It's the Law—Iowa's Off-Road Vehicle Laws
Registration of Off-Road Utility Vehicles (ORVs)

Off-road utility vehicles shall be considered all-terrain vehicles for the purpose of registration but are exempt from the dealer registration requirements and the titling requirements of Iowa Code Chapter 321I.

A motorized vehicle that was previously titled or is currently titled under Chapter 321 shall not be registered or operated as an off-road utility vehicle.

Where to Register

• Residents: County recorder offices or any electronic license vendor where hunting and fishing licenses are sold (effective August 15, 2007)
• Nonresidents: County recorder offices or any electronic license vendor where hunting and fishing licenses are sold

Exemptions to Registration

Registration shall not be required for the following ORVs:

• ORVs owned and used by the United States, another state, or political subdivision of another state
• ORVs being used for agricultural purposes

ORVs that are being operated under the provisions of 321.234A, by a licensed engineer, surveyor, utility, or snowmobile club providing trail maintenance, are required to display a valid registration decal. This includes an ORV that is being operated for recreational purposes in a right-of-way area adjacent to the owner’s property line under 321.234A, subsection 3.

Registration Decals and Certificates for ORVs

• The decal shall be affixed on the rear of the ORV so that the decal is clearly visible.
• Registration certificates shall be carried either in the ORV or on the person operating the machine.

Transfer of an ORV

ORV registrations are not transferable. In order to maintain a valid registration, the purchaser of a registered ORV must obtain a new registration.