What Do I Need to Sign My Will in Iowa?

Iowa does not require notarization for a will to be validIowa Code § 633.279Verified Oct 18, 2026View source. The notary's usual role in Iowa is the optional self-proving affidavit: a notarized statement signed with the will that lets it enter probate without locating the witnesses.

Iowa has authorized remote online notarization for many documentsIowa Code § 9B.14AVerified Sep 9, 2026View source, but wills are excludedIowa Code § 9B.14AVerified Sep 9, 2026View source; the notarization happens in person.

To execute a will in Iowa: Find 2 adults to serve as witnesses. Review witness restrictions to ensure eligibility. Get the document notarized (standard practice, not required). Wet signature and in-person signing required

Yes. Iowa has not adopted the Uniform Probate Code, but its probate code accepts a will that was valid under the law of the place it was signed. The practical wrinkle is the self-proving affidavit: a foreign will without one forces the witnesses to be located and either appear or sign declarations, and re-executing on a Iowa form, or adding a Iowa affidavit, removes that step. The Iowa document portability tool carries the recognition rule by document type.