Time of Transfer

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Time of Transfer Inspection Law

Iowa's Time of Transfer (ToT) inspection law, established in Iowa Code 455B.172, requires that every home or building served by a private sewage disposal system (PSDS) 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 PSDSs. A sub-standard PSDS is one that has no secondary treatment following the septic tank or has a secondary treatment component that has failed. Sub-standard PSDSs pose environmental and public health hazards and require repair. If you have a PSDS with a septic tank and a secondary treatment component such as a leach field, sand filter, or other approved device, and your system 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 and enter inspection reports. 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:

  • Use the ToT Database for submission of all ToT Inspection Reports
  • User Guides and additional information are available on the ToT Database Help tab at https://programs.iowadnr.gov/timeoftransfer/Home/Help
  • If you have issues logging into your account, or you get locked out of your account, contact Bridget Bouska at 515-777-9038 or [email protected]
  • Direct questions related to entering inspections to Cory Frank at 515-689-7941 or [email protected]

ToT Database Information for the General Public:

  • Anyone may use the ToT 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 since 2021.
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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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