Updated September 7, 2026. Quick answer: In Iowa, iowa requires ‘every fiduciary’ (executor or administrator alike) to execute and file a bond with the clerk by default (Iowa Code §633.169); Iowa’s probate code has no UPC-style informal/supervised distinction.
Iowa executor bond: what the statute says
Each line is a short extract quoted from the statute cited; the section has the exceptions.
- When a bond is required. Iowa Code § 633.173: “If the distributees, in writing waive the statutory requirement that a bond shall be filed by the fiduciary with the clerk, and the court finds that the interests of the creditors will not thereby be prejudiced, no bond shall be required.”
- Waiver. Iowa Code § 633.172(1): “When, by the terms of the will, the testator has directed or expressed the desire that no bond shall be required, such direction or expression shall be construed to be a waiver of the posting of a bond by the fiduciary for all purposes…” “…and no bond shall be required unless the court for good cause finds it proper to require one; if no bond is initially required, the court may nevertheless, for good cause, at any subsequent time require that a bond be given.”
- Amount. Iowa Code § 633.170(1): “Except as herein otherwise provided, the court or the clerk shall fix the penalty of the bond in an amount equal to the value of the personal property of the estate, plus the estimated gross annual income of the estate during the period of administration.”
- Surety and cost. Iowa Code § 633.171: “In the event that the bond is not approved, the fiduciary shall, within such time as the court or the clerk directs, secure and file a bond with satisfactory surety or sureties.”
For the rest of the process and its fees, see Iowa probate cost.
Does Iowa require an executor to post a bond?
Iowa requires ‘every fiduciary’ (executor or administrator alike) to execute and file a bond with the clerk by default (Iowa Code §633.169); Iowa’s probate code has no UPC-style informal/supervised distinction.
“When, by the terms of the will, the testator has directed or expressed the desire that no bond shall be required, such direction or expression shall be construed to be a waiver of the posting of a bond by the fiduciary for all purposes, and no bond shall be required unless the court for good cause finds it proper to require one; if no bond is initially required, the court may nevertheless, for good cause, at any subsequent time require that a bond be given.”
Can the will waive it in Iowa?
Yes. Under §633.172(1), a testator’s direction or expressed desire in the will that no bond be required is ‘construed to be a waiver of the posting of a bond by the fiduciary for all purposes,’ unless the court for good cause finds it proper to require one anyway (and the court can revisit that later for good cause).
If a DIY will is the right route for you in Iowa
Because Iowa’s own bond rule turns on what your will says, a properly executed will is the actual lever here, not paperwork on the side. LawDepot builds a state-specific last will and testament, which you then sign and witness under your state’s rules.
LawDepot pays us a commission if you buy through this link and it costs you nothing extra. We are not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Affiliate Disclosure.
Can the heirs or beneficiaries waive it in Iowa?
Yes. Under §633.173, if the distributees waive the bond requirement in writing and the court finds creditors’ interests will not be prejudiced, no bond is required.
If a bond is required, how much?
When a bond is required, Iowa sizes it at 100% of the value of the personal property of the estate plus the estimated gross annual income of the estate during administration, per its own bond-amount statute.
“Except as herein otherwise provided, the court or the clerk shall fix the penalty of the bond in an amount equal to the value of the personal property of the estate, plus the estimated gross annual income of the estate during the period of administration.”
Source: Iowa Code § 633.170
What makes Iowa different
Iowa offers two independent, textually explicit waiver paths at the section level; a testator’s expressed desire in the will (§633.172) and a written waiver by all distributees conditioned on no prejudice to creditors (§633.173); both fetched directly from Iowa’s official code site as separate, clearly worded sections rather than being bundled into one general provision.
| Bond-requirement source | Iowa Code §§ 633.169, 633.172, 633.173 |
| Iowa courts (general reference) | Iowa judicial branch |
| Confidence | High |
Every statute quoted on this page was read directly from the state’s own legislature/code site this session, or, where that site blocked automated access, from a reputable legal-citation mirror quoting the same official text with its official citation (disclosed below). General information, not legal advice; a probate court has final discretion over bond in every state; confirm your own case with the court or a local attorney before relying on the default described here.
Related: how long creditors have to file a claim against an estate in Iowa.