An Iowa notary acknowledgment is a legal certificate that verifies the identity of the signer of a document.
The notary public completes the form, including the date, location, and parties involved in the signing. This certification prevents fraud and ensures that the document is signed voluntarily. The signatories must provide proof of identification and acknowledge that they signed the document of their own free will.
The notary public signs, dates, and seals the form upon completion of these procedures.
Legal Considerations
Statute: § 9B.16
Form of Acknowledgment: The signer must appear before the notary public, acknowledge the signature as their voluntary act and deed, and have the notary public certify the acknowledgment. (§ 9B.16)
Notary Term of Commission: Three years. (§ 9E.4)
Notary Handbook: The Notary Handbook provides guidelines and best practices for notaries public in the state, covering topics such as the duties and responsibilities of a notary, proper notarial acts, and record-keeping requirements.
Is Online Notarization Legal in Iowa?
Yes, Senate File 475, now enacted into law, amends the Iowa Code to permit permanent remote online notarization in the state.
The new law includes provisions for identity proofing, audio-visual communication, and record-keeping requirements for remote online notarizations. It also sets forth the conditions under which a notary may perform remote online notarizations and the types of documents that may be notarized remotely.
How to Notarize
Step 1 – Find a Notary Public
The first step is to find a notary public. You can find a notary public by using the Iowa Notary Search, alternatively, at a bank, credit union, law office, or private notary service.
Step 2 – Confirm Your Identity
When you see a notary public, you must confirm your identity. You must present a valid identification document that contains a photograph and a signature. The notary will carefully examine your ID to ensure it is not expired and matches your appearance.
Step 3 – Sign the Document
Once your identity has been confirmed, you should sign the document in the notary public’s presence. The notary will then complete the notarial certificate, indicating the procedure followed in notarization.
The certificate must include the notary’s official signature, the date of notarization, and the notary’s official seal.
Step 4 – Collect the Notarized Document
Once the notarization process is complete, the notary will provide you with the notarized document. The notary will also keep a record of the notarization in their notary journal, as required by law.
How to Verify a Notary
- Visit the Secretary of State’s website to search for a notary.
- Search by Commission Number or Details.
- Enter the commission number or provide first name, last name, business name, city, zip, language, and notary status. You can also check for electronic or remote notarization.
- Results will display basic information on each notary within the provided search parameters.
- Click on a notary’s name to view more detailed information.
How to Write (for Notary)
- Download an Iowa notary acknowledgment form in PDF or Word format.
- On the form, provide the following information:
a. County where the acknowledgment is taking place
b. Date of the acknowledgment
c. Name(s) of signer(s)
d. Signature of signer(s)
e. Title of the notary
f. Commission expiration date of the notary
g. Official seal or stamp of the notary - Have the signer(s) sign the completed form in the notary’s presence.
- Complete the notary’s section of the form, including your signature, title, commission expiration date, and official seal or stamp.
