Iowa Ct. R. 16.704 (2026)

Rule 16.704 Signatures of criminal defendants. When a criminal defendant’s signature is required on a document, the signature may be placed on the document in the following ways.

16.704(1) Nonelectronic signature. A criminal defendant may sign a document nonelectronically, and the document must be scanned for electronic filing.

16.704(2) Computer tablet signature. A criminal defendant may electronically sign a document using a computer tablet or similar technology.

16.704(3) Login and password. A criminal defendant who is a registered filer may sign the document using the defendant’s login and password accompanied by a digitized or electronic signature. See rule 16.705 (documents requiring oaths, affirmations, or verifications). [Court Order November 21, 2016, temporarily effective November 21, 2016, permanently effective February 1, 2017]