Iowa Power of Attorney Requirements & Free Form

Iowa requirements

• The document must be signed by the principal, or by another individual (other than a prospective agent) in the principal's conscious presence at the principal's direction (Iowa Code 633B.105).
• Notarization is mandatory in Iowa: the power of attorney must be acknowledged before a notary public or other officer authorized to take acknowledgments (Iowa Code 633B.105).
• An agent named in the power of attorney may not notarize the principal's signature (Iowa Code 633B.105).
• An acknowledged signature is presumed genuine, and chapter 633B does not add a witness requirement for a general power of attorney.
• Durability is the default: under Iowa Code 633B.104, a power of attorney is durable unless it expressly provides that it is terminated by the principal's incapacity.
• If the power of attorney will be used for real estate, confirm recording requirements with the county recorder where the property is located.

Frequently asked questions

Does Iowa require a power of attorney to be notarized?

Yes. Iowa Code 633B.105 requires the power of attorney to be acknowledged before a notary public or other authorized officer, and the named agent cannot be the notary. This is a validity requirement, not just best practice.

Is an Iowa power of attorney durable by default?

Yes. Under Iowa Code 633B.104, a power of attorney created under chapter 633B remains effective through the principal's incapacity unless the document expressly states that incapacity terminates it.

Official sources

• https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/633B.105.pdf
• https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/633B.104.pdf