
How much are Iowa license plates?
How much are license plates in Iowa? Fee for a numbered regular plate with the emblem is $35 with a $10 renewal fee that is in addition to the regular annual registration fee. Fee for a personalized plate with the emblem is $60 with a $15 renewal fee that is in addition to the regular annual registration fee.
How to buy a personalized license plate in Iowa?
Part 2 of 3: Order your personalized license plate
- Log in. : Log in to the Iowa Motor Vehicle Division. You do not need a preexisting account to log in. ...
- Fill out your information. : Fill out all of the information on the application form. ...
- Pay the fee. : Pay the personalized license plate fee. ...
- Confirm. : Confirm your payment and your personalized license plate order. ...
How to search an Iowa license plate number?
Iowa Department of Motor Vehicles. 6310 SE Convenience Blvd. Ankeny, IA 50021. Another way to request for Iowa License Plate Lookup is making a request over the phone. You can make a request for the license plate and vehicle information you need by calling at: 800-532-1121.
Do you need 2 license plates in Iowa?
When you register a vehicle in the state of Iowa, you always receive two license plates. One for the front and one for the rear.

Do you need two license plates in Iowa?
To answer the question in a simple form, yes it is required in Iowa to have both a front and back license plate displayed on a vehicle registered in Iowa. If the vehicle is a 1948 or older, the vehicle may have just one plate displayed on the back.
Can you drive without front number plate?
In short, yes. It is illegal to not display your front number plate, regardless of whether you decide to place it in the window of your vehicle. Although you may see many vehicles in expensive areas with their number plates removed, they are doing so illegally and may have to pay a high price for doing so.
Do you have to have 2 number plates?
All cars on the road are required to display registrations at both the front and rear of the vehicle. The number plate at the front of the car must be white with the index marks clearly visible in black. The rear plate must also show black letters and numbers, but on a yellow plate.
How many license plates are there in Iowa?
63 typesThere are currently 63 types of special license plates available in Iowa, including 24 associated with the military. All motor vehicles and trailers are eligible for special plates. Collegiate plates are not available for motorcycles or small trailers.
Why do some cars not have number plates on the front?
If you have noticed a lack of front plates on some cars you probably wonder why they don't have them and if it's legal to go without a front registration plate. The reason some Lamborghinis and other supercars don't have front number plates is because their owners think they look better without them, which they do.
What happens if my number plate falls off?
If your plates were stolen or lost, you must report this to the police. You have to apply for a full replacement set - you cannot get a single plate to replace a damaged plate for vehicles (excluding motorcycles).
What is the new number plate law?
Vehicles produced between March and August will display the last two digits of that year. So if the car was released in March 2019, its plate would show the number 19. For cars registered between September and February, 50 is added to the year number.
Do you need a rear number plate?
Standard Vehicles Well, since 1903, all vehicles on public roads must be officially registered and display a number plate on the front and rear of the vehicle.
Do you need a front number plate USA?
31 states in the U.S. require a plate on the front and back of the vehicle. The other 19 only insist on putting a license plate on the rear of the car. License plates are used for car registration and identification. The combination of letters and numbers is distinct on every license plate within one jurisdiction.
What does a black license plate mean in Iowa?
Non-personalized plates can be ordered at your local county treasurer's office, or you can order a blackout license plate at the DOT's website or by mailing in a special form. Money paid for the special blackout plate goes to the Road Use Tax Fund, which funds road and bridge projects throughout Iowa.
Why do Iowa license plates say Polk?
Well, obviously. For more than half of the 20th century, from 1922 to 1979, Iowa plates were stamped with a two-digit code to indicate the county. At first the order was based on county population (Polk County was No. 01) before the numbers were re-ordered alphabetically (Polk County was No.
What do you do with old license plates in Iowa?
Even though you will not be entitled to a refund, we recommend you return your Iowa plates to the County Treasurers office where you last registered.
Do you need a front license plate in Ma 2022?
* Massachusetts requires at least one license plate, and it can be on the front or the rear of the vehicle, leaving it up to the driver.
Does Virginia require front license plate?
License plates assigned to a motor vehicle, other than a moped, motorcycle, autocycle, tractor truck, trailer, or semitrailer, or to persons licensed as motor vehicle dealers or transporters of unladen vehicles, shall be attached to the front and the rear of the vehicle.
Can I drive without plates in Colorado?
What are the penalties for not having plates. An owner of a vehicle that fails to attach front and back plates is guilty of a class B traffic infraction. The offense is punishable by a $100 fine. The DMV does not place any points on the offender's driver's license.
Can I drive a car without plates in Virginia?
Virginia. In Virginia, you can drive a car you just bought without plates or registration provided that you have the proper permit – Standard Trip Permit or Prospective Purchaser's Trip Permit (temporary tags).
How to order Iowa license plate?
Once 250 start-up orders have been received and processed for a plate type, the application to order the actual plates will be available online, by calling the Iowa DOT's Office of Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services at 515-237-3110 or by e-mail at [email protected].
How to apply for a license plate start up order in 2011?
Applications for the start-up orders can be obtained online at Application for the 2011 Legislative License Plate Start-up Fee Orders, by calling the Office of Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services at 515-237-3110, faxing a request to 515-237-3056 or by e-mailing at [email protected].
How to order specialty plates?
Ordering your specialty/personalized plates. There are two ways to order your specialty/personalized plates: online or by mail.
Can you use a plate frame to cover a citation?
To avoid a stop or citation by law enforcement, you should not use a plate frame that covers any letters or numbers printed on the plate, including but not limited to the state, county, or collegiate name, and should also not cover or obscure the registration sticker.
Is it illegal to put a frame around a registration plate in Iowa?
Iowa Code Section 321.37 (3) states that "It is unlawful for the owner of a vehicle to place any frame around or over the registration plate which does not permit full view of all numerals and letters printed on the registration plate."
Who issues Iowa license plates?
Plates are currently issued by the Iowa Department of Transportation through its Motor Vehicle Division. Front and rear plates are required for most classes of vehicles, while only rear plates are required for motorcycles and trailers.
When were Iowa license plates first issued?
First issued. January 1, 1911. ( 1911-01-01) (pre-state plates from 1904 to December 31, 1910) v. t. e. The U.S. state of Iowa first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1904. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1911, when the state began to issue plates.
When did Iowa start requiring registration plates?
Vehicle registration plates of Iowa. The U.S. state of Iowa first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1904. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1911, when the state began to issue plates.
Does Iowa have an issue design?
Iowa offers its motorists a number of optional issue designs that are available upon the payment of an additional fee .
How many license plates are required in Iowa?
When you register a vehicle in Iowa, you are automatically given two license plates. Iowa law currently demands state-issued license plates to be mounted to the front and back sections of most vehicles, with the exemption of historic cars from 1948 or earlier.
How much does Iowa collect for license plates?
The Iowa Department of Public Safety collects $35 for each new license plate purchased and $10 for each renewal. It distributes all monies in the form of subsidies to charitable groups to help rebuild the lives of law enforcement officers slain in the line of duty's surviving families and devastated coworkers.
Why is a front license plate important?
A front license plate is a crucial tool for tracking down porch thieves, burglars, and violent criminals in this day and age of comprehensive security video monitoring private and public property. So frequently, it is the unnoticed front license plate, captured on video, that provides our officers with the first step in investigating crime and locating the stolen property.
When did Iowa pass the second license plate bill?
The Iowa House approved the bill on 7 March 2016 that would free you from affixing a second license plate to the front of your vehicle, for sport and antique vehicles only.
What happens if you are stopped for not showing your license plate?
If you are stopped for neglecting to display a front license plate, you could face a $120 fine.
Can you get a custom license plate with fallen peace officer?
According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, drivers in Iowa who want to honor a fallen law enforcement officer can now acquire a custom license plate with a “Fallen Peace Officer” logo.
Is Iowa requiring license plates?
Iowa law currently demands state-issued license plates to be mounted to the front and back sections of most vehicles, with the exemption of historic cars from 1948 or earlier. Senate File 419 would describe an antique vehicle as one that is at least 25 years old and would expand the number of vehicles exempt from having two license plates attached to their vehicles to include vehicles that require modifications to secure a plate, according to the bill's floor manager, Sen. Dan Zumbach, R-Ryan.
How long does it take to register a car in Iowa?
Iowa law requires you to register your motor vehicle with the County Treasurer's office in your county of residence within 30 days from the date a vehicle is brought into Iowa.
How to replace a title in Iowa?
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.
How long does it take to get a refund for a car registration in another state?
If you can prove your vehicle is registered in the other state a refund will be issued on the unused portion of the registration payment. You have up to six months to apply for a refund from the time you register your vehicle in the other state.
What is the replacement cycle for license plates?
The Plate Replacement Cycle is a program that the Department of Transportation is implementing 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 plates so there is never a license plate on any vehicle over 10 years old.
Where should the registration sticker be placed on a car?
For a large standard plate, the registration renewal sticker should be positioned in the bottom, left corner of the rear plate. See the Where Do I Place My New Sticker section for information on the placement for other plate types including example images.
What happens if a person dies in probate in Iowa?
If the individual’s death went through probate, the person (s) assigned as the executor (s) must use their Letter of Appointment to properly assign the title to a new owner. The Letter of Appointment must be provided with the title to the new owner. If the title is not available, the executor (s) can apply for a replacement title using the Letter of Appointment and the Application for Replacement of Iowa Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (Iowa DOT form 411033).
Who is responsible for decals in Iowa?
If approved, the non-profit organization will be responsible for the production, administration, and issuance of the decals.
Who issues license plates in Iowa?
IA license plates are currently issued by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Particularly, Motor Vehicle Division is responsible for the process.
How to order specialty license plates in Iowa?
There are two ways of ordering specialty license plates in IA: online or by email. It is a must to have an IA driver’s license to apply online. Having only an ID is also possible to complete the online process. Also, you have a credit card. Because this is the only payment method for online orders.
How many characters are on a license plate?
Personalized license plates may have a maximum of 7 characters. It can be both letters and numbers. However, they should have less than 2 characters.
What is personalized license plate?
Personalized license plates give you the chance to show your unique personality. It is done through the license plate message.
How long can you drive without a license plate in Iowa?
IA law allows vehicles to operate on the highways without a license plate for up to 45 days. But there should be a written notice on the rear of the vehicle. There should be “Registration applied for” notice. It should also include the registration number.
How long can you drive in Iowa?
IA driver’s licenses have 2 months period allowing you still drive your car. But it is only after the expiration date. It only allows drivers to drive within IA. However, it doesn’t apply to temporary residents.
What happens after payment on a car plate?
After payment, you will get a replacement plate.
Who is responsible for issuance of vehicle registrations in Iowa?
The County Treasurer is responsible for issuing vehicle titles, registration renewals, junking certificates, personalized and other special emblem plates; notating and releasing security interests; collecting one-time new registration fee (a.k.a. Use Tax); registration and document fees; processing credits and refunds on vehicle registration fees; and serving as an agent of the Iowa Department of Transportation and Iowa Department of Revenue.
Where should the tags be affixed to a license plate?
For small plates the tags should be affixed to the upper left corner. Law enforcement defines the enforcement date as the first day of the second month following the registration month. It is recommended that the renewal be processed and the sticker be affixed to the license plate on or before the enforcement date. Vehicle Registration.
How many states do not require front license plates?
Every state requires at least a rear license plate, but as previously mentioned, 20 states do not require a front plate. The] states that do not require a front license plate are:
Where are front license plates not required?
States that do not require front license plates are largely located in the south and east portion of the country. In some of the states where the front plate is required, the law is unpopular, particularly among sports car owners who dislike defacing the front of their vehicle with a license plate. Although the law is unpopular, there remains more ...
Why did Ohio drop the front license plate law?
In 2020, Ohio dropped their front license plate law with representatives believing that lack of front license plate-related traffic stops by law enforcement lead to negative confrontations.
Why are front plates important?
Proponents of front plates argue that they make the public safer. Two plates generally make it easier to find stolen cars, according to the police . License Plate Recognition (LPR) systems are used by the police to identify stolen cars and cars whose owners have outstanding violations or arrest warrants.
How much is a parking ticket for no license plate?
These fines often vary and can be as little as $25.
What are the features that are disrupted by front license plates?
Features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic braking are among the features disrupted by front plates.
Where do you put your license plate?
Popular locations for license plates to be stored are the glove box or on the floor. The law in most states that have a two-plate law, is that the plate must be in a fully visible location on the car not inside the car. Some states have various exceptions in place, such as Washington state, which allows for exceptions in the case of vehicles that do not have front locations specifically built for a front plate. To qualify for such an exemption, you have to write the Washington State Patrol and ask for a waiver.
How to order a license plate?
Personalize your license plate, check availability, and reserve it. 1 This online process is for specialty and personalized plates only. If you need a regular county numbered plate, it must be ordered through your county treasurer's office. 2 Veterans, military, EMS, firefighter, amateur radio, and persons with disabilities plates require certification and cannot be ordered online. To order these plates, you must apply by mail. 3 Gift certificates for plates can not be ordered online. To order a gift certificate, an application with the appropriate fee must be submitted to the Office of Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services. 4 You must have an Iowa driver's license or nondriver ID to complete the online process. Don't have an Iowa driver's license or nondriver ID? Apply by mail. 5 Be sure to have a credit card available to complete the online transaction. 6 All specialty and personalized license plate orders are subject to Iowa DOT approval.
How to order a gift certificate in Iowa?
To order a gift certificate, an application with the appropriate fee must be submitted to the Office of Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services. You must have an Iowa driver's license or nondriver ID to complete the online process.
Where are my license plates delivered?
If your chosen personalization is available and approved, your plates will be manufactured and delivered to the county treasurer's office in the county where you live. You will be notified when the plates are ready to be picked up.
Can you order a county numbered plate online?
This online process is for specialty and personalized plates only. If you need a regular county numbered plate, it must be ordered through your county treasurer's office. Veterans, military, EMS, firefighter, amateur radio, and persons with disabilities plates require certification and cannot be ordered online.
Is a license plate order subject to Iowa DOT approval?
All specialty and personalized license plate orders are subject to Iowa DOT approval.
