Motor Vehicle Dealers - Used Vehicles Only
Required for motor vehicle dealers and towable recreational vehicle dealers operating in Iowa. Protects consumers from fraudulent practices and ensures compliance with state regulations.
Trusted by thousands · Easy online process · Quick turnaroundRates and requirements last updated June 26, 2026
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About This Bond
The Iowa Motor Vehicle Dealer and/or Towable Recreational Vehicle Dealer Bond is a $75,000 surety bond required by the Iowa Department of Transportation for businesses engaged in selling motor vehicles or towable recreational vehicles within the state.
Who Needs This Bond: All motor vehicle dealers and towable recreational vehicle dealers operating in Iowa must obtain this bond as part of their licensing requirements. This includes both new and used vehicle dealers who sell cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, RVs, and other towable recreational vehicles to consumers.
Protection Provided: This bond protects the State of Iowa and consumers from financial losses resulting from the dealer's failure to comply with state laws and regulations governing vehicle sales. It ensures dealers operate ethically, maintain proper records, handle titles correctly, and fulfill their obligations to customers and the state.
Bond Details: The bond has a one-year term and is renewable annually. The Iowa DOT requires the principal to sign the original bond form in ink - electronic signatures are not accepted. However, pre-executed forms are acceptable. The bond amount of $75,000 provides financial security for claims arising from violations of Iowa motor vehicle dealer regulations.
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At a glance
Iowa Auto Dealer Bond Key Facts
Governed by Iowa Code § 321.24.
The basics
What Is an Auto Dealer Bond in Iowa?
A bonded title in Iowa is a regular certificate of title the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) issues on the strength of a bond. You use it when a county treasurer cannot title or register your vehicle because you do not have the proper ownership documents — for example, the title is lost and the seller cannot provide one. Iowa law allows this under Iowa Code section 321.24.
Good to know - You do not need the bond if the Iowa DOT determines your vehicle is worth $1,000 or less and it is 12 or more model years old. A vehicle issued a junking certificate cannot use the bonding procedure unless it is 25 years old or older.
The bond protects the state and anyone with a claim to the vehicle if someone else turns out to be the rightful owner. You file it together with your title application — it does not replace the application.
Iowa sets the bond at 1.5 times your vehicle’s current value, and the bond stays in effect for three years. You can buy a surety bond from a bonding company licensed in Iowa, or post a cash bond for the same amount. If no one makes a valid claim during the three years, the bond expires and you keep a clear title.
Qualification
What You Need to Qualify for a Iowa Auto Dealer Bond
Approval depends on your dealer license type, required coverage amount, and underwriting factors such as credit.
- A county treasurer cannot title or register your vehicle because you do not have the proper ownership documents (for example, the title is lost and the seller cannot provide one).
- You can show how you got the vehicle with proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale, a cancelled check, a prior title, or a junking certificate.
- The vehicle was not issued a junking certificate — or, if it was, the vehicle is 25 years old or older.
- You buy a surety bond from a bonding company licensed to do business in Iowa, or post a cash bond with the state.
Step by step
How to Get an Auto Dealer Bond in Iowa: Step by Step
Confirm you need a bonded title
Iowa uses a bonded title when a county treasurer cannot title or register your vehicle because you do not have the proper ownership documents. You do not need a bond if the Iowa DOT determines your vehicle is worth $1,000 or less and it is 12 or more model years old.
Apply to the Iowa DOT
Complete and submit the Application for Registration and Bonded Certificate of Title for a Vehicle (Form 411008) to the Office of Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services. Include proof of how you got the vehicle and photos of the front and one side, the VIN plate, and (for 1968 and newer vehicles) the manufacturer's federal safety label.
Application for Registration and Bonded Certificate of Title for a Vehicle (411008)Let the DOT check records and set your value
The Iowa DOT checks for an existing title or junking certificate on the vehicle. If a record is found, the listed owner is notified by mail and has at least 10 days to respond. The DOT then determines your vehicle's current value and mails you a bond paper showing the value and the bond amount.
Buy your bond
Buy a surety bond for 1.5 times the vehicle's value from a bonding company licensed in Iowa, or post a cash bond with the state for the same amount. Sign the bond paper with your surety company representative and return it to the Office of Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services.
Receive your bonded title
Once the DOT processes your signed bond, you receive your bonded certificate of title and registration. The bond stays in effect for three years; after that it expires and no bond is required.
Paperwork
Iowa Dealer Bond Forms & Documents
The main application, submitted to the Office of Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services.
View formA surety bond from a bonding company licensed in Iowa, or a cash bond posted with the state, for 1.5x the vehicle's value. The DOT mails you the bond paper to complete.
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Cost
How Iowa Auto Dealer Bond Pricing Works
You do not pay the full bond amount. Iowa sets the bond at 1.5 times your vehicle’s current value, as determined by the Iowa DOT. With a surety bond you pay only a premium, which is a smaller percentage of that amount.
You can also post a cash bond for the full amount, which the state holds for three years on a non-interest-bearing basis. Your surety premium depends on the bond amount and underwriting; use the calculator above for an estimate. State title and registration fees are paid to your county treasurer and are separate from the bond.
Worked example
If the Iowa DOT values your vehicle at $8,000, the bond amount is 1.5x that, or $12,000. With a surety bond you pay only the premium on the $12,000 bond, not the full $12,000.
Filing
Filing Information
Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT)
We prepare the issued bond and send you a copy for your records. Filing requirements vary by state, license type, carrier, and bond form.
515-237-3110FAQ
Iowa Auto Dealer Bond FAQ
Yes. When a county treasurer cannot title or register your vehicle because you do not have the proper ownership documents, Iowa lets you file a bond to get a bonded certificate of title under Iowa Code section 321.24.
The bond amount is 1.5 times your vehicle’s current value, as determined by the Iowa DOT. With a surety bond you pay only a premium — a percentage of that amount — not the full bond. Use the calculator above to estimate it.
The Iowa DOT determines your vehicle’s current value and mails you a bond paper showing that value and the required bond amount.
Three years. After three years the bond expires and no bond is required. During that time, anyone with a valid claim to the vehicle can recover against the bond.
No. You do not need a bond if the Iowa DOT determines your vehicle is worth $1,000 or less and it is 12 or more model years old.
Yes. You can deposit a cash bond with the state, held for three years on a non-interest-bearing basis, or buy a surety bond from a bonding company licensed in Iowa.
Submit the Application for Registration and Bonded Certificate of Title for a Vehicle (Form 411008) to the Iowa DOT Office of Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services. You can reach the office at 515-237-3110 or vscusto@iowadot.us.
A vehicle that was issued a junking certificate cannot be reinstated through the bonding procedure unless it is 25 years old or older.
Sources
Last verified 2026-06-23. Requirements change - confirm current details with Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) before you file. This page is informational and not legal advice.
FAQ
Iowa Auto Dealer Bond Questions
The cost of a Iowa auto dealer bond is usually a small percentage of the state-required bond amount. Your exact premium depends on the bond amount, license type, business details, and underwriting factors such as credit.
Many auto dealer bonds can be issued the same day after you complete the application. Larger bond amounts or applications that need underwriting review may take longer.
Requirements vary by license type, but most Iowa auto dealers need to complete a short application and purchase the bond amount required by the state before their license can be issued or renewed.
Often, yes. Many states have separate bond requirements for wholesale, retail, broker, or other dealer license types. Choose the bond that matches your Iowa license instructions.
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AutoDealersBond.com is operated by Insurance Services by Shield, a California and Texas licensed insurance agency (CA License #6018195, TX License #3446536). Insurance Services by Shield is not an insurance carrier and does not underwrite bonds or insurance policies. Bond and coverage availability, pricing, and issuance are subject to carrier underwriting approval, eligibility, applicable state requirements, and policy or bond terms. Availability varies by state.
