How can motor vehicle owners properly dispose of an "end-of-life" vehicle?

If you are the owner of a motor vehicle registered in the State of Iowa and want to dispose of your vehicle to an individual, dealer or recycler, or to donate it to a nonprofit organization, follow these recommended steps and one of the two options listed.

Option 1:

1. Deal with a reputable buyer. Steer clear of advertisers and persons making false claims that they can dispose of your vehicle without a title. For a list of licensed recyclers, visit: http://www.dot.state.ia.us/mvd/ovs/recyclers.pdf. For a list of licensed dealers, visit: http://www.dot.state.ia.us/mvd/ovs/licenseddealers.pdf.
2. Determine who will be “de-polluting” your vehicle in preparation for recycling, including removal of potentially hazardous components such as the battery, tires, air bag cartridges, mercury-containing switches, lead parts, and catalytic converters.
3. Remove all personal belongings.
4. Agree on a purchase price.
5. Accept payment from the buyer.
6. Give the title to the buyer.
7. Legally assign the title to the buyer by completing the top section of the back side the title.
8. Obtain a bill of sale or written receipt from the buyer that states the buyer has accepted delivery of the vehicle and title. (A seller’s checklist and receipt form is available online at http://www.dot.state.ia.us/mvd/ovs/selllform.pdf.)
9. Remove the vehicle’s registration certificate and plates, and return them to your county treasurer.

Option 2:

1. Deal with a reputable buyer. Steer clear of advertisers and persons making false claims that they can dispose of your vehicle without a title. For a list of licensed recyclers visit: http://www.dot.state.ia.us/mvd/ovs/recyclers.pdf. For a list of licensed dealers, visit: http://www.dot.state.ia.us/mvd/ovs/licenseddealers.pdf.
2. Determine who will be “de-polluting” your vehicle in preparation for recycling, including removal of potentially hazardous components such as the battery, tires, air bag cartridges, mercury-containing switches, lead parts, and catalytic converters.
3. Remove all personal belongings.
4. Agree on a purchase price.
5. Accept payment from the buyer.
6. Take the title and registration receipt to the county treasurer.
7. Obtain a junking certificate.
8. Give (assign) the junking certificate to the buyer.
9. Obtain a bill of sale or written receipt from the buyer that states the buyer has accepted delivery of the vehicle and the junking certificate. (A seller’s checklist and receipt form is available online at http://www.dot.state.ia.us/mvd/ovs/selllform.pdf.)
10. Remove the vehicle’s registration certificate and plates, and return them to your county treasurer.