Iowa R. Elec. P. 16.411

16.411(1) Generally.

a. When the law requires the filing of an original document, such as a will, codicil, mortgage

document, note payable, birth certificate, foreign judgment, or other certified or verified

document, the filer must scan the original document and electronically file the scanned document.

b. The filer must retain the original document for a period of no less than two years or until the

conclusion of the case, conclusion of the appeal, conclusion of the estate, or as required by other

applicable law.

c. The filer must immediately deliver the original document to the court upon request of the

court or a party for inspection and nonelectronic preservation.

d. When the document is an original will, codicil, or a document having physical

characteristics that must be present for the document to be valid or enforceable, the filer may,

after filing the document electronically, submit it to the clerk of court for nonelectronic

preservation.

16.411(2) Exceptions for authorized governmental agencies. A governmental agency with

statutory authority to destroy an original document after making an unaltered image or electronic

reproduction of the original document must retain and, upon request of the court or other party,

immediately deliver an unaltered image or electronic reproduction of the original document to the

court or other party for inspection and reproduction, if necessary.