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.

Multiple real-property TOD deed bills have been introduced in the Iowa Legislature (HF 125, SF 408, HF 816, HF 2422). HF 125 (91st General Assembly) advanced furthest — a House Judiciary subcommittee recommended passage on Feb 6, 2025 — but it was never reported out of the full committee, and its Senate companion SF 408 died in subcommittee. HF 816 and HF 2422 (introduced Feb 12, 2026) were each referred to House Judiciary with no further action. All died with the close of the 91st General Assembly. None have been enacted.

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.

Legislation pending

Iowa legislators have introduced bills to authorize transfer on death deeds. The law has not been enacted as of the verification date (2026-07-13).

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.

Yes. Legislation authorizing transfer on death deeds has been proposed in Iowa, but is not currently enacted. Multiple real-property TOD deed bills have been introduced in the Iowa Legislature (HF 125, SF 408, HF 816, HF 2422). HF 125 (91st General Assembly) advanced furthest — a House Judiciary subcommittee recommended passage on Feb 6, 2025 — but it was never reported out of the full committee, and its Senate companion SF 408 died in subcommittee. HF 816 and HF 2422 (introduced Feb 12, 2026) were each referred to House Judiciary with no further action. All died with the close of the 91st General Assembly. None have been enacted.