Skip to content
INSTANT VIN CHECK
Start Your Free Search!
DISCLAIMER: The information on this webpage is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. InfoTracer is not a "consumer reporting agency" under the FCRA and does not provide "consumer reports". The information provided may not always be accurate and up to date as we do not verify or guarantee the accuracy or the amount of information provided through our website. For more details, see our Terms of Service.

Iowa VIN Lookup

Iowa VIN Lookup

Iowa residents will benefit from a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) lookup before buying used cars. The VIN lookup is a protection tool that helps buyers learn more about a car before purchasing.

Suppose the car has a record of accidents, poor maintenance, extensive repairs, reports of theft or fraudulent activity, and other issues. In this case, the buyer will learn about it and help them make an informed decision before it's too late.

Iowa is one of the best states to own and drive a car. It's not a secret that the state's residents love cars. The demand for cars is so high that one out of five Iowans owns a vehicle. That has also led to more people buying new and used vehicles in the state.

However, before purchasing a car, individuals should always perform a VIN check to ensure the car is in good condition. A person can look up a car's VIN in Iowa in several ways. The first is to request information from the state's Department of Transportation. Additionally, people can use the NHTSA portal or third-party online providers that offer VIN lookup services, like Infotracer.

VIN Verification

VIN Verification

VIN verification is a process used to confirm that the VIN on a vehicle matches the one on records associated with that specific vehicle. Iowa government agencies may require car owners in the state to conduct VIN verification in various circumstances, including:

  • Imported vehicles
  • VIN error in the last six digits
  • Vehicles suspected of being stolen or cloned
  • Verification for a questionable transaction
  • Short VIN on grey market vehicles
  • Non-Iowa residents for titling
  • Salvaged title vehicles

Only Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) inspectors and peace officers certified with the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy may conduct VIN verification.

Iowa Car Ownership and Driving Information

Registered Vehicles
1,619.97 per 10,000

High Car Ownership Rate

Iowa has the highest number of motor vehicle registrations in the US. In 2021, the state had 1,619.97 registered cars per 10,000 licensed drivers. Out of every three households in the state, one home owns a car.

Miles Per Year
15,074

Average Annual Mileage

Iowa is primarily a rural state, meaning it has more miles to drive. Iowa is one of the states with the most registered vehicles, and residents drive an average of 15,074 miles annually.

Popular Car
Chevrolet

Popular Car Makes in Iowa

Iowa residents love Chevrolet Cars, which is why the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the most popular vehicle in the state. The Ford F-150 is a close second. Other popular cars in the state are the Chevrolet Equinox, the Ram 1500, and the Ford Escape.

Crashes
53,644
Injuries
14,668

Car Accidents

In 2022, 53,644 car crashes occurred in the state, resulting in 14,668 injuries.

Fatalities
377
Increase
11.9%

Crash Fatalities

In 2023, the state recorded 377 deaths as a result of car collisions. This was an 11.9% increase from 2022, which had 337 fatalities.

Fatalities
84
Increase
25%

Speeding Related Crashes

In 2021, 84 people died in speed-related car crashes in Iowa. This was a 25% increase in speed-related fatalities from 2020.

Deaths
40

Alcohol-Impaired Driving

Alcohol is the third-highest contributing factor for fatal traffic crashes in Iowa. In 2022, 40 deaths, or about 30% of traffic fatalities, resulted from alcohol-related accidents in Iowa.

Teens Involved
28,000

Teen Safety

Between 2018 and 2023, more than 28,000 Iowa teens were involved in traffic collisions. Cars involved in collisions have a higher chance of injury or fatalities if the teen driver caused the accident.

Iowa DMV

The Iowa Department of Transportation provides services to the residents that ensure legal car ownership and driving. Some of the services car owners can access from the DOT include:

  • License registration: Individuals who pass the test can get their driver's license from the DOT.
  • License renewal and replacement: The DOT provides driver's license renewal and replacement.
  • Practice tests: Individuals can access practice tests from the DOT.
  • Vehicle registration: Car owners should register vehicles with the DOT.
  • Personalized plates: Car owners who want personalized plates can get them through the DOT.
  • CDL: Commercial driver's licenses are available through the DOT.
  • Permits: Individuals may apply for oversize or overweight permits through the DOT.
  • Resources: The DOT website provides resources for drivers and car owners in the state.

Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Resources for Car Drivers/Vehicle Owners in Iowa

Iowa car drivers and owners can access federal law compliance and environmental quality resources. They include:

INSTANT VIN CHECK
Start Your Free Search!

Buying a Used Car in Iowa

Purchasing a used car in Iowa can be risky without the right procedures. The laws require buyers to follow specific processes during and after the purchase. Some of the key aspects of consideration are:

Understanding Iowa's Lemon Laws

Lemon Laws in Iowa protect car buyers in the state. The law does not distinguish between new and used cars. However, the vehicle must be under three years old, weigh less than 15,000 pounds, and have less than 24,000 miles on it. In addition, car buyers must report the defect within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles of the vehicle's life.

Title Transfer and Registration

Car buyers have 30 days to register and title the car after purchasing. In addition, the seller must remove their license plates before giving the owner the vehicle. They may put the plates onto another car if bought in 30 days. If not, they must surrender the plates to the county treasurer. Buyers must receive the following information from the seller:

  • Complete odometer statement
  • Bill of sale
  • Certificate of title
  • Damage disclosure statement
  • Name of the county where the vehicle was last registered
  • Date when the license plates expire

Conducting a VIN Check

Car buyers should run a VIN check on their vehicle of interest. It will provide the car's history, letting buyers know what they are getting into.

Sales Tax

All car sales in Iowa are subject to a 1% sales tax for county and local rates and a 5% sales tax at the state level. The total is 6%.

Reasons to Do a VIN Check in Iowa

Reasons to Conduct a VIN Lookup in Iowa

Car buyers in Iowa should conduct a VIN check for the following reasons:

  • Title and Ownership Verification: Ensuring that the VIN on the vehicle matches the information on the title and registration documents helps prevent fraud.
  • Accident History: Iowa VIN checks can reveal information about the vehicle's accident history, including the severity of accidents and whether the vehicle was declared a total loss.
  • Flood Damage Check: Iowa is susceptible to severe weather events, including floods. A VIN check can help identify whether the vehicle has a flood damage history.
  • Recall Information: VIN checks ensure the vehicle is not subject to open recalls. It is important for safety reasons, as manufacturers issue recalls to address potential defects.
  • Registration and Inspection Compliance: VIN checks ensure the vehicle has been registered and inspected according to Iowa's regulations.

How to Lookup a VIN Number in Iowa

In Iowa, people can look up a VIN and get information about a car in multiple ways. They include:

Option 1: Requesting information from the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Residents in Iowa can request information on a car at the state's Department of Transportation. To do this, they must complete the Privacy Act Agreement For Request of Motor Vehicle Records form and provide it to the department. Additionally, a person must provide a copy of their ID or driving license and pay a VIN check fee.

Option 2: Looking up the car's history using the NHTSA website.

Potential buyers can also use the NHTSA portal to look up VIN information. The site has a collection of all car data in the country. People can use the portal to check a car's damage, recall, salvage status, and other manufacturer information.

Option 3: Using InfoTracer to look up a car's VIN number online.

Lastly, a person can use the InfoTracer website to find a vehicle's history using its VIN. InfoTracer is a database with copies of most public records, including car information. A person can also use a car's license plate to look up its information.

VIN Replacement in Iowa

The state of Iowa provides assigned identification numbers for vehicles if a person requires to replace their VIN. Car owners can get a replacement at their nearest County Treasurer's office. However, when satisfied with the car's true identity and ownership, the individual will only be issued the assigned number.

For a car to get a replacement identification, the car must be registered and have a title under the VIN. A person can only get an assigned identification number for their car if:

  • The original VIN is destroyed, obliterated, or removed.
  • The part of the car with the VIN is replaced.
  • A person has specially constructed or reconstructed a car or made a replica of a car.

The vehicle will need to be inspected by a motor vehicle investigator before applying for an assigned identification number.

New Vehicle Registration in Iowa

Vehicle registration is basically proof of ownership of the car. In Iowa, a person must title and register their car at the nearest county treasurer's office within 30 days of getting it or establishing residence in the state.

To register a new vehicle, a person should have the following documents as they visit the county treasurer's office:

  • The certificate of title of the car.
  • A completed application for an Iowa certificate of title and or registration. All owners and liens must sign the application.
  • A bill of sale.

If a person moves to another county within the state, they must report their change of address to their former county treasurer within ten days after the move. This ensures that the office forwards the vehicle information to the new county office.

How to Transfer VIN During a Sale in Iowa

After buying a car in Iowa, the state requires individuals to get a title transfer within 30 days of the purchase. The County Treasurer is mandated to transfer titles, including VINs, in the state.

If a buyer wants to transfer titles, they should:

  • Have a completed and signed certificate of title with both the buyer's and seller's signatures.
  • Have the bill of sale.
  • Have odometer readings.

It is important to note that the seller should remove and keep the license plate of the car after the transaction.

What Would Vehicle History Report Include in Iowa

Like most states, a vehicle history report in Iowa provides a thorough overview of the vehicle's past. Therefore, it will include the VIN, odometer readings, accident history, lien information, registration information, and maintenance records.

How Can I Find the VIN by License Plate?

You can use free or paid third-party providers offering license plate lookup, which provides the car's VIN and vehicle history.

Vehicle Inspections in Iowa

Vehicle Inspections in Iowa

Iowa does not require car owners to go through emissions or safety inspections as part of car ownership. Instead, the DOT encourages drivers to care for their vehicles and seek maintenance when necessary.

What Does Vehicle Inspection Report Include in Iowa?

In Iowa, a vehicle inspection report encompasses a comprehensive examination of a vehicle's condition to ensure safety and compliance with environmental standards. Therefore, the report will provide results for features such as lights, brakes, tires, steering, and emissions systems. In addition, the report may address compliance with state-specific regulations related to emissions and safety.

INSTANT VIN CHECK
Start Your Free Search!