The owner of a boat required to be numbered in Iowa must register it every 3 years through the County Recorder, in the county of residence.

• All registrations expire April 30 of the 3 year cycle.  A $5.00 penalty is added to the renewal cost for an expired registration.  There is no grace period.
• The registration is required to be carried in the boat when it is being operated.

Buying A Boat Brochure
This brochure is designed to help you obtain the proper paperwork and fees to register your new or used vessel. If you have additional questions, please contact your local County Recorder or the Iowa DNR at 515-281-5918.

2010 - 2013 Boat Registration Fees
Application for Boats, Snowmobiles, ATVs and ORVs  (Form #542-8067) 
 (Registration, Title, Lien, Subsequent Security, and Bonding)

Boating: Affidavit to Store Registered Vessel (Form #542-8048)

Instructions for Bonding Boats, Snowmobile, ATVs and ORVs    
Affidavit for Unregistered or Untitled (Form #542-8074)
 (All-Terrain Vehicles, Off Road Utility Vehicles, Snowmobiles or Vessels)

List of Iowa Boat Dealers