Signing checklist for Iowa

The signing steps in Iowa law, step by step. Pick your documents to see them.

Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.

Short answer

This checklist lists the signing rules in Iowa law. It does not check whether your document is valid.

Choose your form Iowa Statutory Power of Attorney Form. You do not have to use it. The form 'may be used'; it is not required. It covers property and money only, not health care. Like any Iowa power of attorney, it must be acknowledged before a notary. An agent's certification form is in section 633B.302. Official text
Law: Iowa Code §§ 633B.301, 633B.302
Sign it Signed by you, or in your conscious presence by another person you direct to sign your name. That person cannot be someone who will be your agent.
Law: Iowa Code §§ 633B.105, 633B.106
Notary or witnesses A power of attorney must be signed and acknowledged before a notary public or another person authorized to take acknowledgments. An agent named in the power of attorney may not notarize your signature.
Law: Iowa Code §§ 633B.105, 633B.106
The agent signs too No agent signature is required. A person accepts the job of agent by acting as agent or by other conduct showing acceptance, unless the document says otherwise.
Law: Iowa Code §§ 633B.105, 633B.106

Choose your form Durable power of attorney for health care - optional statutory form. You do not have to use it. Official text
Law: Iowa Code § 144B.5
Sign it Signed by you, or by another person on your behalf at your direction, and dated.
Law: Iowa Code §§ 144B.3, 144A.3
Notary or witnesses The document must say it authorizes your attorney in fact to make health care decisions, must be dated, and must be either signed by two qualified witnesses or acknowledged before a notarial officer in Iowa. The same signing rules apply to a declaration (living will).
Law: Iowa Code §§ 144B.3, 144A.3
Who cannot witness Two witnesses must sign in the presence of each other and of you, having seen the document signed. A witness cannot be a health care provider attending you on the date you sign, an employee of that provider, the person you name as attorney in fact, or anyone under 18. At least one witness must not be related to you by blood, marriage or adoption within the third degree.
Law: Iowa Code §§ 144B.3, 144A.3

Give copies to the right people Keep the signed documents in a safe place and give copies to your health care proxy and your doctors. Some states have registries that store an advance directive for doctors and your proxy.

This checklist lists the signing rules in Iowa law. It does not check whether your document is valid.