Time of Transfer

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Time of Transfer Inspection Law

Iowa's Time of Transfer (ToT) septic system inspection law requires that every home or building served by a septic system have that septic 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 septic systems. A sub-standard septic system is one that has no treatment (secondary treatment) following the septic tank or has a secondary treatment system that has failed. These sub-standard septic systems pose an environmental and public health hazard and require repair. If you have a septic system 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.

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Time of Transfer Database

The Iowa DNR has launched its new online ToT Database for the submittal and search of ToT inspection reports. 

The new 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, those affiliates will also be provided a copy of the report. All ToT inspection reports will be available to the public online upon submittal.

For ToT Inspectors

For 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 in 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.
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Forms and Information

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