Licensing & Registration

Fishing & Hunting License Information

The Recorder's office sells fishing, hunting, fur harvester, deer, and wild turkey licenses. Habitat, migratory bird, and trout 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 (DNR) Website or contact the DNR in Des Moines at 515-281-8688.

Boat Registration & Title Information

The Mills County Recorder has the responsibility of registering and titling vessels of Mills County residents and non-residents if the vessel is principally used in Mills 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:

  • Application for Registration, Title, and Security Interest
  • Bill of Sale
  • Most recent registration (signature of seller required on the backside of registration)
  • Proof sales tax has been paid, if applicable
  • Title, if applicable (signature of seller required on the backside of title)

State Sales Tax Information

  • Sales of boats and other watercraft in Iowa are subject to the state sales tax of 6% 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 visit the DNR website. For federal boating laws, call the U.S. Coast Guard's Boating Safety Infoline at 800-368-5647.

ATV & Snowmobile Registration & Title

The Mills County Recorder has the responsibility of registering and titling ATVs and snowmobiles of Mills County residents. The registrations expire on December 31st of each year. Titles are required on all ATVs registered since January 2000 and on all snowmobiles registered since January 1998.

Items Needed When Transferring an ATV / Snowmobile

  • Application for Registration, Title, and Security Interest
  • Bill of Sale
  • Proof sales tax has been paid, if applicable
  • Title, if applicable (signature of seller required on the backside of title)

ATV & Snowmobile Laws

For more information about ATV and Snowmobile Registrations and Titles, visit the Iowa DNR website.

Attention ATV and Off-Road Vehicle Owners

You may now renew your ATV/ORV registration for 2025. Bring your current registration to the Mills County Recorder’s Office on the main level of the courthouse. After Jan. 1, 2025, there will be a $5 late fee.

The Mills County Ordinance requires off-road vehicles to display a separate Mills County Road Permit in addition to a current DNR sticker to legally drive on county roads. The 2025 permit can now be purchased and will go into effect Jan. 1, 2025.

If you have any questions, call the recorder’s office at 712-527-9315