Welcome to Howard County, Iowa
License Registration Information
The Howard County Recorder's office can assist you with Licenses and Registrations as listed below. click on the following links for more specific Information about these services.
Fishing and Hunting
The Recorder’s office sells fishing, hunting, fur harvestor, deer and wild turkey licenses. Habitat, migratory bird andtrout fees may be purchased as well. Our office also has other special licenses available. for additional hunting information visit the Iowa
Department of Natural Resources at http://iowadnr.gov OR Contact the DNR in Des Moines at (515) 281-5918
Boat
Howard County, Iowa - Recorder Information Boat Registration & Title
The Howard County Recorder has the responsibility of registering and titling vessels of Howard County residents and non-residents if the vessel is principally used in Howard County.Boat registrations expire on April 30th, every three years starting in 2007. Boat fees are based on the length of the boat. All boats 17 feet and longer require a title (except canoes and kayaks).
Items needed when transferring a boat:
Most recent registration (signature of seller required on backside of registration)
Title, if applicable (signature of seller required on backside of title)
Proof sales tax has been paid, if applicable
Application for Registration, Title and Security Interest
State Sales Tax Information:
Sales of boats and other watercraft in Iowa are subject to the state sales tax of 5 percent plus local option taxes, if any. this applies to sales by Individuals, as well as, dealers. Anyone purchasing a boat from an individual should obtain a receipt that shows the cost of the boat. The buyer will then pay the sales tax on the cost of the boat to the County Recorder.If a trailer is purchased with the boat, the 5% motor vehicle use tax is paid to the County Treasurer.
Boating Laws:
For state boating law information, call the Iowa Department of Natural Resources at: (515) 281-5918 or CLICK HERE to visit their website.
For federal boating laws, call the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-368-5647.
Forms:
ATV, ORV and Snowmobiles
The Howard County Recorder has the responsibility of registering and titling ATV’s, ORV's, and snowmobiles of Howard County residents. The registrations expire on December 31st of each year. Titles are required on all ATV’s registered since January 2000, and on all snowmobiles registered since January 1998.
As of July 1, 2009, ATV's, ORV's and snowmobiles are subject to the state sales tax of 6 percent plus local option taxes, if any. This applies to sales by individuals, as well as, dealers.
Items needed when transferring an ATV/snowmobile:
Title, if applicable (signature of seller required on backside of title)
Proof sales tax has been paid, if applicable
Application for Registration, Title and Security Interest
ATV & Snowmobile Laws:
For more information about ATV, ORV and Snowmobile Registrations and Titles, visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website.
Forms:
Howard County Recorder's Contact
Howard County Courthouse
137 North Elm Street
Cresco IA 52136
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Phone number: (563) 547-9210
County Recorder: Cherri L. Caffrey
Deputy Recorder: Roxann Vokaty
PT Clerk: Lori Balik
Access all Documents and Forms used in the Recoder's Office