Iowa

moderate

Salvage & rebuilt title laws for car flippers — updated 2026

Inspection

$53

Rebuilt Impact

-20%

Threshold

70% of fair market value

Title Fee

$25

Low threshold (70%) creates more inventory. Reasonable $53 fee. Moderate market demand. Straightforward process.

Conversion Process

Repair vehicle. Physical examination by Iowa Law Enforcement Academy certified peace officer. Provide receipts and documentation. Apply for rebuilt title.

Inspection Requirements

Type: both

Agency: Iowa Law Enforcement Academy certified peace officer

$53 non-refundable inspection fee. Officer verifies documentation, receipts, and inspects vehicle. Low 70% threshold creates more salvage inventory.

Out-of-State Titles

Accepts out-of-state salvage: Yes

Accepts non-repairable: No

Accepts out-of-state salvage. Iowa inspection required.

Title Branding

Title reads: REBUILT

Issues parts-only: No

Issues certificate of destruction: Yes

Non-repairable label: Non-Repairable / Junking Certificate

Resale Impact

Salvage title-45% from clean valueRebuilt title-20% from clean value

Des Moines and Cedar Rapids have moderate demand. Lower cost market overall.

Fees

Salvage title fee: $25

Rebuilt title fee: $25

Special Restrictions

• Low 70% threshold means more vehicles enter salvage market
• Certified peace officer performs examination
• $53 fee is non-refundable

Official Iowa DMV source ↗

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