Motor Vehicle and Trailer Title and Registration Fee Changes Effective Jan. 1, 2009 January 2009 will bring changes to the fees some Iowans pay to register and title their motor vehicles and trailers, as a new Iowa law takes effect. Generally speaking, if your car, pickup truck or sport utility vehicle was titled and registered to you in Iowa prior to Jan. 1, 2009, your vehicle registration fees will not increase. However, the new law does extend the number of years before vehicle registrations decline. Changes in the law are complex and vary according to: When a vehicle was titled and registered. A vehicle's age. The vehicle's registration fee due date. Vehicle type (i.e., car, pickup truck or sport utility vehicle). Any changes that occur after Jan. 1, 2009, in the vehicle's tonnage or usage.  Following is a list of motor vehicle and trailer types affected by the change in the law. Antique vehicle --- An antique vehicle is defined as a motor vehicle 25 years old or older. The annual vehicle registration fee varies. Q: Will fees for antique vehicles be changing after Jan. 1, 2009? A: Yes. If an antique vehicle, which is a motor vehicle 25 years old or older, is titled and registered after Jan. 1, 2009, the fee that applies will be the same as that charged for other vehicles of the same type. The fee for a vehicle titled and registered in Iowa as an antique vehicle prior to Jan. 1, 2009, increases only slightly from $5 to $23 for model years 1970 through1983, and to $16 for model years 1969 and older. A motor vehicle registered as an antique is no longer limited to driving to or from fairs, shows and exhibitions, and may continue to display a model year plate provided by the antique owner. Q: If I own an antique truck, will I have to pay a registration fee based on tonnage? A: Yes. However, an owner of an antique truck, truck tractor or motor home has the option of obtaining "limited-use" plates from the Iowa Department of Transportation's Office of Vehicle Services. These plates allow the operation of the vehicle exclusively to or from fairs, shows and exhibitions. Q: If I choose to register my antique truck using the "limited-use" plates, what is the fee? A: Two fees apply. The fee for a "limited-use" certificate is $70. There is also a $40 fee for each "limited-use" plate issued. The certificate gives the owner the option of purchasing as many "limited-use" plates as they need. For example, a person who owns three antique trucks would pay $70 for the "limited-use" certificate and $120 for three plates ($40 each), or a total of $190. "Limited-use" plates are valid for a two-year calendar cycle, ending Dec. 31 on even-numbered years. Q: How do I obtain a title for my antique truck if I choose to register it using "limited-use" plates? A: Apply only for a vehicle title from the county treasurer where you reside. Once the title has been issued, apply for the "limited-use" plates from the Iowa Department of Transportation's Office of Vehicle Services.

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