Welcome to the new Guthrie County Website!

Motor Vehicles

Alert

A bill of sale is required for ALL vehicle/trailer transfers starting January 1, 2020.

Motor Vehicle Renewals

  • Motor vehicle registration is due annually.
  • Courtesy registration renewal notices go out the month before registration is due.
  • There is a three-month window to renew; payments can be made the month before, the month of or the month after your registration is due without being penalized if driving in Iowa.
  • The following vehicles are NOT allowed to renew online include:
    • Prorate
    • Firefighter vehicles due to the annual certification (unless retired member)
    • Personalized plates that have been expired for more than 60 days
    • Customers with outstanding debts
    • Customers requiring SR-22 insurace

Renew your vehicle tags online www.iowatreasurers.org with an e-Check for .25 cents (less than a postage stamp) or a debit/credit card for 2.25% of the total due.

If renewing online, you must have your PIN. Your PIN is located on your renewal notice. If you do not have this renewal notice, please call our office. NOTE: This pin is specific to you and should not change, therefore, the same PIN can be used annually.

Payment Methods

  • In office with cash, check or card (cards accepted for an additional fee),
    • Accepted credit cards: MasterCard, Visa, Discover
  • Mail (if at the end of the month, mail must be postmarked to not incur penalties)
  • Online through iowatreasurers.org

Checks should be made out to Guthrie County Treasurer.

Pay Online with PIN

Motor Vehicle Title Transfers

A bill of sale will be required for all title transfers. Please note a bill of sale should be completed by both parties (buyer and seller).

  • Autos, trucks, motor homes, motorcycles, campers, mobile homes, and trailers (2,001 lbs. or greater) are titled within the state of Iowa.
  • Trailers less than or equal to 2,000 lbs are issued registration only.
  • New owners have 30 days from the date of purchase to change their title. Penalties start after 30 days.
  • New owners can drive their new vehicle for 30 days from the purchase date without plates on as long as they properly carry assigned title or bill of sale and proof of insurance if stopped by law enforcement.
  • Odometer required for vehicles 20 years and newer Odometer Disclosure Statement
  • Damage Disclosure Statement required for vehicles 7 years and newer
  • Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration will be required to be signed by all owners before the transfer can be completed

Selling a Vehicle

Upon selling your vehicle to a private individual, you should:

  • Sign on the signature of seller line on first assignment on the back of the title
  • Enter the Date of Sale
  • Print on the printed name of seller line back of the title
  • Make sure the buyer completes the top line of the assignment with their legal name and address,
  • Complete a bill of sale including both parties' names, date of sale and purchase price.
  • Complete the odometer reading (required for vehicles 20 years and newer),
  • Complete the damage disclosure statement (only required for vehicles 7 years and newer),
  • Always take the license plates off the vehicle and return them to our office. The only exception to this rule is a transfer between parents and children.

County Courthouse

200 N. 5th St.
Guthrie Center, IA
Contact Us

Courthouse Hours

M-F 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed Holidays
Department Hours May Vary