Registering your vehicle is a mandatory step to legally drive in Iowa. The annual registration fees are defined by Iowa Code sections 321.109 and 321.115 through 321.124. These fees are payable at your local county treasurer’s office, specifically in your county of residence. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of registration fees based on the Type Of Vehicle in Iowa, ensuring you understand the costs associated with your vehicle.
Passenger Cars, Light Trucks, and Multipurpose Vehicles
For many common types of vehicles, including standard passenger cars (excluding electric and plug-in hybrids), low-speed vehicles, multipurpose vehicles from 1993 onwards, and model year 2010 and newer trucks weighing 10,000 pounds or less, registration fees are calculated based on a combination of the vehicle’s weight and its original list price.
The calculation formula is as follows:
Start with a base fee of $0.40 for every hundred pounds of the vehicle’s weight. Then, add a percentage of the vehicle’s original list price, which decreases as the vehicle gets older.
| Model Years Old | Percent of Original List Price |
|---|---|
| 1 – 7 | 1.00% |
| 8 – 9 | 0.75% |
| 10 – 11 | 0.50% |
| 12 and after | Fixed fee of $50 |
Example Calculation:
Let’s consider a vehicle that weighs 3,000 pounds and has an original list price of $18,500.
- Weight-based fee: (3,000 pounds / 100) x $0.40 = $12
- List price-based fee (assuming the vehicle is 1-7 years old): $18,500 x 1% = $185
- Total Annual Fee = $12 + $185 = $197
Electric Vehicles: Battery Electric (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
Electric vehicles, including both Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), also have their registration fees based on weight and list price. However, they are subject to an additional supplemental registration fee. This supplemental fee, mandated by the Iowa Legislature under HF767, is designed to compensate for the reduced fuel tax revenue from electric vehicles, which traditionally funds road maintenance in Iowa.
The formula for electric vehicle registration is: $0.40 per hundred pounds of vehicle weight, plus a percentage of the vehicle list price (decreasing with age), plus the supplemental registration fee.
The percentage of the list price is determined by the vehicle’s age, as shown in the table below:
| Model Years Old | Percent of Original List Price |
|---|---|
| 1 – 7 | 1.00% |
| 8 – 9 | 0.75% |
| 10 – 11 | 0.50% |
| 12 and after | Fixed fee of $50 |
In addition to these standard fees, electric vehicles incur the following supplemental annual registration fees:
| Vehicle Type | Supplemental Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) | $130.00 |
| Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) | $65.00 |
Example Calculation for a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV):
Consider a BEV weighing 4,000 pounds with a list price of $35,500.
- Weight-based fee: (4,000 pounds / 100) x $0.40 = $16
- List price-based fee (assuming vehicle is 1-7 years old): $35,500 x 1% = $355
- Supplemental Fee (BEV): $130
- Total Annual Fee = $16 + $355 + $130 = $501
Motorcycles and Autocycles
Registration fees for motorcycles are based on the age of the motorcycle. Similar to electric cars, electric and plug-in hybrid motorcycles also have a supplemental fee.
| Model Years Old | Fee* |
|---|---|
| 1 – 5 | $20* |
| 6 or older | $10* |
*These fees are before supplemental fees for electric motorcycles.
The supplemental annual registration fee for Battery Electric (BEV) and Plug-in Electric (PHEV) Motorcycles is:
| Vehicle Type | Supplemental Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle (BEV or PHEV) | $9.00 |
Autocycles, which are three-wheeled vehicles with car-like controls (steering wheel, seat belts), have the same registration fee structure as motorcycles, based on age:
| Model Years Old | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 – 5 | $20 |
| 6 or older | $10 |
Mopeds or Motorized Bicycles
Mopeds and motorized bicycles have a flat annual registration fee of $7.
Business Trade Trucks
Business trade trucks are a specific type of vehicle classification for model year 2010 or newer trucks weighing 10,000 pounds or less. These must be owned or leased by businesses (corporations, LLCs, partnerships) or individuals filing Schedule C or F with the IRS and meeting specific business use criteria and depreciation eligibility.
Misrepresenting a vehicle as a business trade truck can result in penalties up to $2,250. Owners must self-certify business usage upon initial registration and at each renewal. For detailed fee information, refer to the Business Trade Truck Chart.
Specialized Vehicle Types: Ambulances, Antique Vehicles, Buses, and More
Certain types of vehicles have fixed or unique fee structures:
- Ambulances: Motor vehicles equipped for life support and patient transport have a $50 annual fee.
- Antique Vehicles: Vehicles 25 years or older registered after January 1, 2009, pay standard minimum fees for their vehicle type. Vehicles titled/registered before January 1, 2009, follow a grandfather clause with fees of $23 (model years 1970-1983) or $16 (model year 1969 and older).
- Buses: Fees for buses (excluding church, private school, and transit buses) are calculated based on gross vehicle weight and passenger capacity. See the Bus Fees Chart for details.
- Church Buses: Have a flat $25 annual registration fee.
- Private-School and Transit Buses: Exempt from fees, with plates issued at the state level.
- Hearses: Have a $50 annual registration fee.
Motorhomes and Motorsport/Recreational Vehicles
Motorhomes are classified into Class A, B, and C, with fees based on the suggested retail list price and age.
| Class | Suggested Retail List Price | Model Years Old | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | $80,000 & over | 1 – 5 | $400 |
| 6 & older | $300 | ||
| $40,000 to $79,999 | 1 – 5 | $200 | |
| 6 & older | $150 | ||
| $20,000 to $39,999 | 1 – 5 | $140 | |
| 6 & older | $105 | ||
| Less than $20,000 | 1 – 5 | $120 | |
| 6 & older | $85 | ||
| Class B (Van type) | All Prices | 1 – 5 | $90 |
| 6 & older | $65 | ||
| Class C | All Prices | 1 – 5 | $110 |
| 6 & older | $80 |
Motorsport or recreational vehicles have a fixed annual registration fee of $400.
Multipurpose Vehicles (Older Models) and Specially Equipped Vehicles
- Multipurpose Vehicles (1992 and older): Have a $55 fee (examples: Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Bronco).
- Specially Equipped Multipurpose Vehicles: For vehicles equipped to assist persons with disabilities, the fee is $60, requiring owner certification (Specially Equipped Vehicle Owner’s Certification).
Trucks, Trailers, and Semi-Trailers
- Special Trucks & Truck Tractors: Fees vary; consult the Special Truck Fees Chart.
- Semi-Trailers: (including 5th wheel and goose-neck trailers over 2,000 lbs) have a $30 fee.
- Regular Trailers: (less than 2,000 lbs) have a $20 fee.
- Travel Trailers: Fees are based on square footage and age, starting at $0.30 per sq. ft. for newer models.
- Regular Trucks, Truck Tractors, and Buses: Fees are based on gross weight. See the Regular Truck Fees Chart.
Conclusion
Understanding the registration fees for your type of vehicle in Iowa is essential for budgeting and legal compliance. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, but always refer to the official Iowa Department of Transportation or your local county treasurer for the most up-to-date information and specific details related to your vehicle. By knowing the fees associated with your type of vehicle, Iowa residents can ensure they are properly registered and contributing to the maintenance of the state’s roadways.
