Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure
325 rules across 18 divisions · 292 active
The Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure are cited as “Iowa R. Civ. P.” and were adopted by the Iowa Supreme Court under its rulemaking authority in Iowa Code section 602.4201. Browse the full set below, with verbatim rule text, the official committee comments the Court publishes alongside the rules, and a plain-English summary for every rule.
Source: Iowa Legislative Services Agency ·
Adopted by the Iowa Supreme Court ·
Current through June 15, 2026 ·
Official source
I. Operation of Rules
Cited as Iowa R. Civ. P. · 1 active rules · 2 in the official compilation
- Rule 1.101 Applicability; statutes affected
- Rule 1.102 Rules 1.102 to 1.200 Reserved Reserved
II. Actions, Joinder of Actions and Parties
Cited as Iowa R. Civ. P. · 59 active rules · 66 in the official compilation
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A. Parties Generally; Capacity · 12 active
- Rule 1.201 Real party in interest
- Rule 1.202 Public bond
- Rule 1.203 Partnerships
- Rule 1.204 Foreign corporations
- Rule 1.205 Assignees; exception
- Rule 1.206 Injury or death of a minor
- Rule 1.207 Actions by and against state
- Rule 1.208 Married persons
- Rule 1.209 Desertion of family
- Rule 1.210 Minors; incompetents
- Rule 1.211 Defense by incompetent, prisoner, etc
- Rule 1.212 Guardian ad litem
- Rule 1.213 Rules 1.213 to 1.220 Reserved Reserved
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B. Substitution of Parties · 7 active
- Rule 1.221 Substitution at death; limitation
- Rule 1.222 Transfer of interest
- Rule 1.223 Incapacity pending action
- Rule 1.224 Nonabatement in case of guardianship
- Rule 1.225 Majority of minor
- Rule 1.226 Officers; representatives
- Rule 1.227 Notice to substituted party
- Rule 1.228 Rules 1.228 to 1.230 Reserved Reserved
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C. Joinder; Misjoinder and Nonjoinder · 7 active
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D. Counterclaims and Cross-Claims · 6 active
- Rule 1.241 Compulsory counterclaims
- Rule 1.242 Permissive counterclaims
- Rule 1.243 Joinder of counterclaims
- Rule 1.244 Counterclaim not limited
- Rule 1.245 Cross-claim against coparty
- Rule 1.246 Third-party practice
- Rule 1.247 Rules 1.247 to 1.250 Reserved Reserved
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E. Interpleader · 7 active
- Rule 1.251 Right of interpleader
- Rule 1.252 By defendants
- Rule 1.253 Deposit; discharge
- Rule 1.254 Substitution of claimant
- Rule 1.255 Injunction
- Rule 1.256 Costs
- Rule 1.257 Sheriff or officer; creditor
- Rule 1.258 Rules 1.258 to 1.260 Reserved Reserved
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F. Class Actions · 19 active
- Rule 1.261 Commencement of a class action
- Rule 1.262 Certification of class action
- Rule 1.263 Criteria considered
- Rule 1.264 Order on certification
- Rule 1.265 Amendment of certification order
- Rule 1.266 Notice of action
- Rule 1.267 Exclusion
- Rule 1.268 Conduct of action
- Rule 1.269 Discovery by or against class members
- Rule 1.270 Counterclaims
- Rule 1.271 Dismissal or compromise
- Rule 1.272 Effect of judgment on class
- Rule 1.273 Costs
- Rule 1.274 Relief afforded
- Rule 1.275 Attorney's fees
- Rule 1.276 Arrangements for attorney's fees and expenses
- Rule 1.277 Statute of limitations
- Rule 1.278 Virtual representation
- Rule 1.279 Shareholder's actions
- Rule 1.280 Reserved Reserved
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G. Expedited Civil Actions · 1 active
- Rule 1.281 Expedited civil actions
- Rule 1.282 Rules 1.282 to 1.300 Reserved Reserved
III. Commencement of Actions
Cited as Iowa R. Civ. P. · 15 active rules · 16 in the official compilation
- Rule 1.301 Commencement of actions; tolling; cover sheet
- Rule 1.302 Original notice; form, issuance and service
- Rule 1.303 Time for motion or answer to petition
- Rule 1.304 Response of garnishee
- Rule 1.305 Personal service
- Rule 1.306 Alternate method of service
- Rule 1.307 Member of general assembly
- Rule 1.308 Returns of service
- Rule 1.309 Amendment of process or proof of service
- Rule 1.310 Service by publication; what cases
- Rule 1.311 Known defendants
- Rule 1.312 Unknown defendants, respondents, or other parties
- Rule 1.313 How published
- Rule 1.314 Proof of publication
- Rule 1.315 Actual service
- Rule 1.316 Rules 1.316 to 1.400 Reserved Reserved
IV. Pleadings and Motions
Cited as Iowa R. Civ. P. · 36 active rules · 42 in the official compilation
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A. Pleadings Generally · 7 active
- Rule 1.401 Allowable pleadings
- Rule 1.402 General rules of pleading
- Rule 1.403 Claims for relief
- Rule 1.404 Appearances
- Rule 1.405 Answer
- Rule 1.406 Reply
- Rule 1.407 Interventions
- Rule 1.408 Rules 1.408 to 1.410 Reserved Reserved
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B. Pleadings; Format and Content · 13 active
- Rule 1.411 Caption and signature
- Rule 1.412 Paragraphs; separate statements
- Rule 1.413 Verification abolished; affidavits; certification
- Rule 1.414 Supplemental pleadings
- Rule 1.415 Judicial notice; statutes
- Rule 1.416 Negligence; mitigation
- Rule 1.417 Permissible conclusions; denials
- Rule 1.418 Contract
- Rule 1.419 Defenses to be specially pleaded
- Rule 1.420 Account; bill of particulars; denial
- Rule 1.421 Defenses; how raised; consolidation; waiver
- Rule 1.422 Protected information
- Rule 1.423 Limited representation pleadings and papers
- Rule 1.424 Rules 1.424 to 1.430 Reserved Reserved
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C. Motions · 5 active
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D. Time, Filing, and Notice Requirements · 4 active
- Rule 1.441 Time to move or plead
- Rule 1.442 Service and filing of pleadings and other papers
- Rule 1.443 Enlargement; additional time after service
- Rule 1.444 Pleading over; election to stand
- Rule 1.445 Rules 1.445 to 1.450 Reserved Reserved
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E. Court Action · 7 active
- Rule 1.451 Specific rulings required
- Rule 1.452 Order defined
- Rule 1.453 When and how entered
- Rule 1.454 Reserved Reserved
- Rule 1.455 Preliminary determination
- Rule 1.456 Cross-petition, cross-claim, counterclaim; judgment
- Rule 1.457 Amending to conform to the evidence
- Rule 1.458 Special action; proper remedy awarded
- Rule 1.459 Rules 1.459 to 1.499 Reserved Reserved
V. Discovery and Inspection
Cited as Iowa R. Civ. P. · 17 active rules · 19 in the official compilation
- Rule 1.500 Duty to disclose; required disclosures
- Rule 1.501 Discovery methods
- Rule 1.502 Discovery materials not filed
- Rule 1.503 Scope of discovery
- Rule 1.504 Protective orders
- Rule 1.505 Timing and sequence of discovery
- Rule 1.506 Stipulations regarding discovery procedure
- Rule 1.507 Discovery conference of the parties
- Rule 1.508 Discovery of experts
- Rule 1.509 Interrogatories to parties
- Rule 1.510 Requests for admission
- Rule 1.511 Effect of admission
- Rule 1.512 Production of documents, electronically stored information, and things; entry upon land for inspection and other purposes
- Rule 1.513 Reserved Reserved
- Rule 1.514 Action for production or entry against persons not parties
- Rule 1.515 Physical and mental examination of persons
- Rule 1.516 Report of health care practitioner
- Rule 1.517 Consequences of failure to make disclosures or discovery
- Rule 1.518 Rules 1.518 to 1.600 Reserved Reserved
VI. Pretrial Procedure
Cited as Iowa R. Civ. P. · 4 active rules · 5 in the official compilation
- Rule 1.601 Pretrial calendar
- Rule 1.602 Pretrial conferences; scheduling; management
- Rule 1.603 Pretrial conference; record
- Rule 1.604 Pretrial orders
- Rule 1.605 Rules 1.605 to 1.700 Reserved Reserved
VII. Depositions and Perpetuating Testimony
Cited as Iowa R. Civ. P. · 25 active rules · 27 in the official compilation
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A. Depositions · 17 active
- Rule 1.701 Depositions upon oral examination
- Rule 1.702 Depositions in small claims
- Rule 1.703 Deposition notice to parties in default
- Rule 1.704 Use of depositions
- Rule 1.705 Effect of taking or using depositions
- Rule 1.706 Substituted parties; successive actions
- Rule 1.707 Notice for oral deposition
- Rule 1.708 Conduct of oral deposition
- Rule 1.709 Reading and signing depositions
- Rule 1.710 Depositions on written interrogatories
- Rule 1.711 Answers to interrogatories
- Rule 1.712 Certification and return; copies
- Rule 1.713 Before whom taken
- Rule 1.714 Letters rogatory
- Rule 1.715 Deposition subpoena
- Rule 1.716 Costs of taking deposition
- Rule 1.717 Irregularities and objections
- Rule 1.718 Rules 1.718 to 1.720 Reserved Reserved
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B. Perpetuating Testimony · 8 active
- Rule 1.721 Common law preserved
- Rule 1.722 Application before action
- Rule 1.723 Notice of application
- Rule 1.724 Guardian ad litem
- Rule 1.725 Order allowing application
- Rule 1.726 Taking and filing testimony
- Rule 1.727 Limitations on use
- Rule 1.728 Perpetuating testimony pending appeal
- Rule 1.729 Rules 1.729 to 1.800 Reserved Reserved
VIII. Change of Venue
Cited as Iowa R. Civ. P. · 8 active rules · 9 in the official compilation
- Rule 1.801 Grounds for change
- Rule 1.802 Limitations
- Rule 1.803 Subsequent change
- Rule 1.804 Of whole case
- Rule 1.805 Where tried
- Rule 1.806 Costs
- Rule 1.807 Transferring cause
- Rule 1.808 Action brought in wrong county
- Rule 1.809 Rules 1.809 to 1.900 Reserved Reserved
IX. Trial and Judgment
Cited as Iowa R. Civ. P. · 68 active rules · 73 in the official compilation
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A. Trials · 47 active
- Rule 1.901 Trials and issues
- Rule 1.902 Demand for jury trial
- Rule 1.903 Trial of issues; reporting
- Rule 1.904 Findings by court
- Rule 1.905 Exceptions unnecessary
- Rule 1.906 Civil trial-setting conference
- Rule 1.907 Trial assignments
- Rule 1.908 Duty to notify court
- Rule 1.909 Fee for late settlement of jury trial
- Rule 1.910 Motions for continuance
- Rule 1.911 Causes for continuance
- Rule 1.912 Objections; ruling; costs
- Rule 1.913 Consolidation
- Rule 1.914 Separate trials
- Rule 1.915 Impaneling jury
- Rule 1.916 Saturday a religious day
- Rule 1.917 Juror incapacity; minimum number of jurors
- Rule 1.918 Returning ballots to box
- Rule 1.919 Procedure after jury sworn
- Rule 1.920 Further testimony for mistake
- Rule 1.921 Adjournments
- Rule 1.922 View
- Rule 1.923 Arguments
- Rule 1.924 Instructions
- Rule 1.925 Additional instructions
- Rule 1.926 Materials available to jurors
- Rule 1.927 Separation and deliberation of jury
- Rule 1.928 Discharge; retrial
- Rule 1.929 Court open for verdict
- Rule 1.930 Food and lodging
- Rule 1.931 Rendering verdict and answering interrogatories
- Rule 1.932 Form and entry of verdicts
- Rule 1.933 Special verdicts
- Rule 1.934 Interrogatories
- Rule 1.935 Reference to master
- Rule 1.936 Compensation
- Rule 1.937 Powers
- Rule 1.938 Speedy hearing
- Rule 1.939 Witnesses
- Rule 1.940 Accounts
- Rule 1.941 Filing report
- Rule 1.942 Disposition
- Rule 1.943 Voluntary dismissal
- Rule 1.944 Uniform rule for dismissal for want of prosecution
- Rule 1.945 Involuntary dismissal
- Rule 1.946 Effect of dismissal
- Rule 1.947 Costs of previously dismissed action
- Rule 1.948 Rules 1.948 to 1.950 Reserved Reserved
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B. Judgments Generally · 11 active
- Rule 1.951 Judgment defined
- Rule 1.952 Partial judgment
- Rule 1.953 As to some parties only
- Rule 1.954 Judgment on the pleadings
- Rule 1.955 On verdict
- Rule 1.956 Principal and surety; order of liability
- Rule 1.957 On claim and counterclaim
- Rule 1.958 Reserved Reserved
- Rule 1.959 Entry
- Rule 1.960 Taxation of costs
- Rule 1.961 Notes surrendered
- Rule 1.962 Affidavit of identity
- Rule 1.963 Rules 1.963 to 1.970 Reserved Reserved
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C. Defaults and Judgments Thereon · 7 active
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D. Summary Judgments · 3 active
- Rule 1.981 On what claims
- Rule 1.982 On motion in other cases
- Rule 1.983 Procedure
- Rule 1.984 Rules 1.984 to 1.1000 Reserved Reserved
X. Proceedings After Judgment
Cited as Iowa R. Civ. P. · 16 active rules · 16 in the official compilation
- Rule 1.1001 Bill of exceptions
- Rule 1.1002 New trial defined
- Rule 1.1003 Judgment notwithstanding verdict
- Rule 1.1004 New trial
- Rule 1.1005 Motion; affidavits
- Rule 1.1006 Stay
- Rule 1.1007 Time for motions and exceptions
- Rule 1.1008 Conditional rulings on grant of motion
- Rule 1.1009 Issues tried by consent; amendment
- Rule 1.1010 Conditional new trial
- Rule 1.1011 Retrial after published notice
- Rule 1.1012 Grounds for vacating or modifying judgment
- Rule 1.1013 Procedure for vacating or modifying judgment
- Rule 1.1014 Disposition of exhibits
- Rule 1.1015 Titles and liens protected
- Rule 1.1016 Judgment discharged on motion
- Rules 1.1017–1.1200 Not adopted
XII. [Reserved]
Cited as Iowa R. Civ. P. · 0 active rules · 1 in the official compilation
- Rule 1.1201 Rules 1.1201 to 1.1300 Reserved Reserved
XIII. Quo Warranto
Cited as Iowa R. Civ. P. · 7 active rules · 8 in the official compilation
- Rule 1.1301 For what causes
- Rule 1.1302 By whom brought
- Rule 1.1303 No joinder or counterclaim
- Rule 1.1304 Petition
- Rule 1.1305 Judgment
- Rule 1.1306 Costs
- Rule 1.1307 Corporation dissolved
- Rule 1.1308 Rules 1.1308 to 1.1400 Reserved Reserved
XIV. Certiorari
Cited as Iowa R. Civ. P. · 12 active rules · 13 in the official compilation
- Rule 1.1401 Certiorari petition
- Rule 1.1402 Procedure
- Rule 1.1403 Other remedies
- Rule 1.1404 The writ
- Rule 1.1405 Stay, bond
- Rule 1.1406 Notice of issuing writ
- Rule 1.1407 Service of writ
- Rule 1.1408 Return to writ, by whom
- Rule 1.1409 Defective return
- Rule 1.1410 Hearing
- Rule 1.1411 Judgment
- Rule 1.1412 Appeal
- Rule 1.1413 Rules 1.1413 to 1.1500 Reserved Reserved
XV. Injunctions
Cited as Iowa R. Civ. P. · 11 active rules · 12 in the official compilation
- Rule 1.1501 Independent or auxiliary remedy
- Rule 1.1502 Temporary; when allowed
- Rule 1.1503 Endorsing refusal
- Rule 1.1504 Statement re prior presentation
- Rule 1.1505 Place for filing
- Rule 1.1506 By whom granted
- Rule 1.1507 Notice
- Rule 1.1508 Bond
- Rule 1.1509 Hearing to dissolve temporary injunction
- Rule 1.1510 Enjoining proceedings or judgment; venue; bond
- Rule 1.1511 Violation as contempt
- Rule 1.1512 Rules 1.1512 to 1.1600 Reserved Reserved
XVI. Proceedings for Judicial Review of Agency Action
Cited as Iowa R. Civ. P. · 3 active rules · 4 in the official compilation
- Rule 1.1601 Applicability of rules
- Rule 1.1602 Time for motion or answer
- Rule 1.1603 Contested case proceedings; intervention; schedule
- Rule 1.1604 Rules 1.1604 to 1.1700 Reserved Reserved
XVII. Subpoenas
Cited as Iowa R. Civ. P. · 2 active rules · 3 in the official compilation
- Rule 1.1701 Subpoena
- Rule 1.1702 Uniform interstate depositions and discovery
- Rule 1.1703 Rules 1.1703 to 1.1800 Reserved Reserved
XVIII. Rules of a General Nature
Cited as Iowa R. Civ. P. · 7 active rules · 8 in the official compilation
- Rule 1.1801 Computing time; holidays
- Rule 1.1802 Death, retirement or disability of judge
- Rule 1.1803 Appeal to district court from administrative body
- Rule 1.1804 Effect of notice by posting
- Rule 1.1805 General provisions, comments and footnotes
- Rule 1.1806 Rules by trial courts
- Rule 1.1807 Purpose of administrative rules
- Rule 1.1808 Rules 1.1808 to 1.1900 Reserved Reserved
XIX. Forms
Cited as Iowa R. Civ. P. · 1 active rules · 1 in the official compilation
Thirty-three rows are printed in the official rules as "Reserved" with no operative rule text -- 29 as combined ranges (e.g. "Rules 1.102 to 1.200 Reserved") shown as one muted row per range, and 4 as single reserved numbers (1.280, 1.454, 1.513, 1.958). All are shown unlinked. Division XI does not exist in the official rules at all; the gap it would occupy (1.1017-1.1200) is shown as a single muted "Not adopted" row at the end of Division X. Division XII carries no title of its own in the source and contains only a reserved range. The 23 forms gathered under Rule 1.1901 (the Appendix of Forms) are practice aids, not black-letter rule text, and are outside this site's scope, matching the Federal Rule 84/Colorado-JDF forms-appendix precedent -- Rule 1.1901 itself is a genuine short rule and is included normally.