Motor Vehicles
Can I put a vehicle title into someone else’s name?
No. The new owner needs to be present at the time of transfer or have the appropriate forms completed beforehand. If you are transferring a title on behalf of another person, you may download Form 411007 from the Iowa DOT website. They must complete and sign this form.
Do I have to have an appointment for Motor Vehicle?
No appointment is required for Motor Vehicle services.
How can we pay vehicle registrations?
Payment methods for vehicle registrations:
- Through the mail. Postmark must be by last day of grace month to avoid penalty.
- In our office from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Online through the Iowa Treasurer's website.
- Drop Box located at South/Main Court House Entrance – check only
How do I get a Persons with Disabilities plate?
You will need a letter from a doctor stating you qualify for a permanent disability. You must be an owner of the vehicle.
How do I get a replacement title?
Download Form 411033 from the Iowa DOT website.
There is a 5-day waiting period if the original title is lost. (If the original has been altered or spoiled in some way, please submit the original title to us with Form 411033 and we will process a replacement title in the same day.)
Anybody whose name is on the face of the title MUST sign the replacement application.
The replacement title must be ordered where the title was made (county specific). The fee is $25.00 cash only.
How do I get a salvage title vehicle inspected?
You must complete the inspection form on the DOT website. You will then be contacted by DOT for further guidance.
For more information on salvage titles, please visit the Iowa DOT website.
How do I order personalized/vanity license plates?
How do I register a newly-purchased vehicle?
If you purchased a new vehicle, you will need to bring in the title, bill of sale, Iowa driver's license or Iowa ID, and Application for Certificate of Title signed by all owners.
Completed Bill of Sale (signed by the seller, description of vehicle, date of sale, purchase price) is required for all vehicle transfers.
Damage Disclosure Statement is required for vehicles 7 years and newer.
Odometer Disclosure Statement is required for vehicles 2011 and newer.
How do I title and register a homemade trailer?
Get an empty weight scale ticket.
If the empty weight is less than 2,000 lbs, the trailer is considered a small regular trailer. A small regular trailer will have a registration only and receive a small single plate. You will need to bring in the empty weight scale ticket, Iowa driver’s license or Iowa ID, and all owners will have to sign the Application for Title and Registration. The annual registration fee will be $20.
If the weight is over 2,000 lbs, the trailer is considered a regular trailer. Your next step is to visit the Bureau of Investigations & Identity Protection website and contact your local investigator by email. A bureau investigator will inspect the trailer, review your documents, and assign a VIN. Once a VIN is assigned, you can come into the Treasurer’s office to title and register the trailer. You will need to bring in the empty weight scale ticket, Iowa driver’s license or Iowa ID, and all owners will have to sign the Application for Title and Registration. The annual registration fee will be $30.
How long do I have to renew my plates & registration?
The month before the plates are due, the month of, and the month after.
How long do I have to renew my plates and registration?
The month before the plates are due, the month of the plates, and the month after.
Example: September plate renewal — August, September, October.
**Please remember that other states do no honor Iowa’s grace period (month after registration is due) and you could be subject to a ticket for expired registration if traveling out of state.
How long do I have to title and register a newly purchased vehicle?
You have 30 days from the date of sale to title and register a new vehicle.
I lost one of my license plates. How do I get a new one?
You can get a new one at the Treasurer's Office. Bring the plate you have and your current registration with you. The cost is $5 for a replacement set of plates.
I lost the sticker off my plate. How do I get a new one?
You can get a new one at the Treasurer's Office. Bring your current registration with you. The cost is $3 for a replacement sticker.
I moved from out of state and need Iowa plates. What do I need to bring?
You will need the out of state title, out of state registration, Iowa driver's license or Iowa ID, proof of Iowa residents and Application for Certificate of Title signed by all owners.
I sold or junked my vehicle, what do I do with my plates and how do I get a refund?
If you sold your vehicle and do not plan to replace it, turn your plates in within six months of the date of sale and we will apply for a refund if there is $10 or more credit on the plates.
If you sold your vehicle and plan to replace it within the next six months, you may use the credit (minimum of $10) on the plates, however you have 30 days to use the plates on your new vehicle.
If you have turned in your leased vehicle, you will need to fill out a Claim for Refund and a Lease Termination Form , along with your plates. You can then apply for a refund as long as there is $10 or more of credit on the plates.
If you have moved out of state, you will need to complete a Claim for Refund form and also send in a copy of your current out of state registration. You can apply for a refund as long as there is $10 or more of credit on the plates.
If paying registration online, where can I find my PIN?
Your PIN is specific to you and should not change so you can use it from year to year. The PIN is located on your renewal notice in the top right-hand corner. If you cannot find it, you can contact our office at 712-433-2347, option #3 for Motor Vehicle. When calling the office, please provide your plate number so we can look up your PIN.
If your renewal notice does not contain a PIN, you are not eligible to renew online. Please refer to the back of the renewal notice for more information.
Questions about abandoned vehicles?
What do I do when an owner on a title(s) is deceased?
There are many circumstances regarding the death of an owner listed on a title. Please contact our office at (712) 433-2347, option # 3 for Motor Vehicle department. Please have the title(s) with you in case we have questions.
Plate Replacement Cycle
I just received my renewal notice in the mail, how do I determine if I am getting new plates?
The front of the renewal notice will have a ‘Y’ in the ‘Plates’ column field.
If my old plate was replaced due to the replacement cycle, what should I do with my old plate that I have on my vehicle?
You should recycle your old plate. You are not required to turn in the plates to the County Treasurer. The Vehicle system will record that new plates have been issued to a customer.
If my plate on my vehicle is still readable and looks okay do I have to get a new plate?
If your plate is 10 years old or older you have no choice, the vehicle system is programmed to automatically issue a replacement plate.
If only one of my vehicles is due for a replacement plate this year, can I get new plates for my other vehicles so that all of my plates are in sequential order?
If you choose to replace plates outside of your plate replacement period, you will be charged a $5 replacement plate fee. You will also need to turn in your old plates and current registration. If you do not have the current registration to turn in, we will accept the plates alone.
Were the postage and handling fee increased because of the plate replacement?
Due to the higher cost of mailing envelopes and packages from the postal service, the cost of mailing a set of plates has gone up slightly. The cost to mail a set of plates is $5.00. The cost of mailing a registration with a tag is $1.00.
Were there changes to the license plate design?
In 2018 the County Standard plate design was updated to the “City and Country Reboot,” which features city and country images in the top blue border. In July 2011 the numbers and letters on the plate changed from blue to black color. In November 2011 the zero was changed to a circle slash zero to assist law enforcement.
What is the Plate Replacement Cycle?
The Plate Replacement Cycle is a program that the Department of Transportation has implemented for license plates that are 10 years old or older and are still on a vehicle. The life span of a license plate is about 10 years. The goal is to replace those plates so there will never be a license plate on any vehicle over 10 years old.
When am I eligible to be reissued new plates?
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If your plates were issued in:
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The plate will be replaced in:
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2011
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2021
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2012
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2022
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2013
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2023
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2014
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2024
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2015
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2025
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2016
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2026
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2017
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2027
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2018
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2028
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2019
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2029
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2020
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2030
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When did the replacement plate cycle start?
The replacement plate cycle started on April 1, 2012 for the May 2013 registration renewal month.
Property Tax
How can I pay taxes?
You may pay by any of the following convenient ways:
- Through the mail. Postmark must be by September 30 for the first half payment and March 31 for the second half payment to avoid penalty.
- In our office from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Online through the Iowa Treasurer's website.
- Drop Box located at South/Main Court House Entrance – check only
What and when is a tax sale?
The tax sale is the sale of any unpaid property taxes within the county as of the first part of June. The tax sale is held electronically on the third Monday in June.
What happens if I change mailing address?
There are multiple ways to notify the Treasurer of your new mailing address:
- Locate your parcel(s) on www.IowaTreasurers.org and submit Request an Address Change
- Call the Property Tax Department at 712-433-2347 option 1
- Email the Property Tax Department at [email protected] with parcel number(s), old address, new address and phone number.
What is Drainage tax?
Drainage tax is the cost of improvements to a drainage district. Drainage districts were established for drainage of surface waters from agriculture and other lands for the protection of said lands from overflow when said protection is a public benefit or is conducive to public health, convenience, and welfare. (Iowa Code Chapter 468.2)
What is the Disabled/Senior Credit?
To file a claim for the disabled/senior credit, Iowa residents must meet ONE of the following criteria:
- 65 years of age or older by December 31, 2022 -AND- total household income less than $25,328
- 18 years of age or older by December 31, 2022 and totally disabled -AND- total household income less than $25,328
- 70 years of age of older by December 31, 2022 -AND- total household income less than 250% of the federal poverty level (see table below)
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2022 Household Income Guidelines for Persons Aged 70 and Older
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Number of persons in family/household
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Total household income is less than or equal to
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1
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$33,975
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2
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$45,775
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3
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$57,575
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4
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$69,375
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5
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$81,175
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6
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$92,975
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7
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$104,775
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8
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$116,575
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For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $11,800 for each additional person.
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HOW TO FILE FOR THE DISABLED/SENIOR CREDIT
- Complete and return the 2023 Iowa Property Tax Credit Claim form to the Monona County Treasurer.
- Monona County Treasurer, 610 Iowa Ave, PO BOX 415, Onawa, IA 51040
- Provide proof of all 2022 income. We can make copies for you.
- If you are under 65 years old and totally disabled, proof of disability is required. See the instructions provided with the application.
- Applications are due by June 1st, 2023.
**Claimants of the Disabled/Senior Credit must file a claim each year in order to receive the maximum benefit of the tax credit.**
What is the penalty if property taxes are paid late?
A 1.5% penalty is assessed per month after the due date.
When are property taxes due?
Because we run on a fiscal year and not a calendar year:
- First half taxes are September 1st, delinquent October 1
- Second half taxes are due March 1st, delinquent April 1
If a customer wants to pay the full year taxes at one time, they will typically pay the whole year in September.
When do I receive my property tax billing/statement?
Taxes are billed every fall and statements typically get mailed middle of August.
Where do I file for homestead credit?
Almost all credits are applied for through the Assessor's Office. To apply for a homestead credit, please contact the Monona County Assessor.
*The only credit handled by the Treasurer’s Office is the Disabled/Senior Credit. Please visit the Property Tax Credits page for more information.
Where do I find out what I paid for taxes last year?
Driver's License
Can I schedule a driving test?
Please call the office to schedule a non-commercial drive exam. Drive exams are by appointment only.
Monona County does not do CDL or motorcycle drive tests.
For a CDL driving test, please visit the Iowa DOT website to schedule an appointment at a location that does CDL driving test.
How do I get a Persons with Disabilities hanging plaque?
You will need a letter from a doctor stating you qualify for a permanent or temporary disability. There is no fee.
How does my child get a school permit?
They must have taken driver's education and held their permit for 6 months with no accidents or citations. They will need to fill out a Minor School Affidavit and have it signed by their principal. Most schools have these at their disposal.
How much will an ID cost?
An ID costs $8 and is good for 8 years. The same documents are needed to get an ID as getting a driver's license.
There is a $10 out of county convenience fee in addition to license cost.
How much will my license cost?
An operator’s license is $4 per year.
A CDL is $8 per year.
There is a $10 out of county convenience fee in addition to license cost.
I got my license renewed but the expiration only shows it’s good for one month?
Yes, the paper license is a temporary license and will expire in 30 days. Your real plastic license should arrive in the mail within 10-21 days. If it has not arrived after 21 days, please call the number on the back of the paper copy to see if it has been returned to the State of Iowa. If the State can track the lost license, they will put a note on your record for permission to reissue.
I just turned 21 and would like to get a horizontal license. How much does that cost?
$10 replacement fee.
There is a $10 out of county convenience fee in addition to license cost.
I lost my driver's license, how much is a replacement?
$10.00 to replace your license.
There is a $10 out of county convenience fee in addition to license cost.
I’m 16, what do I need to do to get my license?
You will need to bring in a parent and your current permit. You must have taken and passed a driver’s education course, held a permit for one year, and have a clean driving record for the past six months.
I’m 17, what do I need to do to get my full license?
You will need to bring in a parent to sign if you are under 18. You must have held the intermediate license for a year with a clean record. After you turn 18, those requirements are no longer needed.
My child drives to their other parent's house every other week. Can there be two addresses on their school permit?
Yes, as long as they are the parents. No other address can be put on the form. No address out of the school district is allowed. Put the second address under “Additional address that student intends to drive from" on the Minor School Affidavit.
What does my child need to take their permit test?
They will need their birth certificate, social security card, 2 proofs of residency, and a parent with them. If the parent cannot be present, they will need to bring in a signed parent affidavit form.
If the parent cannot provide proof of residency for their minor, the parent will need to fill out a parental consent form AND provide their Iowa driver’s license/identification card that reflects the same address as the minors address.
What is the phone and fax number to the DOT?
Driver’s Services
Phone: 515-244-8725
Fax: 515-239-1837
What type of documents do I need to get the Real ID (gold star) on my license?
You must provide a certified birth certificate or valid passport, proof of social security, any name change documents (certified marriage certificate or court document) if the name on the license is different from a birth certificate or passport, and two forms of residency such as mail, bank statement, voter registration card or lease agreement.
Iowa DOT website
When can I renew my driver’s license?
You can renew up to 180 days before and 60 days after your expiration date. If you are over one year expired, you will have to do full testing.
