If you own a boat in Iowa, it's important to know that you
are required to register it with Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
before operating it on Iowa waterways. Registering your boat in Iowa is a
simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. In this blog post,
we'll take you through the process of how to register a boat in Iowa. Boats can
be registered either at any local DNR office or the County Recorder’s office.
Before you can register your boat, you'll need to gather the
required documents. These include:
·
A completed Boat Registration Application (Form
542-8067). This can be found on the DNR’s website here.
·
Proof of ownership (a bill of sale if the boat
is used, manufacturer's certificate of origin if the boat is new, and
documentation of whether taxes were paid at the time of purchase)
·
The previous registration documents signed over
to you at the time of sale, and previous title, signed over to you
·
If the boat was previously owned but never
registered, you’ll need to complete an Affidavit of Untitled/Unregistered
Vessels. This can be found on the DNR’s website here.
·
Payment for the registration fee (fees vary
based on the size and type of boat)
Once you have all of the required documents, you can
complete the Boat Registration Application (Form 542-8067). This form can be
downloaded from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website here or
picked up at any county recorder's office or DNR office.
The form will ask for basic information about you and your
boat, including the boat's make and model, hull identification number (HIN),
and motor type and horsepower. You'll also need to provide your contact
information, including your address and phone number.
Once you've completed the application, you'll need to submit
it along with the required fee. You can do this in person at any County Recorder's
office or DNR office or by mail to the County Recorder.
If you choose to submit your application by mail, make sure
to include a check or money order for the registration fee.
After you've submitted your application and fee, you'll need
to wait for your registration and decals to arrive in the mail. This usually
takes a few weeks, but you can check the status of your registration on the
Iowa DNR's website.
Once you receive your registration number and decals, you'll
need to affix the numbers to the hull of your boat, in the front third of the
boat just below the gunwale on both sides. The registration decals should be in
line with the registration number, just behind. The registration certificate
should be kept on board at all times and presented to law enforcement if
requested.
In summary, registering a boat in Iowa is a simple process
that can be completed in just a few steps. By gathering the required documents,
completing the application, submitting the fee, and waiting for your
registration and decals to arrive, you'll be able to legally enjoy your boat on
Iowa's beautiful waterways.
