State requirements
Making a will in Iowa
Iowa lists 2 witnesses, does not recognize holographic wills, and offers a self-proving affidavit that speeds up probate. These are educational source notes, not a certification of an individual document. Verify the current official rules before signing.
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Witnesses
2 witnesses
Notarization
Optional (affidavit)
Holographic wills
Not recognized
Self-proving affidavit
Available
Overview
Iowa has traditional will requirements. Iowa does NOT recognize holographic wills. Iowa is NOT a community property state but has elective share protections.
Key Statutes
| Statute | Citation | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Testamentary Capacity | Iowa Code § 633.264 | 18+ and of sound mind |
| Execution Requirements | Iowa Code § 633.279 | Written, signed, 2 witnesses |
| Self-Proving | Iowa Code § 633.279 | Available with affidavit |
| Elective Share | Iowa Code § 633.238 | 1/3 of net estate |
Execution Requirements
IOWA WILL REQUIREMENTS:
✓ In writing
✓ Signed by testator (or at direction)
✓ Witnessed by 2 competent persons
✓ Witnesses sign in testator's presence
⚠️ NO holographic wills recognized
Elective Share
IOWA ELECTIVE SHARE:
- 1/3 of decedent's net estate
- All real property in Iowa
- All personal property wherever situated
- Must elect within specified time period
Iowa Inheritance Tax
IOWA INHERITANCE TAX:
- Iowa has inheritance tax (not estate tax)
- Spouse: Exempt
- Lineal heirs: Exempt
- Others: Rates vary
Checklist for Iowa Wills
- •[ ] Testator is 18+ and of sound mind
- •[ ] Will is written
- •[ ] Testator signed
- •[ ] 2 competent witnesses signed in testator's presence
- •[ ] Self-proving affidavit completed
Iowa will questions, answered
Can I make a will online in Iowa?
You can prepare wishes online, but the method of drafting alone does not establish validity. Check Iowa requirements, your circumstances and the currently supported drafting scope. Professional review is separate.
How many witnesses does a will need in Iowa?
Iowa requires 2 witnesses. Witnesses should not be beneficiaries — an interested witness can jeopardize their gift or invite a contest.
Does Iowa require a will to be notarized?
Notarization and witnessing serve different purposes. Check the rules for your particular Iowa document; neither action alone establishes validity. A notary is used for the optional self-proving affidavit, which lets the probate court accept the will without contacting your witnesses.
Are handwritten (holographic) wills valid in Iowa?
No. Iowa does not recognize holographic (unwitnessed handwritten) wills made in the state. Your will must be properly witnessed to be valid.
What makes a will legally valid in Iowa?
Iowa sets out what happens at signing: the will is in writing, the person making it is 18 or older and of sound mind, they sign it, and 2 witnesses who are not beneficiaries sign it as well. A notary is not part of that list — notarization belongs to the optional self-proving affidavit. Capacity and freedom from pressure matter as much as the formalities, and statutes change, so read the current Iowa source above and get local help for your circumstances.
Keep reading
All guides →Your Iowa wishes, thoughtfully prepared.
Start with your location and supported circumstances. A public guide does not mean generation is currently open. Professional review and signing remain separate steps.
Check drafting availabilityThis page is general information about Iowa law, not legal advice. Statutes change — verify current requirements or consult a licensed Iowa attorney for complex situations.