OHV Dealers

OHV vehicles refer to Off-Road Utility Vehicles, Off-Road Motorcycles, and all-terain vehicles.

This information concerns guidelines and responsibilities for Iowa off highway vehicle dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. You can find the full applicable code under Chapter 462A.

Information on this page concerning guidelines and responsibilities for Iowa dealers and manufacturers covers the most commonly asked questions the department receives. Please review the full applicable Iowa Code with your legal advisor to assure you are in compliance.

There are three categories for certification: Manufacturer, distributor and dealer. You are required to be a certified OHV manufacturer if you manufacture off highway vehicles and your business is located in Iowa. If you distribute to dealers you must became a certified distributor. You are required to be a dealer if you sell more than 5 off highway vehicles per year. 

You are required by Iowa Code to become a certified dealer with the DNR if you sell at retail more than 5 vehicles annually.

Dealer Requirements

In addition to submitting a new dealer application, dealers must meet the following requirements: 

1. Have an established place of business, to include a) landline telephone service and b) adequate office area for keeping business records to include but is not limited to: manufacturers’ certificates of origin, certificates of title or other evidence of ownership for all-terrain vehicles for sale
2. Comply with applicable local zoning ordinances
3. Provide a copy of the business’s sales tax permit with their application

Required Forms

1. Completed OHV Dealer, Manufacturer, or Distributor Application for Special Certificates (542-0485)
   1. OHV Dealer, Manufacturer, or Distributor Application 542-0845
2. Copy of the business’s sales tax permit

Note: If a manufacturer or dealer has an established place of business in more than one city, the manufacturer or dealer shall secure a separate and distinct special certificate and general distinguishing number for each such place of business.

Remit the completed application(s), copy of sales tax permit, and fees to: 
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Licensing Section
6200 Park Avenue, Suite 200
Des Moines, IA 50321

Fees & Registration Period

Current registration period: December 31, 2025 – December 31, 2027

• New Registrations: $46.50 includes one Off-Highway Vehicle Dealer Special Certificate; additional certificates may be requested at the time of application for $6.50 each; new registrations shall expire on December 31, 2024 for the current registration period (2025-2027)
• Renewal Registrations: $47.75 includes one Off-Highway Vehicle Dealer Special Certificate; additional certificates may be requested at the time of application for $8.50 each
• Duplicates: May be requested from any county recorder for $8.50 each

Renewal Information

A notice will be mailed to you prior to the renewal period.  A valid dealer registration is required prior to processing a purchaser's vehicle registration. All current OHV dealers must renew dealer certification(s) with a county recorder.

Received Upon Approval

The following documents will be sent to you following the approval of your new dealer registration:

1. Special certificate for Dealer
   A manufacturer, distributor, or dealer owning an all-terrain vehicle required to be registered under this chapter may operate the all-terrain vehicle for purposes of transporting, testing, demonstrating, or selling it without the all-terrain vehicle being registered, except that a special registration decal issued to the owner as provided in this chapter shall be displayed on the all-terrain vehicle in the manner prescribed by the rules of the commission. The special registration decal shall not be used on an all-terrain vehicle offered for hire or for any work or service performed by a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer.
2. Registration Applied For cards
   Allows the customer to use the vessel for 45 days while the registration is being processed by the county recorder. The registration applied for card may be used only after an application for registration has been made to the county recorder. Placing a completed application for registration and required fees in the mail to the recorder shall constitute making an application.
3. Applications for vehicle registration 
   • Application for vehicle registration 542-8067
4. OHV Dealer Manual 
5. OHV Registration Fees

See a list of current registered OHV dealers 

After Approval Requirements

Off highway vehicle dealers are required to submit the registration fees and paperwork to the county recorder’s office unless a valid exemption exists for registration. 

At the time of sale, a dealer shall provide all purchasers a link to the DNR Off-Highway Vehicles content.  so they may obtain:

•  a copy of current all-terrain vehicle laws and regulations governing the usage of all-terrain vehicles in the state of Iowa,
• the most up-to-date list of public places open for all-terrain vehicle usage.

Contact & Requests

To request additional applications for OHV registrations and/or registration applied for cards, please email us or call DNR customer service at 515-725-8200.