Iowa Warranty Deed

PublicLegal-authored self-help deed form. Provided for customers to complete with their own transaction information and submit to the proper local recording office. Recorder offices and state agencies may require separate supplemental forms, taxes, fees, or cover sheets, and requirements vary by jurisdiction and transaction. Review the product notes and confirm local recording requirements before relying on any completed deed.
Iowa recording note. Most Iowa deed recordings require a Declaration of Value (Form 57-006) unless a DOV-specific exemption applies, plus a Groundwater Hazard Statement or the deed's statutory no-known-hazard statement. Iowa deeds require notary acknowledgment, not witnesses, and both spouses generally must sign if the property is a married grantor's homestead.

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What Is a Iowa Warranty Deed?

An Iowa warranty deed transfers Iowa real estate with general warranty protection. Iowa's statutory warranty deed language warrants the title against all persons whomsoever, so it should not be described as a limited or special warranty deed unless the actual document is separately revised and relabeled.

When to Use a Warranty Deed in Iowa

  • Buying or selling Iowa real estate when general warranty protection is intended.
  • Working with a buyer, lender, title company, or title insurer that expects warranty-deed protection.
  • Using the Iowa deed path when the grantor is willing to give broad title covenants.

Iowa Recording Notes

  • Signing: The grantor signs the deed. If the property is the grantor's Iowa homestead and the grantor is married, both spouses generally must sign.
  • Notarization: Iowa deeds must be acknowledged before a notarial officer before recording.
  • Witnesses: Iowa does not require witnesses for an ordinary acknowledged deed.
  • Recording: Record the deed with the county recorder where the property is located.
  • Declaration of Value: Most Iowa deed recordings require a Declaration of Value (Form 57-006) unless a DOV-specific exemption applies. Transfer-tax exemptions and Declaration of Value exemptions are not identical.
  • Groundwater Hazard Statement: Iowa recordings generally require a Groundwater Hazard Statement or the deed's statutory no-known-hazard statement.
  • Transfer Tax / Fees: Iowa real estate transfer tax is generally $0.80 per $500, or fractional part, on consideration over $500 unless a statutory exemption applies. County recording fees and auditor transfer fees can also apply.
  • Legal Description: Use the complete legal description from a prior deed, title commitment, survey, or other reliable title source. A street address or parcel number alone is usually not enough.

Warranty Deed vs Other Iowa Deeds

A warranty deed gives broader title-warranty protection than a quitclaim deed. A quitclaim deed transfers only whatever interest the grantor has, without warranties. Iowa also has a deed in fee simple without warranty, but Iowa does not have a separate statutory grant-deed category.

Frequently Asked Questions

What covenants does an Iowa warranty deed provide?

Iowa Code section 558.19(3) uses warranty-deed wording that warrants title against all persons whomsoever. Treat this product as a general warranty deed unless a separate fulfillment audit changes the document.

Does Iowa require witnesses for a warranty deed?

No. Iowa deeds must be acknowledged before a notarial officer, but Iowa does not require witnesses for an ordinary acknowledged deed.

Does Iowa require a Declaration of Value?

Most Iowa deed recordings require a Declaration of Value (Form 57-006) unless a DOV-specific exemption applies. The DOV-exempt list is not identical to the transfer-tax-exempt list.

Does Iowa have transfer-on-death deeds?

No. Iowa does not recognize transfer-on-death deeds for real estate.

Who provides this deed form?

PublicLegal provides this self-help deed form template for customers to complete with their own transaction information. For transaction-specific legal, title, or recording guidance, consult an attorney, title company, or the local recording office. Recording offices and state agencies may require separate supplemental forms, taxes, fees, or cover sheets.

Does this deed release a mortgage or clear liens?

No. A deed transfers title to real property. It does not release a borrower from an existing mortgage or deed of trust, remove liens, or replace lender consent, payoff, refinance, or assumption requirements.