Drivers across Iowa may start noticing a change on newly purchased vehicles, as a new temporary tag system rolls out at licensed dealerships.
The Iowa Department of Transportation has updated how “registration applied for” cards — commonly called temporary tags — are issued, moving to a system that is trackable, tamper-resistant, and scannable by law enforcement.
At Ver Hoef Automotive in Sioux Center, General Manager and Finance Manager Jazmine Sneller says dealerships learned about the change through the Iowa Automobile Dealers Association, which serves as a liaison between dealers and state regulators.
Sneller says that added verification gives customers more confidence — especially those traveling outside Iowa shortly after buying a vehicle.
Under the new system, dealers can only issue a temporary tag once a buyer has paid their tax, title, and license fees, which Sneller says adds another layer of accountability.
Sneller also notes that the process is now fully electronic, with paperwork sent directly to county offices rather than through the mail, and that the tags are now mounted where permanent plates will go instead of being taped in a back window.
While the tags are no more or less legal than before, Sneller says the improved visibility and verification make the process smoother for drivers, dealerships, and law enforcement.
The Iowa DOT has additional information available online outlining how the new system works and what drivers should expect when purchasing a vehicle from a dealer.
The featured photo was submitted by Ver Hoef Automotive
