Document Genius

Free Iowa Power of Attorney Template

An Iowa power of attorney (POA) lets you appoint someone you trust to make financial, legal, or medical decisions on your behalf. Whether you’re preparing for travel, illness, or long-term planning, this document ensures your wishes are followed under Iowa law.

4.8
1,109 Ratings
  • Duration 2 min
  • Download as PDF and Word
  • E-sign included

Written by Josh Sainsbury | Attorney-Reviewed by Harvey Barbee, J.D.

How It works?

1

Answer a Few Questions

Add your name, your agent’s details, and choose which powers to grant.

2

Customize Your Form

Our builder ensures your POA meets Iowa legal requirements.

3

Download and Sign

Print, sign, and notarize your completed form to make it valid.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is an Iowa Power of Attorney?
  2. Types of Power of Attorney in Iowa
  3. How to Write a Power of Attorney in Iowa
  4. Iowa Power of Attorney Requirements and Legal Considerations

What Is an Iowa Power of Attorney?

An Iowa power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you (the principal) to appoint an agent to handle financial, medical, or legal matters on your behalf.

Under IA Code § 633B.104, a POA in Iowa is presumed durable unless the document states otherwise. The principal must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind when signing.

A POA ensures your affairs are managed if you become incapacitated or unavailable. Our free templates make it easy to create a compliant Iowa POA and specify the exact powers you want to grant.

Types of Power of Attorney in Iowa

Each POA serves a unique purpose depending on what authority you want to grant. The table below summarizes the main types recognized under Iowa law and their signing requirements.

 

TypeWhat It DoesSigning/Notarization Requirements
Durable (Financial)Remains valid even if the principal becomes incapacitated.Notary acknowledgment (IA Code § 633B.104)
Non-Durable (General)Ends automatically when the principal becomes incapacitated.Notary acknowledgment (§ 633B.104)
Medical (Health Care)Authorizes an agent to make healthcare decisions if the principal cannot communicate.Two witnesses and a notary public (IA Code § 144B.3)
Limited (Special)Restricts the agent’s authority to specific transactions or a set duration.Notary acknowledgment (IA Code § 633B.109)
Real EstateAllows an agent to buy, sell, or manage property in Iowa.Notary acknowledgment and filing with the county recorder (IA Code § 633B)
Motor Vehicle (Form 411021)Lets an agent manage vehicle-related transactions such as transfers and registration.Notary acknowledgment per (Iowa DOT Form 411021)
Tax (Form IA-2848)Grants authority to handle tax filings and correspondence with the Iowa Department of Revenue.Principal’s signature only per (Form IA-2848)
Workforce (Form 68-0092)Allows an employer or business to release employment information for unemployment claims.Employer signature only (Form 68-0092)
Minor (Child)Temporarily transfers parental or guardianship rights for a child.Notary acknowledgment (IA Code § 633B)
RevocationTerminates a previously executed POA.Two witnesses or notary acknowledgment (IA Code § 633B.110)

How to Write a Power of Attorney in Iowa

Follow these steps to create an enforceable Iowa POA that complies with state law:

  1. List the parties: Include the full legal names and addresses of both the principal and agent. You may also name successor agents.
  2. Grant authority: Choose which general powers your agent should have, such as managing finances, property, or healthcare decisions. Powers are defined under IA Code § 633B.204–633B.217.
  3. Add specific instructions: Include any limitations or preferences, such as conditions for gifts, trusts, or beneficiary changes.
  4. Set the effective date: Under IA Code § 633B.109, a POA becomes effective upon signing unless another date or triggering event is listed.
  5. Sign and notarize: Review your document for accuracy and sign before a notary public (and witnesses, if required) to make it valid.

Iowa Power of Attorney Requirements and Legal Considerations

Notarization

Iowa requires notarization for most POAs. According to IA Code § 633B.105, a POA must include an acknowledgment by a notary public verifying the principal’s signature. Other forms, like medical or tax POAs, may require witnesses instead.

Filing

Filing isn’t mandatory for all POAs, but it’s required for those granting real estate authority. File the POA with the county recorder’s office where the property is located. Banks and healthcare facilities may also require a copy before recognizing the agent’s powers.

Revocation

Either the principal or agent can revoke the POA. Under IA Code § 633B.110, revocation occurs through:

  • A written and signed revocation  form delivered to the agent.
  • An agent’s resignation notice sent to the principal.
  • Divorce or legal separation (if the spouse is the agent).
  • Fulfillment of the POA’s terms, expiration, or the principal’s incapacitation (for non-durable POAs).

Actions taken in good faith before the agent receives notice of revocation remain valid.