Frequently Asked Questions
Vehicle & License Plates → Replacement Documents
How do I get a replacement registration?
You will need to provide the plate number of the vehicle which needs a replacement registration. The cost of a replacement registration is $3.00.
How do I get a replacement validation sticker?
You will need to turn in your current registration and indicate that you need a validation sticker. If you do not have the current registration, the cost is $3.00 for a replacement registration. Indicate that you need both, registration and validation sticker.
What do I do if I lost my license plates and need replacements?
You need to bring in your registration and any remaining plates that are on the vehicle. The cost for replacement plates is $5.00. If you do not have your registration the cost is $8.00. This process does not apply to personalized or specialty plates.
The replacement plate fee may be waived if the plate is lost in a documented accident. Proof of the accident would need to be presented at the time the replacement plate is issued.
How do I replace a personalized or specialty plate?
You need to bring in your registration and the duplicate plate is ordered through the County Treasurer’s office. The cost is $5.00. The County Treasurer will notify you when the plate is in our office, at which time you will bring in your registration to pick up your duplicate personalized or specialty plate.
Some specialty plates that are not personalized are kept and issued in the County Treasurer’s office. To find out if yours is one of these, call your local county treasurer’s office. You will need to bring in any remaining plate(s) that is on the vehicle.
How do I apply for a lost or replacement title?
Complete the Application for Replacement of Iowa Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle. The application must be signed by all owners. If there is an open lien on the vehicle, the application will need to be signed by the lien holder.
If there is an open lien on the title, but the lien holder does not have an interest in the vehicle any longer, they may complete a separate notarized Cancellation of Security Interest Form. A letter from the security interest holder on their letter head paper is acceptable if it has the following information, make, year, vin, owners name(s) and address, and the letter must be notarized.
Once the application is received there is a mandatory 5-day waiting period before the replacement title is issued. The fee for a replacement title is $25.00.
