The rules and prize claim deadlines for Iowa Lottery games vary. Players should be aware of the rules for each game they play. For example, the redemption time for multi-state games like Powerball has been shortened by six months.
As always, all risks in redeeming an Iowa Lottery ticket are on the player.
You can’t remain anonymous in Iowa if you win a big lottery jackpot
The Iowa Lottery will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025. Close to $2 billion has been collected by the state from the Iowa Lottery since 1985. Besides contributing to the state’s general fund, lottery dollars have gone to the treatment of problem gamblers, to aid veterans, and to environmental causes.
For a big winning ticket, be sure to secure your ticket and consider taking photos of yourself with the ticket. As winners cannot remain anonymous when they win a big lottery prize in Iowa, take that into consideration before redeeming your ticket.
During April, the Iowa Lottery transitioned from 365 days to 180 days to redeem winning tickets in the four multi-state lottery games available in Iowa.
- Powerball
- Mega Millions
- Lotto America
- Lucky for Life
InstaPlay and scratchers
Prizes up to $600 in InstaPlay or scratch-off tickets can be redeemed at any lottery retail location in the state as long as sufficient funds are available.
The deadline to make a claim for a scratch ticket is within 90 days from the end date for the specific game. InstaPlay prizes must be claimed within 90 days of purchase.
Pull-tab games
Prizes for pull-tab games of up to $600 must be redeemed at the same location the ticket was purchased. Claims must be made within 90 days of the official end date of the specific game.
Iowa’s draw games
Prizes up to $600 can be redeemed at any lottery retail location in the state as long as sufficient funds are available. Iowa’s Pick 3 and Pick 4 prizes must be claimed within 90 days of the drawing.
Powerball and Lotto America: Prizes won before April 22 must be claimed within 365 days of the drawing. Prizes won after that date must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing.
Mega Millions: For winning tickets on or before April 21, a claim must be made within 365 days of the drawing. Prizes for the April 25 drawing or a later drawing have 180 days to be claimed.
Lucky for Life: Prizes earned on or before April 21 must be claimed within 365 days. Prizes for April 25 or later have 180 days for a claim to be made.
Prize winnings up to or at $250,000
For prizes up to and including $250,000, claims must be made at a lottery office in the state. They are in Clive, Storm Lake, Mason City, and Cedar Rapids. Prizes may also be claimed by mail. Information on the back of each ticket must be completed, including name, address, and signature. The ticket may be submitted along with the Winner Claim Form, W-9 form, and copy of a photo ID to the Iowa Lottery, 13001 University Ave., Clive, IA, 50325.
Prize winnings over $250,000
For winnings over $250,000, visit the Iowa Lottery headquarters in Clive. Appointments are encouraged.
Tax withholdings
For prizes of $600 or less, the Iowa Lottery does not withhold tax. For prizes over $600, a 5% state withholding tax is taken. For any prize over $5,000, an additional 24% federal withholding tax is taken when the prize is claimed. An individual will receive Federal Form W2-G from the Iowa Lottery. This form should be filed with the winner’s income tax.
For group winners
For those playing as a group, after a prize is claimed, a check is written to a trust or an individual. If an individual makes a claim for a group, it must be noted on the Winner Claim Form. A Federal Form 5754 must also be included that lists all the winners who are part of the claim.
Documentation required
For any prize of $100 or more, the winner must submit a Winner Claim Form and a Federal Form W-9. For prizes over $600, a legible, valid copy of the winner’s government-issued photo identification is also required.
