Time of Transfer

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Time of Transfer Inspection Law

Iowa's Time of Transfer (ToT) inspection law, as established in Iowa Code 455B.172, requires that every home or building served by a private sewage disposal system have that system inspected prior to the sale or deed transfer of the home or building. All inspections must be conducted by an inspector that has been certified by the Iowa DNR. 

The purpose of the law is to eliminate sub-standard or polluting private sewage disposal systems (PSDSs). A sub-standard PSDS is one that has no treatment (secondary treatment) following the septic tank or has a secondary treatment system that has failed. These sub-standard PSDSs pose an environmental and public health hazard and require repair. If you have a PSDS with a septic tank and a secondary treatment system such as a seepage (leach) field, sand filter or other approved device, and it is not creating a public health or environmental hazard, it does not have to meet current code.

The Iowa Administrative Rules implementing the ToT inspection law are in 567 IAC Chapter 69.

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Time of Transfer Database

ToT Database link: https://programs.iowadnr.gov/timeoftransfer

The ToT Database allows certified ToT inspectors to login in and enter inspection reports online. All ToT inspection reports will be automatically transmitted to the DNR and the county where the property is located. If an inspector enters a buyer, realtor, or homeowners’ email in the database, those affiliates will also be provided a copy of the report. Once a ToT inspection report is submitted in the database, it is available to the public.

ToT Database Information for Inspectors:

ToT Database Information for the General Public:

  • Anyone may use the new database to search for ToT inspection reports. Click on “Search Inspection Reports” on the database Home page to find a specific inspection. There is no need to create an account.
  • A Public User Manual and a video describing how to search for inspections are available on the ToT Database Help tab at: https://programs.iowadnr.gov/timeoftransfer/Home/Help.
  • Please note that the ToT Database currently only has inspection reports that have been entered since 2022.
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Certified Time of Transfer Inspectors

To become a certified time of transfer (ToT) inspector, you must:

  1. Register and complete the eligibility exam application process in the Iowa DNR Operator Certification Database, and
  2. Complete the Time of Transfer Inspector Training offered by the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Onsite Wastewater Training Center of Iowa.

For more information on becoming a certified ToT inspector, see the ToT Inspector Certification webpage.

A current list of ToT inspectors in available at the following link: DNR Operator Certification Database, IDNR Onsite Septic Inspector List.

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Time of Transfer Forms and Information

Inspection Information

Binding Agreement Forms

Groundwater Hazard Statement Form

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