Notary Public in Iowa
Browse 51 cities in Iowa to find a notary public near you.
Iowa notaries are appointed by the Secretary of State and serve a 3-year commission — one of the shorter terms nationally. Notary services are widely available throughout the state at banks, credit unions, and UPS Store locations, and mobile notaries serve both urban professionals in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids and rural communities across Iowa. There's no statutory fee cap, so rates vary by notary; it's reasonable to ask before booking. Remote online notarization is legal here, useful for Iowa's more sparsely populated counties. Iowa requires training but no bond, exam, or journal — one of the lighter regulatory approaches in the Midwest.
Is this notary really commissioned?
Anyone can claim to be a notary. Before you rely on one for an important document, it costs nothing to check that their commission is real, active, and hasn't expired.
Iowa notaries are commissioned by the Iowa Secretary of State — Notary Division, which provides a free public commission lookup.
Verify a Iowanotary's commission →What you can legally be charged
As of July 2026, Iowa law caps the fee a notary can charge for a standard notarial act at No state maximum — notary sets a reasonable fee. A notary who charges more than the legal maximum for a standard act is breaking the law — you're entitled to ask what they charge before they begin.
What to expect
- Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID — the notary can't proceed without one.
- Iowa doesn't require notaries to keep a journal or record book of each transaction, though many keep one anyway as good practice.
- Every document is marked with the notary's official stamp or seal, confirming the notarization is complete.
Remote Online Notarization
Iowa has adopted RON — documents can be notarized over a live video call.
Full RON details →For aspiring notaries
Becoming a notary in Iowa
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission term | 3 years |
| Surety bond | Not required |
| Training course | Required |
| State exam | Not required |
Total cost to become a notary in Iowa typically runs $60, covering the application, training, and supplies.
Full guide to becoming a notary →Sourced from the National Notary Association, verified July 2026. Confirm current requirements with the Iowa Secretary of State — Notary Division.