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If you want to report bad driving or find out more about a vehicle, you can search by license plate number information using our free license plate lookup tool.

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If you’re a new resident of Iowa, or a current resident who has purchased a new vehicle, you must go to a Motor Vehicle Department office in Iowa. When you register your vehicle, you can choose a standard license plate or upgrade to a customized plate with personalization.

Sample Iowa License Plate

Sample Iowa License Plate

Types of License Plates in Iowa

The Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) issues various types of license plates.

You can register your vehicle and receive the standard license plate, which has a farm scene and dark blue lettering.

Or you can apply for custom plates, such as:These custom plates require fees in addition to the standard registration fees.

Finally, people with disabilities can register for license plates and placards, depending on eligibility:Contact your local MVD office for more information about plates and placards for people with disabilities.

Personalized License Plates in Iowa

If you’d like to add some personalization to your license plate, you can choose the characters to be printed on it.

You must follow the guidelines provided by the DOT in Iowa:If your application for personalized plates is approved, it will cost $25 to order these plates and an additional $5 each year at renewal. You can check to see available plate numbers by searching online.

Customized License Plates in Iowa

If you are interested in supporting a charity, or you want to show off your association with a club or organization, Iowa has a huge selection of customized license plates that you can put on your vehicle. Here are a few popular styles available:You can apply for custom plates online or by visiting an MVD office and filing an application. Be sure to make the correct payment, which varies by plate style.

Note: Some custom styles include a donation to local charities or organizations printed on the plate.

Applying for License Plates in Iowa

You must go to an MVD office to register your vehicle and receive both license plates and registration stickers.

You must register your vehicle within:When you register your vehicle, you’ll be required to bring the following:After you have submitted your application, you may have to wait to receive your plates. It takes time to process custom or personalized plates.

Lost or Damaged License Plates in Iowa

If your license plates have been damaged, lost, or stolen, you can apply for replacements at the MVD offices.

For damaged plates, you must return them to the office upon applying for new ones. You’ll be required to submit the following, either in person or by mail:Notes: Fees may be different depending on the county you live in.

Transferring License Plates in Iowa

In Iowa, it is possible for your license plates to remain with you, and not with the vehicle. If you want to transfer your Iowa license plates from your old to your new vehicle, you’ll have to go to the MVD office to register your new vehicle and transfer your plates.

If you do not transfer your plates, you can surrender them to the MVD and, if applicable, apply for a refund.

Note: You cannot transfer your license plates to another person. However, classic car owners using antique license plates may have to transfer the plates with the vehicle if the vehicle changes ownership. Contact the MVD for more details.

Surrender License Plates in Iowa

You are expected to surrender your license plates if:To surrender your Iowa license plates, you can send them in by mail or drop them off in person.

Renewing License Plates in Iowa

Check your decal stickers to find out when you’re due to renew your vehicle’s registration and make sure you do it before the expiration date.

You can renew your vehicle simply by sending the payment to the MVD. You can do this in person, online or by mail.

Please do not send cash in the mail. Send a check or money order, and direct it to the MVD office.

Overview of Costs for License Plates in Iowa

There are standard fees to be paid when registering your vehicle in Iowa. These are some of the fees you may be obliged to pay:Contact the MVD to get the full list of prices for vehicle registration and renewal.

How to look up Iowa license plates

An easy way to see if a license plate is available for personalization is by looking it up online. Here you’ll find a quick tool to search license plates in Iowa. Simply type in the plate number you want, and hit enter.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to look up Iowa License Plates and report bad drivers:

  1. Open a web browser

  2. Go to FindByPlate.com

  3. Enter the plate number, and select state

  4. View the report

  5. View images submitted by the community

  6. View videos submitted by the community

  7. Add comments

  8. Add pictures of the vehicle

  9. Add videos related to the vehicle

Car Ownership in Iowa

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Iowa have 2 license plates?

Yes, Iowa requires two license plates, one on the front and one of the rear of the vehicle.

Does Iowa have 2 license plates?

The series of license plates in use in Iowa since 1997 features a country theme with a white, blue, and gray color palette and the picture of a farmstead with two silos against a city skyline.

How many characters are on a license plate in Iowa?

The standard license plate in Iowa has 6 characters in the format of three alphabets followed by three numbers. Personalized license plates in Iowa are permitted to have up to 7 characters.

Does Iowa have EV incentives?

No, the state of Iowa does not offer any incentives or tax rebates to buyers of electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. In fact, because EV owners do not pay any fuel taxes, Iowa has added a supplemental annual registration fee for passenger electric vehicles beginning January 1, 2020 as follows: