Yes, a notary is required.
Must be acknowledged before a notary or other official; an agent named in it can't notarize the principal's signature.
In the official wording
"must be acknowledged before a notary public or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments."
From Iowa Code chapter 633B, Powers of Attorney (Iowa Legislature), checked November 2026.
What else the signing needs
- Witnesses
- None under the execution rule we read. The execution section doesn't mention witnesses.
"must be signed by the principal or in the principal's conscious presence by another individual."
- Agent's acknowledgment
- An agent accepts by acting or other conduct showing acceptance.
"as an agent under a power of attorney by exercising authority or performing duties as an agent."
- Recording for real estate
- Chapter 633B lets an agent record instruments but doesn't require the power of attorney to be recorded.
- Official form
- Statutory power of attorney (Iowa Code 633B.301). An optional statutory form is in 633B.301. Open the official form
- Durable after incapacity
- Durable unless the document says incapacity ends it.
"is durable unless the power of attorney expressly provides that it is terminated by the incapacity of the principal."
Next step
Sign by video with our New Jersey notary while you're in Iowa, 7 AM to 9 PM Eastern, seven days a week, by appointment. New Jersey law lets a New Jersey notary notarize for a signer located in another state (N.J.S.A. 52:7-10.10). How Iowa treats it: Iowa gives a notarial act performed in another state the same effect as if an Iowa notarial officer performed it, when a notary public of that state does the act. More on Iowa signers.
Iowa Code §9B.20(3) says the county recorder may accept for recording a tangible copy of an electronic record affecting real estate when it carries a notarial certificate. 'May' leaves the choice to the recorder.
If the agent will use it for real estate, ask the title company or the county recorder before you sign.
Book an online notarization Request a mobile notary in Iowa
In person, we look for a notary commissioned in Iowa near you; you approve the price first.
If a local notary in Iowa does it: A reasonable fee; Iowa Code chapter 9B sets no per-act maximum, under the state's fee rules (Iowa notary fees).
Official sources
- Iowa Code chapter 633B, Powers of Attorney (Iowa Legislature) (checked November 2026)
We are not lawyers, and this is general information, not legal advice. Checked November 2026. Rules change, and whoever receives the document decides what it accepts; we can't guarantee acceptance.
Common questions
Is notarization required for a power of attorney in Iowa?
Yes, a notary is required. Must be acknowledged before a notary or other official; an agent named in it can't notarize the principal's signature.
Are witnesses needed for a Iowa power of attorney?
None under the execution rule we read. The execution section doesn't mention witnesses.
Does the agent sign anything in Iowa?
An agent accepts by acting or other conduct showing acceptance.
Does a Iowa power of attorney have to be recorded for a house sale?
Chapter 633B lets an agent record instruments but doesn't require the power of attorney to be recorded.
Can I sign a Iowa power of attorney with an online notary?
Our New Jersey notary can notarize it by video while you're in Iowa. Iowa gives a notarial act performed in another state the same effect as if an Iowa notarial officer performed it, when a notary public of that state does the act.
What does a notary charge in Iowa?
A reasonable fee; Iowa Code chapter 9B sets no per-act maximum, under the state's fee rules. A mobile notary may add a travel fee; ask for the total first.
Keep going
A power of attorney in another state: Illinois · Kentucky · every state