Main Content:
Boat Registration and Title
New and/or transferred vessels are registered in Scott County. Boat registrations expire on April 30th,
2013 (every three years starting 2007).
Boat fees are based on the length of the boat. All boats over 17' in length (except canoes and kayaks) require a title. All boats with a lien must be titled.
Items needed when transferring a boat:
- Bill of Sale * (see below)
- The most current registration signed
- The title, if indicated
* Before a recreational vehicle or vessel can be registered a receipt, bill of sale or satisfactory evidence that the sales or use tax has been paid for the purchase of the vehicle. Sales are subject to 7% if purchased in Iowa and 6% use tax if purchased out of state.
Use the following application for duplicate titles, Liens, or transfers:
- Application for Registration, Title and Security Interest (175.6 KB)
- Print, complete, and mail or deliver to Recorder's Office.
- Call the Scott County Recorder's Office at (563) 326-8622 for the correct fee
Application instructions:
- Application for Transferring Title and Registration
The form and a check made payable to the Scott County Recorder is necessary for a title. - Application for Duplicate Title
The form and a check made payable to the Scott County Recorder is necessary. Upon receipt of the duplicate title application there will be a five working day wait until issuance. - Application for Security Interest
Security Interest requires the signature of the owner on an application, current title, lending institution name and address and check or money order made payable to the Scott County Recorder.
For assistance, please call (563) 326-8622.
Effective July 1, 2005 per the Iowa Department of Revenue:
- Per section 45 of SF 413 amended Iowa Code section 423.3(39).
- Sales of boats and other watercraft in Iowa are subject to the state sales tax of 6 percent plus local option taxes, if any. This applies to sales by Individuals, as well as, dealers.
- Anyone purchasing a boat from an individual should obtain a receipt that shows the cost of the boat. The buyer will then pay the sales tax on the cost of the boat to the County Recorder.
- If a trailer is purchased with the boat, the motor vehicle use tax is paid to the County Treasurer.
Please direct questions to the Iowa Department of Revenue Taxpayer Services at 1-800-367-3388
Boat Fees (expire April 2013):
- Jet Skis: $46.25
- No Motor or Sail: $13.25
- 15 feet of Less: $23.75
- 16 feet to 25 feet: $37.25
- 26 feet to 39 feet: $76.25
- 40 feet or longer: $151.25
- Documented boats: $26.25
- $5.00 penalty for expired renewals (applicable to all previous listed items)
- Liens: $10.00
- New or Duplicate titles: $10.00
- Duplicate Registrations: $2.25
