal vehicle operation within the state. This is vital since you must carry proof of it all the time and you may be requested to show it by a law enforcer or if you have a traffic accident, and you will need it in order to register your car or renew your registration.

Even though the DOT establishes the minimum requirements of liability insurance, you are highly recommended to acquire higher limits. Iowa requires all cars to be insured by a licensed insurance company and they must carry the liability insurance with the following limits:

that you must present for registration and carry with you all the time. t 501-682-7932.

Bodily injury liability per person per accident

Bodily injury liability per accident

$25,000

$40,000

Property damage liability per accident $15,000

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not required but it is recommended for at least $20,000 per person or $40,000 per accident. Liability insurance pays for any injuries or property damages caused by you or others who are driving your car with your permission. If you are caught driving without proper liability insurance, you may have to pay fines and other penalties. When you buy your insurance, you will receive an insurance identification card

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Registering YourVehicle in Iowa

Registering your vehicle with the DOT is the next step to safe and legal car operation in Iowa. New, used and vehicle from out of state should all be registered with the DOT. Review the sections below for more information on registering and titling your vehicles in Iowa.

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When you buy a new car at a dealership, you will not have to worry about titling and registering since the dealership usually takes care of all the process; therefore, they will submit most of the required documentation and will take care of the fees and taxes.

However, if you bought a new car from a private party or if the dealership did not process the registration and titling for you, you will have to register it yourself. First, you must visit your closest county treasurer’s office and present your vehicle title signed by you and the seller. You must also:

Complete the Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration for a Vehicle (form 411077) signed by all the owners.

Present your driver’s license

Present the Odometer Disclosure Statement (form 411077).

• If necessary, you may need to complete an Odometer Certification and Statement of Fact (form 411099). This form is needed for mileage and odometer discrepancies.

Present a Damage Disclosure Statement (form 411108), when necessary.

Bring a completed Notice of Sale of Vehicle and Delivery of Title” (form 411107).

• Clicking on this link will begin a document download. If you would prefer to download the document through the DOT. Click here and search for the form name or number.

• This form is filled out by the seller.

Pay the fees.

For a seller’s checklist, click here. This form includes a buyer’s acknowledgement of the sale, which the seller can use as proof of sale. If your vehicle is leased, most of the requirements will remain the same. However, you will have to contact the lender so they complete the paperwork. To learn more about selling or purchasing a used vehicle, click here.

Registration fees can vary, so you must make sure to contact your county treasury office for more details. You can also click here to see basic fee information.

If you move to a new place of residence or change your mailing address, you must inform the county treasurer to make sure you get registration notices at the correct address. You should update this address information within 10 days of the address change.

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Renewing YourVehicle Registration

After you get your vehicle registration, you must regularly renew your documentation to maintain legal driving privileges. You must renew your registration through the methods provided by your county’s treasury office.Vehicle registrations in IA are renewed every year and you have a three-month window to renew, one month before, the renewal month and a month after. If you are late for renewal, you can face a late fee. This fee is due per vehicle per month it is late, and the fee will be 5 percent of the total amount due, rounded to the nearest dollar. The minimum penalty is $5 per vehicle that is late.

Renewing OnlineYou may renew online if your renewal application includes a personal identification number (PIN) needed for the online renewal. Click here for the main registration renewal page. Renewing online is a simple process, as all you need to begin the process if your vehicle plate number and the PIN listed on your renewal notice. Alternately, you can sue the audit number listed on your receipt for registration renewal. If you live in any of the counties below, click on them to be taken to the appropriate website:

Buchanan

Clayton

Dickinson

Floyd

Iowa

Johnson

Linn

Montgomery

Polk

Pottawattamie

Poweshiek

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You must have Discover, MasterCard or Visa debit or credit card and an electronic check to renew the registration online. Make sure to have the receipt in your vehicle after completing the renewal process. The online process also charges a service delivery fee for online transactions. You can also renew an additional vehicle during Step 3 of the online renewal process.

Other Renewal MethodsIf you cannot renew online, you can examine your renewal notice for details to renew in person at a county treasury office or by mail. If you make an in-person visit to your county treasurer’s office, confirm the accepted methods of payment, as some offices may not accept certain payments, or they may charge an additional processing fee for methods like credit cards. You can also send your renewal fee by mail by following the instructions on the renewal notice. You can send a check for this by-mail payment. Your renewal notice will specify how much you will have to pay.

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Replacing Your Vehicle Registration

If your registration is lost, stolen, destroyed or illegible, you will only have to request a replacement to continue operating your vehicle on Iowa roads. Replacement license plates, replacement registration documents or duplicate decals are all a part of this process. Some counties may have different processes, so it is best to contact your local county treasury office for full details. If you need to replace your validation sticker (registration decal), you must typically bring in your old registration card. If you cannot produce the registration card, you must let the office know and you must pay a fee to replace both the card and the decal. If you only need to replace your card, you must have the license plate number of the vehicle, and you must bring an accepted form of payment. Replacement registration documents are $3.

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Updating YourVehicle Registration

If you move to a new address or change your name, you must make sure to update the DOT and your county treasury office to update all relevant documentation, including your vehicle forms. Different treasury offices may have different methods for you to change your information. Some offices may request proof of the update for office records. You may order duplicate registration and titling documentation after a change, if necessary. Make sure to contact your county treasury office for a complete list of steps, as some offices may have different requirements. If you need to order duplicate documentation, you must bring an accepted form of payment.

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LicensePlates

Once you register your car in Iowa, there is a main requirement for you to prove that your registration is current and valid: displaying your license plates with current registration stickers. License plates are as important as your driver’s license since they identify your car from other cars.

The Iowa Department of Motor Vehicles (DOT) also issues license plates and registration stickers when you register your car for the first time or renew your registration.

All passenger vehicles must carry one plate on the front of the vehicle and one on the back of the vehicle. The plates identify what type of registration you have and in case something happens to you or your car, they work as a means of locating it or you through the DOT. Your license plates may be replaced in case something happens to them.

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Replacing Your License PlatesIn the event that something happens to your license plates, you must:

Visit your closest county treasurer’s office.

Return the remaining plates, if any.

Getting Custom PlatesIn Iowa, you will find a wide variety of custom license plates that will adapt to everybody’s needs. Personalized plates contain a combination of up to seven letters and numbers and are one of the many types of plates you may order at the DOT apart from the general plates. Specialty plates are the ones with special backgrounds.

A personalized plate is a plate for which you are able to choose the numbers and letters on it. The message on your plate may have from two up to seven characters. Some plates have room for a decal, if desired. You can order specialty plates online here. You can order specialty plates by mail by filling out the Special Plate Application (form 411260) form and sending the completed

Present your registration certificate.

Pay the $5 replacement fee.

• Confirm with your treasurer on accepted methods of payments and any process fees, when applicable.

• Replacement fees can vary if you are requesting a specialized/personalized plate.

document and payment to:

Office of Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services Iowa Department of Transportation P.O. Box 9278 Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9278

Fees can vary on the type of plate ordered. For example, a basic personalized plate costs $25 when you place the order. You must pay a $5 annual fee when renewing, plus the standard renewal fee. You can use the online tool to see if your chosen plate is available for order. You cannot use punctuation marks or offensive words or phrases on your personalized license plate. For more rules and restrictions on your plates, click here. You can review the types of plates offered by the DOT here. When your plates are ready, you must pick them up from your county’s treasury office. You must assign the plates to your vehicle with 90 days of pick up or the plates become void and you cannot get a refund. When picking up your new plates, you must bring in your old plates to exchange them. If you need a veterans, military, EMS, firefighter, amateur radio or persons with disabilities plates, you must apply by mail.

Surrendering Arkansas License PlatesSurrendering your license plates is necessary in certain scenarios. If you need a refund on an unused portion on your vehicle, you must be sure to surrender your plates during this process. For example, if you sell your car and do not obtain a replacement vehicle within 30 days, you can apply to get apportion of your paid registration back. You can apply for this registration refund no more than six months after the sale. If the refund amount is at least $10, you can get a refund. You must surrender your plates as determined by your county treasurer’s office.

If you do obtain a vehicle after selling your old car, you may be able to use the old plates instead of surrendering them to the Iowa treasury. You have six months to use the old plates for a new vehicle. IF you need to store your vehicle, you need to surrender your license plates and registration to the treasurer’s office.

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VehicleSafety Tips

Before you get behind the wheel, it is important to make sure that your vehicle is safe and prepared for any trip. This means checking the safety features and making any needed changes to your vehicle to guarantee a safe drive. Be sure to regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly and your tires are inflated and not worn out. Have the steering and suspensions checked by a mechanic.

Emergency KitOne of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include items such as water, extra batteries, rope, First Aid items, matches and a whistle. During the winter months, it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, a shovel and extra gloves and socks.

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Winter Driving One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that is prone to ice and snowfall. Consider the tips below to drive safely during the winter.

Don’t Rush!

Roads are often covered in snow and ice after snowfall. Instead of driving fast and risking an accident as you hurry to get to your destination, try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and avoid other dangerous drivers without being late for your appointment.

Don’t Panic if You Skid or Slip

In the event that your vehicle does skid or slip while you are driving, make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead, apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control.

Check Your Vehicle

Before you leave your house, make sure your vehicle’s controls, brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze and exhaust are all in working order. It is also important that you remove any ice and snow from your car before you begin driving. This prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive or flying off and hitting someone while the vehicle is in motion.

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Things to AvoidDrinking and Driving

Every year, thousands are killed as a result of drinking and driving. These unfortunate events can be prevented if drivers plan ahead of time and take certain steps.

Before you begin drinking, arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. If they also become intoxicated, it is important that you take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive. Instead, take away their keys and call for alternative transportation.

If you see someone who you suspect is drunk and showing signs of intoxication while driving – such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, breaking erratically or turning abruptly – call 9-1-1 and contact authorities immediately. Make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your own safety. This could mean you pulling over until they are at a safe distance from your car.

Using Your Phone

Driving while using your cell phone is one of the most dangerous actions you can perform. During those few seconds that your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. Make sure to avoid texting, using the internet on your phone or receiving calls while you drive.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving and drivers should both be avoided to prevent on-road aggression or accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as tailgating, verbally or physically harassing another driver or preventing another driver from merging or passing.

If you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you engage in any of the above behaviors. When you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, instead of becoming aggressive, take a moment, breathe and continue moving

Wasting Gas

If you drive often, you can start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Some of the ways that you can start saving gas are by turning off the air conditioning, not leaving your engine running and avoiding speeding. These things are preventable and not necessary for you to drive. Therefore, you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste.

Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly. You can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated and your engine is properly tuned.

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DOT Hoursand Locations

When dealing with vehicle registration or titling, you must typically deal with an Iowa county treasurer’s office. You can find your county’s office here. If you need to deal with the Department of Transportation, you can find your local office’s contact information here.

You can click here to fill out an online contact form for the DOT. For general contact information for the Department of Transportation, you can call 515-239-1101. You can contact the Office of Vehicle Services through the methods listed below:

Office of Vehicle Services Physical Address 6310 SE Convenience Blvd. Ankeny, IA 50021

Mailing Address P.O. Box 9278 Des Moines IA 50306-0473

Telephone: 515-237-3110 Fax: 515-237-3056 Email: vehser@dot.iowa.gov

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