Defamation Laws in Iowa

How long you have to sue for libel or slander in Iowa, and any retraction rules, from the state code.

Short answer: In Iowa, lawsuits for injuries to reputation, which covers libel (written) and slander (spoken), must be filed within 2 years. Iowa Code § 614.1(2) (Iowa Code 2026)

Deadline to sue for defamation (libel and slander)	In Iowa, lawsuits for injuries to reputation, which covers libel (written) and slander (spoken), must be filed within 2 years. Source: Iowa Code § 614.1(2) (Iowa Code 2026)
Retraction (correction) rules	Yes. If a newspaper, free newspaper, shopping guide, or radio or TV station shows that a libel was published through misinformation or mistake, the plaintiff can recover only actual damages unless the plaintiff served a written demand for retraction that was refused. If no retraction is published or broadcast as prominently within 2 weeks after the demand, the plaintiff may seek actual, special and punitive (exemplary) damages. Special rules apply to candidates for office, and these retraction rules do not apply to libel imputing sexual misconduct. Source: Iowa Code §§ 659.2, 659.3, 659.4 (Iowa Code 2026)

Deadline to sue for defamation (libel and slander)

In Iowa, lawsuits for injuries to reputation, which covers libel (written) and slander (spoken), must be filed within 2 years.

Source: Iowa Code § 614.1(2) (Iowa Code 2026)

Retraction (correction) rules

Yes. If a newspaper, free newspaper, shopping guide, or radio or TV station shows that a libel was published through misinformation or mistake, the plaintiff can recover only actual damages unless the plaintiff served a written demand for retraction that was refused. If no retraction is published or broadcast as prominently within 2 weeks after the demand, the plaintiff may seek actual, special and punitive (exemplary) damages. Special rules apply to candidates for office, and these retraction rules do not apply to libel imputing sexual misconduct.

Source: Iowa Code §§ 659.2, 659.3, 659.4 (Iowa Code 2026)

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FAQ

How long do you have to sue for defamation in Iowa?

In Iowa, lawsuits for injuries to reputation, which covers libel (written) and slander (spoken), must be filed within 2 years.

Does Iowa have a defamation retraction law?

Last verified against official sources: October 27, 2026.

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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.