Iowa Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws
RON EnactedEffective July 1, 2020 · Last verified September 2026
Available to signers in all 50 states. Live, commissioned notaries 24/7.
Quick Facts
- Status
- RON Enacted
- Year Enacted
- 2019
- Statute
- Iowa Code § 9B.14A
- Bill Number
- SF 475 (2019 Iowa Acts ch. 44)
Iowa RON Law Overview
Iowa authorized remote online notarization in 2019 by SF 475 (2019 Iowa Acts ch. 44), codified at Iowa Code § 9B.14A, effective July 1, 2020. A Iowa online notarization is performed by a notary commissioned in Iowa who also holds the state's separate remote-notary registration or endorsement. The signer appears on a live audio-video call and is identified by automated analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication questions. The notary must record each act in an electronic journal and keep the session recording for at least 10 years.
Key details for Iowa
Enacted by SF 475 (2019 Iowa Acts ch. 44). Signer location: Anywhere; if outside the U.S., the record must relate to a U.S. court/government matter, U.S. property or a U.S.-connected transaction, and the act must not be prohibited by the foreign state (§ 9B.14A(3)(d)). The notary must be physically located in the state during the act.
Legal Citations
Iowa RON Requirements
Iowa's RON requirements mandate a live audio-video session for every remote notarization. Credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID is required to verify the signer's identity. The signer must successfully complete knowledge-based authentication (KBA), answering personal questions generated from public records and credit data to confirm their identity. The state requires notaries to maintain secure electronic journals and apply tamper-evident technology to ensure document integrity after signing. Audio-video recordings of each RON session must be retained for at least 10 years.
- Audio-video required
- Yes
- Tamper-evident seal
- Required
- Electronic journal
- Required
- Recording retention
- 10 years
- Credential analysis
- Required
- KBA required
- Yes
- Commissioned in state
- Required
- RON endorsement
- Required
Interstate Recognition
Iowa recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (Iowa Code § 9B.11).
Online Notary Availability in Iowa
Notaron is available 24/7 across Iowa. See location-specific guides for major Iowa cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote online notarization legal in Iowa?
Yes, Iowa has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2019 under Iowa Code § 9B.14A. Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for Iowa-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.
What are the identity verification requirements for RON in Iowa?
Iowa requires credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) for all remote online notarizations. The signer must correctly answer personal questions generated from authoritative data sources.
Do I need a special endorsement to perform RON in Iowa?
Yes, Iowa requires notaries to obtain a RON endorsement or registration in addition to their standard notary commission before performing remote online notarizations.
What technology is required for RON in Iowa?
Iowa requires RON sessions to use real-time two-way audio-video communication. Documents must be sealed with tamper-evident technology. An electronic journal must be maintained for all remote notarizations. Session recordings must be retained for 10 years.
Does Iowa accept out-of-state RON?
Iowa recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (Iowa Code § 9B.11).