Does Iowa Allow Transfer on Death Deeds?

Iowa does not authorize transfer on death deeds. 3 alternatives are available to transfer real property at death without probate.

Why TOD deeds aren't available in Iowa

Iowa has not adopted the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act or any TOD deed statute for real property. Iowa Code Chapter 633D (§§633D.1–633D.12) authorizes TOD registration for securities only; Chapter 633F is the Iowa Uniform Custodial Trust Act and does not create a TOD deed. Chapter 633G does not exist in the Iowa Code.

Four real-property TOD deed bills have been introduced in the Iowa Legislature, all in the 91st General Assembly, and none was enacted. HF 125 advanced furthest — introduced January 27, 2025, a House Judiciary subcommittee recommended passage on February 6, 2025 — but it was never reported out of the full committee; its Senate companion SF 408 (introduced February 20, 2025) got only a subcommittee assignment on February 25, 2025. HF 816 (March 6, 2025) and HF 2422 (February 12, 2026) were each referred to House Judiciary with no further action. Each bill would have created a new Iowa Code Chapter 633G adopting the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act. The 2026 Regular Session — the second and final session of the 91st General Assembly — adjourned sine die on May 3, 2026, and all four died with it. No TOD deed bill is pending today: the 92nd General Assembly convenes January 11, 2027.

Alternatives for Iowa

These mechanisms transfer real property at death without probate in Iowa:

Consult a licensed attorney for help choosing the right mechanism for your situation.

Frequently asked questions

Iowa has not adopted the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act or any TOD deed statute for real property. Iowa Code Chapter 633D (§§633D.1–633D.12) authorizes TOD registration for securities only; Chapter 633F is the Iowa Uniform Custodial Trust Act and does not create a TOD deed. Chapter 633G does not exist in the Iowa Code.

Iowa recognizes 3 alternatives for transferring real property outside of probate: Revocable living trust; Joint tenancy with right of survivorship; Life estate deed.

No. Real property transfers are governed by the state where the property is located. A TOD deed signed under another state's law has no effect on real property in Iowa.

Not currently. The most recent bill, HF 2422 (91st General Assembly (2026)), failed: Introduced, referred to House Judiciary; died in committee at the May 3, 2026 sine die (fourth URPTODA bill of the biennium to fail). No TOD deed bill is pending.