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How do I sell a car in Iowa?

I am trying to sell my car in my home state of Iowa. Open to pretty much any method. Any tips on how to sell my car?

avatar
Nick Kunze · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
You can sell your car in Iowa by trading it in at a dealership or selling it yourself in a private sale.
According to the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), you will need to turn in your license plates to the county treasurer’s office and provide a dealer or a private buyer with:
  • The title
  • Name of the county where the car was most recently registered
  • License plate expiration date
  • Odometer statement
  • Damage disclosure statement
For a private sale, you will also need to provide the bill of sale. This process is a little bit different if you are selling to a non-Iowa resident, so be sure to reference the Iowa DOT website before you make the sale.
Here are some other tips if you’re selling to a private buyer:
  • Clean your car thoroughly before taking pictures or showing it to any potential buyers
  • Advertise online using multiple photos
  • Settle on a fair price. This may mean allowing the buyer to get the car appraised or inspected by a third party.
  • Cancel your insurance once the sale is complete
Now that you’ve sold your vehicle, it may be time to get insurance on a new car. Use insurance broker
Jerry
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