Treasurer

County Treasurers are required to take an oath to support the US Constitution and the State Constitution of Iowa.  There are four main functions of the office: 

Driver’s License - issue all types of identification cards and driver’s license needs. 

Motor Vehicle – process title transactions, registration renewals and multiple other functions.   

Property Tax – collection and disbursement of property taxes and state credits.

Financials – balance with millions of dollars, multiple funds, accounts and payroll, as well as process payments for all county offices. 

Many of the office policies and regulations are mandated by the Iowa DOT.  Each State of Iowa legislative session brings specific laws that have effects on our procedures, rules or methods that we must carry out and educate our constituents of these important requirements. 

It is our duty and obligation to the citizens of Shelby County to maintain fiscal accountability.  The Treasurer’s Office balances in accordance with accounting principals required by the Government Auditing Standards, as well as internal controls over financial reporting with the State auditing firm. 

We are grateful to serve you and hope that you find our web page convenient and beneficial. 

Our web page is intended to provide brief information and is not all inclusive.  For additional details or information, please contact our office. 

Payment Options

Payments can be paid in person, by mail, by using the drop box on the south side of the courthouse by the handicap entrance, or online.

Pay Taxes Pay Vehicle Tag Renewal
 

Pay by Mail:

Important United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmark Update — Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute!

PSA:  The USPS has recently updated how postmark dates are applied. Under the new rule that took effect December 24, 2025, mail may not get postmarked on the same day it is dropped off at a post office or mailbox; instead, the postmark may reflect the date it is first processed at a sorting facility.

This shift could have significant consequences if you rely on postmarks to meet deadlines — such as motor vehicle registration renewals or property tax payments. Traditionally, the postmark has served as proof of when something was mailed, but under the new guidance it may not accurately reflect when you hand it over to USPS.

*  What this means for you:

Pursuant to Iowa law, deadlines for motor vehicle and property tax payments mailed depend on the postmark date.  Avoid unnecessary penalties by submitting your payment prior to the last day.  Mailing something on the last day might not count as on time if the postmark is applied later.

*  Our strong recommendation:

Please do not wait until the last day to mail time-sensitive payments when timeliness is determined by the postmark.  Mail in advance or consider options like requesting a manual postmark at the post office, using certified mail, or online payments when available to ensure your payment or filing is clearly on time.