Title to a car is the official record and proof of ownership of the car. Transferring the title to a car is necessary when a seller sells the car to a buyer—or when divorcing spouses are transferring the title from both spouses to one spouse. Your state’s department of motor vehicles will usually make the forms necessary to transfer the title/change vehicle ownership available on its website—with some additional information to guide you through the process.
In Iowa, the title of a car serves as the legal document that establishes the ownership of the vehicle. When a car is sold, or ownership is transferred due to divorce or other circumstances, the title must be transferred to the new owner to reflect this change. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) provides the necessary forms and instructions for transferring a vehicle title on its website. The process typically involves the seller signing the title over to the buyer, completing a bill of sale, and the buyer submitting the title, bill of sale, and an application for title to the Iowa DOT. Additionally, an odometer disclosure statement is required for vehicles less than ten years old. Both parties may also need to provide identification and may be required to pay a title transfer fee. It's important to complete this process promptly to ensure legal ownership and to avoid potential penalties.