Quick Facts
Commission Term
3 years
Bond
Not required
Application Fee
$30
Issuing Authority
Iowa Secretary of State
Journal
Optional
Fee Caps
No caps
What makes Iowa distinctive
- Iowa does not permit remote online notarization (RON), unlike the majority of states that have authorized it.
- Iowa's 3-year commission term is shorter than the national median of 4 years, requiring more frequent renewal.
- Iowa does not require a notary bond, unlike the 28 states that do.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Not Available
Iowa does not currently authorize remote online notarization.
Key Considerations
- Iowa Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA) adopted in Iowa Code Chapter 9B
- No bond requirement (unique - E&O insurance recommended instead)
- Journal NOT mandatory for traditional notarizations (strongly recommended)
- RON authorized since 2020 - notary location flexible (can be anywhere, not restricted to Iowa)
- Non-residents from bordering states (MN, WI, IL, MO, NE, SD) may apply for 1-year commission
Regulatory Authority
Iowa Secretary of State - Notary Division
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
Iowa Code Chapter 9B
Notarial Acts (Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts)
Iowa Code § 9B.5
Requirements for certain notarial acts
Iowa Code § 9B.13
Notarial act under federal authority
Iowa Code § 9B.14
Foreign notarial act
Iowa Code § 9B.15
Certificate of notarial act
Iowa Code § 9B.16
Short form certificates
Iowa Code § 595.10
Who may solemnize marriages
Iowa Administrative Code 721-42
Remote Online Notarization
Iowa UCC § 554.3505
Protest of negotiable instruments
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Iowa?
A Iowa notary public commission is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Iowa Secretary of State - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Iowa?
Iowa charges $30 as the application fee to the Iowa Secretary of State - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Iowa require a notary bond?
No. Iowa does not require a surety bond as part of the notary commission. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and may still be advisable for protection against personal liability.
Is a notary journal required in Iowa?
Iowa does not legally require a notary journal, though keeping one is strongly recommended for evidentiary protection in the event of a challenged signature.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the Iowa Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Can Iowa notaries perform remote online notarizations?
No. Iowa does not currently authorize remote online notarization. In-person notarization remains the only recognized method, though state law in this area changes rapidly — verify with the Iowa Secretary of State - Notary Division before declining a remote request.
What identity verification methods can Iowa notaries use?
Iowa notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does Iowa cap notary fees?
Iowa does not set hard statutory maximums on notarial fees. No statutory fee caps in Iowa - notaries may charge reasonable fees for services; fees should be disclosed to clients in advance
Who regulates notaries in Iowa?
Iowa notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Iowa Secretary of State - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does Iowa authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. Iowa authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can Iowa notaries perform?
Iowa notaries are authorized to perform 11 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in Iowa?
Start your application through the Iowa Secretary of State - Notary Division.
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