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Iowa · Iowa Code §9B.14AIowa remote online notarization: the identity rules, the recording and the certificate

Iowa follows the uniform notarial act model for remotely located individuals. A notary located in Iowa may perform a notarial act using communication technology – simultaneous sight and sound – for an individual who isn't physically present if the notary has personal knowledge of the individual's identity, satisfactory evidence from a credible witness, or satisfactory evidence from at least two different types of identity proofing; can reasonably confirm the record is the same one the individual signed; and creates an audiovisual recording of the act (Iowa Code §9B.14A). For a signer outside the United States, the record must relate to a matter before a U.S. court or government entity, or involve property in the United States or a transaction substantially connected with it, and signing must not be prohibited where the signer is. The certificate must indicate that the act was performed using communication technology, the recording must be kept at least ten years unless a rule sets a different period, and before the first such act the notary must notify the state and identify the technologies used. For real estate, Iowa adds that a document purporting to convey or encumber real property that has been recorded by the county recorder gives notice to third persons and is effective from recording even if it wasn't certified according to the section (§9B.14A(11)).

The rules

  1. 1. Where

    Notary located in Iowa; signer anywhere, with conditions outside the U.S.

  2. 2. Identity

    Personal knowledge, a credible witness, or two types of identity proofing.

  3. 3. Recording

    Audiovisual recording of the act, kept at least ten years.

  4. 4. Certificate

    Must say the act was performed using communication technology.

What the TC can do

  • Ask the closing agent and the lender whether they accept remote online notarization for this closing.
  • Tell a remote signer to have identification ready for the identity proofing.
  • Confirm the certificate states that communication technology was used.

Questions about Iowa remote online notarization

Can a Iowa notary notarize for a seller living abroad?

Yes, if the record involves property in the United States or a transaction substantially connected with it, and signing isn't prohibited where the seller is (Iowa Code §9B.14A).

Does a recorded Iowa deed fail if the remote certificate was defective?

A recorded document conveying or encumbering real property gives notice to third persons and is effective from recording even if it wasn't certified according to §9B.14A (Iowa Code §9B.14A(11)).

Add a task in ClosingCode to confirm remote notarization with the closing agent and lender, with an owner and a due date.

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Source: Iowa Code §9B.14A (legis.iowa.gov, Iowa Code 2026, read October 26, 2026).

General information, not legal advice. The lender, title company and recording county decide whether they accept a remote online notarization. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm or title company. This guide is not a substitute for the advice or services of an attorney.