Vehicle registration requirements - Iowa

License plate display

License plates issued for any motor vehicle — except autocycles, motorcycles, motorized bicycles, and truck tractors — must be attached to both the front and rear of the vehicle. Any autocycle, motorcycle, or other vehicle required to be registered must display one license plate on the rear of the vehicle. Truck tractors must display one license plate on the front of the truck tractor.

International Registration Plan

Iowa is a member of the International Registration Plan (IRP). The IRP is a base state system for vehicle registration fees allowing a carrier to apply for vehicle registration and pay fees to a single jurisdiction.

Motor vehicles that qualify for apportionment consist of the following:

• A power unit having two axles and a gross vehicle weight (GVW) or registered weight in excess of 26,000 pounds;
• A power unit having three or more axles, regardless of weight; or
• A unit used in combination when the weight of such combination exceeds a GVW or 26,000 pounds.

To register with the IRP, a new carrier will need to fill out the IRP vehicle schedule, distance schedule, new account - schedule G, IRP/IFTA record retention statement, and the heavy highway vehicle use tax return (if applicable). The carrier will also need to provide a copy of the vehicle's title, as well as three current proofs of residence to verify the physical address at the established place of business.

Temporary permit: A temporary evidence of apportioned registration (TEAR) may be obtained from Vehicle and Motor Carrier Services at the Iowa Department of Transportation. The permit comes at no extra charge and is valid for 60 days.

Hunter's or unladen weight permit: Unladen weight permits are issued to owner/operators who have broken their lease with a carrier. The unladen weight permit allows them to travel from point of origin to point of destination, indicating an intermediate point, while going to a new lessee. They aren't valid for carrying a load. The permit is valid for 15 days and costs a fee of $10. A separate permit must be obtained for each tractor and each trailer.

Agency: Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division.

Fees: Registration fees are calculated according to each jurisdiction's specific registration schedules.