Under Iowa Code 633A.4604, the certification of trust is an official document confirming the terms of a trust as they relate to a specific transaction. Trustees wishing to enter into a transaction in the trust's name may be asked to present a certification of trust to prove the trust's existence and the trustee's authority to enter into the transaction.

A certificate of trust presents the name and date of the trust under which the trustee is acting, as well as the identities of the trust's settlor and trustees. The document provides the name by which the trust will hold title to trust assets, and includes the trust's taxpayer identification number (TIN).

If there is more than one trustee, the certificate identifies who has authority to sign documents relating to the trust and how many co-trustees are required to sign. The document also enumerates the trustee's powers relative to the transaction at hand, and includes the name of any person able to revoke the trust, if applicable. Like other documents affecting real property, the certificate should include the legal description of the subject property.

Finally, the certificate requires statements that the trust has not been revoked, modified, or amended in any manner to cause the representations contained within to be incorrect; that the document is being signed by all acting trustees; and that the certificate is sworn and subscribed to under penalty of perjury before a notary public (Iowa Code 633A.4604(2)).

The statements contained within the certificate may be relied on as if they were fact, but recipients of a certification of trust may request copies of the sections of the trust instrument designating the trustee and conferring the trustee's powers pursuant to Iowa Code 633A.4604(4). A recipient requesting the entire trust document may be liable for damages if a court finds they acted unreasonably in their request (Iowa Code 633A.4604(6)).

Consult a lawyer with questions regarding trust law and certifications of trust, as each situation is unique.

(Iowa Certificate of Trust Package includes form, guidelines, and completed example)

How to Use This Form

Select your county from the list above
Download the county-specific form
Fill in the required information
Have the document notarized if required
Record with your county recorder's office

What Others Like You Are Saying

— Prentis T.

"So far so good"

— Lorraine F.

"I followed the instructions to download the form for my Mac, typed in the legal description of the r…"

— Dennis O.

"Everything I needed plus more. Great service!!!"

— Catherine J S.

"Did not like that the lines aren't lining up smoothly to make the document look more professional."

— Joy V.

"Very helpful and efficient!"

Common Uses for Certificate of Trust

Distribute inherited property among multiple heirs
Record a trust's ownership interest with the county
Transfer property from a trust to a beneficiary
Convey property from an estate to a buyer
Convey property as directed by a will or court order
Transfer property to a successor trustee
Distribute real estate to beneficiaries of an estate

Compare other Iowa deed forms and documents

Quitclaim Deed Gift Deed Warranty Deed Special Warranty Deed Grant Deed Correction Deed Easement Deed Termination, Cancellation of Easement / Right of Way Affidavit of Surviving Joint Tenant Trustee Warranty Deed Court Officer Deed Affidavit of Individual Trustee Affidavit of Corporate Trustee Purchaser Affidavit Mineral Deed Mineral Deed with Quitclaim Covenants Real Estate Mortgage and Promissory Note Release of Real Estate Mortgage Assignment of Real Estate Mortgage Real Estate Contract-Installments Full Release of Real Estate Contract Memorandum of Contract Full Release of Memorandum of Contract General Power of Attorney Limited Power of Attorney for the Purchase of Real Property Limited Power of Attorney for the Sale of Real Property Disclaimer of Interest Contractor Notice to Owner Claim of Mechanics Lien Verified Statement of Account Notice to Primary Contractor Subcontractor Notice to Owner Subcontractor Claim of Mechanics Lien Certificate of Satisfaction Conditional Lien Waiver upon Progress Payment Unconditional Waiver upon Progress Payment Conditional Lien Waiver on Final Payment Unconditional Waiver on Final Payment

Important: County-Specific Forms

Our certificate of trust forms are specifically formatted for each county in Iowa.

After selecting your county, you'll receive forms that meet all local recording requirements, ensuring your documents will be accepted without delays or rejection fees.

Back to Iowa Forms