Quitclaim Deeds and Transferring Property in Iowa
How to sign and record a quitclaim or other deed in Iowa, and whether you can use a transfer-on-death deed to avoid probate.
Short answer: A deed must be acknowledged before a notary or other notarial officer (Iowa Code chapter 9B) to be recorded. It is recorded with the county recorder of the county where the land is located; Iowa Code §§ 558.20, 558.41, 558.42, 428A.1, 428A.2
| Signing and recording a deed | A deed must be acknowledged before a notary or other notarial officer (Iowa Code chapter 9B) to be recorded. It is recorded with the county recorder of the county where the land is located; an unrecorded deed is not valid against later buyers who pay value without notice. A declaration of value signed by a seller or buyer is submitted when most deeds are recorded. Iowa's real estate transfer tax is 80 cents per $500 of consideration over $500; deeds with no consideration, deeds between spouses or parent and child without consideration, and deeds distributing estate assets to heirs or devisees are among the exemptions. |
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| Transfer-on-death deed | Iowa law does not provide for a transfer-on-death deed for real estate. Bills to adopt one (for example House File 125 in 2025) were introduced but not enacted. Common alternatives include joint tenancy with right of survivorship and living trusts. Check for later legislation before relying on this. |
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FAQ
What does a quitclaim deed need to be valid in Iowa?
A deed must be acknowledged before a notary or other notarial officer (Iowa Code chapter 9B) to be recorded. It is recorded with the county recorder of the county where the land is located; an unrecorded deed is not valid against later buyers who pay value without notice. A declaration of value signed by a seller or buyer is submitted when most deeds are recorded. Iowa's real estate transfer tax is 80 cents per $500 of consideration over $500; deeds with no consideration, deeds between spouses or parent and child without consideration, and deeds distributing estate assets to heirs or devisees are among the exemptions.
Does Iowa allow transfer-on-death deeds?
Iowa law does not provide for a transfer-on-death deed for real estate. Bills to adopt one (for example House File 125 in 2025) were introduced but not enacted. Common alternatives include joint tenancy with right of survivorship and living trusts.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.