Bills › 91st General Assembly

Relating to information required for nonresidents who apply for vehicle registration and issuance of a certificate of title

Sponsored by Sen. David D. Rowley (R)

Topics:Transportation

Same legislation: SF 2189

Where it is now

  1. Done: IntroducedJanuary 12, 2026
  2. Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 14, 2026
  3. Done: Senate committeeFebruary 4, 2026
  4. Skipped: Passes the SenateContinued as SF 2189
  5. Next: House committee
  6. Next: Passes the House
  7. Next: To the Governor
  8. Next: Signed into law

Became SF 2189 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to SF 2189 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

AI summary People who live outside of Iowa but own property in the state can use different information when registering a vehicle used at that property. Instead of providing details about a primary user, these owners can use their out-of-state driver's license number. To do this, they must provide proof to the Department of Transportation that they actually own the Iowa property.1

Read the official explanation

Current law requires an owner of a vehicle to apply for registration and issuance of a certificate of title if the vehicle is required to be registered. The application must include information about the owner, the vehicle, nonowner interests in the vehicle, if applicable, the amount of the fee for new registration, and other information as may reasonably be required by the department of transportation (DOT). In particular, the owner’s full legal name, social security number or Iowa driver’s license number or Iowa nonoperator’s identification card number, date of birth, bona fide residence, and mailing address are required. In addition, if the vehicle is owned by a nonresident but still subject to issuance of a certificate of title or registration in Iowa, the application must also contain the full legal name, Iowa driver’s license number or Iowa nonoperator’s identification card number, date of birth, bona fide residence, and mailing address of the primary user of the vehicle. This bill provides for alternative application information required for certain nonresidents. Nonresidents who own real property in Iowa that are registering a vehicle that is used primarily at that property may instead apply using the owner’s driver’s license number or nonoperator’s identification card number issued by another state in lieu of both the primary user’s information and the Iowa’s driver’s license number or nonoperator’s identification card number required under current law. A nonresident who applies for registration and issuance of a certificate of title under the bill is required to provide reasonable proof that the nonresident owns such property in Iowa. The DOT must adopt rules regarding acceptable proof of property ownership.

Full bill text · What changed before it passed2

Senate subcommittee

Named January 14, 2026. On January 22, 2026 it recommended amendment and passage.

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Iowa Code it changes

Amends§321.20

How the Code works3

Lobbying

3 for · 0 against · 7 undecided · Who →

Family tree

Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title.

Tried before

This idea has been filed in an earlier General Assembly. None got through a chamber.

  • SF 2278 Relating to information required for nonresidents who apply for vehicle registration and i…
    90th General Assembly · Approved by committee · similar
    Cleared committee

Matched by wording or an identical title.