Iowa — Are you someone who has a boat, but doesn’t normally put it in the water until Memorial Day Weekend?
Well, this is just a reminder — old boat registrations expired on April 30th, and if you haven’t already, you’ll need to visit your county recorder’s office to buy a new sticker.
There are pros and cons when it comes to how boats are registered in Iowa.
On the “pro” side — you only have to register your boat every three years, as the registration stickers are good for that long. On the “con” side — since you only have to register every three years, registering your boat may be more difficult to remember. As we said, this year — 2025 — is a boat registration year.
Boat owners should bring their current registration to the recorder’s office in the county where the individual resides when they renew.
Nonresidents who register their boat in Iowa will go to the county where the boat is primarily used.
Owners who purchased a boat from a private seller and are registering it in their name should bring the signed registration and make sure the title is signed over to them, if applicable.
The fees go to support water trails, navigation enforcement, aquatic invasive species, boater education and safety, and the registration system.
You can renew your vessels and personal watercraft in your county recorder’s office. There is a two-month grace period for the $5 penalty. You will not incur the $5 penalty per vessel until July 1st, 2025, however, you cannot use your vessel after April 30th without having first renewed.
Community First Broadcasting Staff Photo
