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will-execution-requirements-by-state

derived_fields list	holographic_wills string	id string	source string	source_quote string	state string	statute_citation string	url string	verified_fields list	witnesses_required string	also_reported list	disagreements list	notarization_rule string	self_proving_affidavit string	electronic_wills string
[ "statute_citation" ]	a will that does not comply with (a) of this section is valid as a holographic will, whether or not witnessed, if the signature and material portions of the document are in the testator's handwriting	alaska	https://codes.findlaw.com/ak/title-13-decedents-estates-guardianships-transfers-trusts-and-health-care-decisions/ak-st-sect-13-12-502/	(3) signed by at least two individuals, each of whom signs within a reasonable time after the witness witnesses either the signing of the will as described in (2) of this subsection or the testator's acknowledgment of that signature or the will.	Alaska	Alaska Stat. § 13.12.502	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/alaska/	[ "holographic_wills", "witnesses_required" ]	signed by at least two individuals	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	arizona	https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/14/02502.htm	Except as provided in sections 14-2503, 14-2506 and 14-2513, a paper will shall be: 1. In writing. 2. Signed by the testator or in the testator's name by some other individual in the testator's conscious presence and by the testator's direction. 3. Signed by at least two people, each of whom signed within a reasonable ...	Arizona	Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 14-2502	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/arizona/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	Signed by at least two people, each of whom signed within a reasonable time after that person witnessed either the signing of the will as described in paragraph 2 of this subsection or the testator's acknowledgment of that signature or acknowledgment of the will	[ { "as_of": "2026-09-02T00:00:00", "field": "holographic_wills", "source": "https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/14/02503.htm", "source_quote": "A will that does not comply with section 14-2502 is valid as a holographic will, whether or not witnessed, if the signature...	[ { "field": "witnesses_required", "versions": [ { "as_of": "2026-09-02T00:00:00", "source": "https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/14/02502.htm", "source_quote": "Except as provided in sections 14-2503, 14-2506 and 14-2513, a paper will shall be: ...	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	arkansas	https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-28-wills-estates-and-fiduciary-relationships/ar-code-sect-28-25-103/	(a) The execution of a will, other than holographic, must be by the signature of the testator and of at least two (2) witnesses.	Arkansas	Ark. Code Ann. § 28-25-103	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/arkansas/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	The execution of a will, other than holographic, must be by the signature of the testator and of at least two (2) witnesses.	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	california	https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PROB&sectionNum=6110	(c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the will shall be witnessed by being signed, during the testator’s lifetime, by at least two persons each of whom (A) being present at the same time, witnessed either the signing of the will or the testator’s acknowledgment of the signature or of the will and (B) understand ...	California	Cal. Prob. Code § 6110	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/california/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	witnessed by being signed, during the testator’s lifetime, by at least two persons each of whom (A) being present at the same time, witnessed either the signing of the will or the testator’s acknowledgment of the signature or of the will and (B) understand that the instrument they sign is the testator’s will	[ { "as_of": "2026-08-18T00:00:00", "field": "holographic_wills", "source": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PROB&sectionNum=6111", "source_quote": "(a) A will that does not comply with Section 6110 is valid as a holographic will, whether or not witnessed, i...	[]	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	A will that does not comply with subsection (1) of this section is valid as a holographic will, whether or not witnessed, if the signature and material portions of the document are in the testator's handwriting.	colorado	https://codes.findlaw.com/co/title-15-probate-trusts-and-fiduciaries/co-rev-st-sect-15-11-502/	(I) Signed by at least two individuals, either prior to or after the testator's death, each of whom signed within a reasonable time after he or she witnessed either the testator's signing of the will as described in paragraph (b) of this subsection (1) or the testator's acknowledgment of that signature or acknowledgmen...	Colorado	Colo. Rev. Stat. § 15-11-502	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/colorado/	[ "holographic_wills", "notarization_rule", "witnesses_required" ]	Signed by at least two individuals, either prior to or after the testator's death	null	null	Acknowledged by the testator before a notary public or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	connecticut	https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_802a.htm	A will or codicil shall not be valid to pass any property unless it is in writing, subscribed by the testator and attested by two witnesses, each of them subscribing in the testator's presence	Connecticut	Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-251	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/connecticut/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	attested by two witnesses, each of them subscribing in the testator's presence	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	delaware	https://delcode.delaware.gov/title12/c002/sc01/index.html	Every will, whether of personal or real estate, must be: (1) In writing and signed by the testator or by some person subscribing the testator’s name in the testator’s presence and by the testator’s express direction; and (2) Subject to § 1306 of this title, attested and subscribed in testator’s presence by 2 or more cr...	Delaware	12 Del. C. § 202	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/delaware/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	attested and subscribed in testator’s presence by 2 or more credible witnesses	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	district-of-columbia	https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/18-103	is void unless it is: (1) in writing and signed by the testator, or by another person in his presence and by his express direction; and (2) attested and subscribed in the presence of the testator, by at least two credible witnesses.	District of Columbia	D.C. Code § 18-103	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/district-of-columbia/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	attested and subscribed in the presence of the testator, by at least two credible witnesses	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	A will in the testator’s handwriting that has been executed in accordance with subsection (1) shall not be considered a holographic will.	florida	http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0732/Sections/0732.502.html	Witnesses. —The testator’s: 1. Signing, or 2. Acknowledgment: a. That he or she has previously signed the will, or b. That another person has subscribed the testator’s name to it, must be in the presence of at least two attesting witnesses. (c) Witnesses’ signatures. —The attesting witnesses must sign the will in the p...	Florida	Fla. Stat. § 732.502	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/florida/	[ "holographic_wills", "witnesses_required" ]	at least two attesting witnesses	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	georgia	https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-53-wills-trusts-and-administration-of-estates/ga-code-sect-53-4-20/	(b) A will shall be attested and subscribed in the presence of the testator by two or more competent witnesses. A witness to a will may attest by mark. Another individual may not subscribe the name of a witness, even in that witness's presence and at that witness's direction.	Georgia	O.C.G.A. § 53-4-20	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/georgia/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	A will shall be attested and subscribed in the presence of the testator by two or more competent witnesses.	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	A will that does not comply with subsection (a) is valid as a holographic will, whether or not witnessed, if the signature and material portions of the document are in the testator's handwriting.	hawaii	https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0502.htm	Except as provided in subsection (b) and in sections 560:2-503, 560:2-506, and 560:2-513, a will must be: (1) In writing; (2) Signed by the testator or in the testator's name by some other individual in the testator's conscious presence and by the testator's direction; and (3) Signed by at least two individuals, each o...	Hawaii	Haw. Rev. Stat. § 560:2-502	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/hawaii/	[ "holographic_wills", "witnesses_required" ]	Signed by at least two individuals, each of whom signed within a reasonable time after the individual witnessed either the signing of the will as described in paragraph (2) or the testator's acknowledgment of that signature or acknowledgment of the will.	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	idaho	https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-502/	every will shall be in writing signed by the testator or in the testator’s name by some other person in the testator’s presence and by his direction, and shall be signed by at least two (2) persons each of whom witnessed either the signing or the testator’s acknowledgment of the signature or of the will.	Idaho	Idaho Code § 15-2-502	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/idaho/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	shall be signed by at least two (2) persons each of whom witnessed either the signing or the testator’s acknowledgment of the signature or of the will	[ { "as_of": "2026-09-02T00:00:00", "field": "holographic_wills", "source": "https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-503/", "source_quote": "15-2-502 of this Part is valid as a holographic will, whether or not witnessed, if the signature and the material provisions a...	[]	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	illinois	https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-5-4-3/	Every will shall be in writing, signed by the testator or by some person in his presence and by his direction and attested in the presence of the testator by 2 or more credible witnesses.	Illinois	755 ILCS 5/4-3	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/illinois/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	attested in the presence of the testator by 2 or more credible witnesses	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	indiana	https://codes.findlaw.com/in/title-29-probate/in-code-sect-29-1-5-3/	A will, other than a nuncupative will, must be executed by the signature of the testator and of at least two (2) witnesses on:	Indiana	Ind. Code § 29-1-5-3	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/indiana/	[ "self_proving_affidavit", "witnesses_required" ]	at least two (2) witnesses	null	null	null	A will executed in accordance with subsection (b) is self-proved if the witness signatures follow an attestation or self-proving clause	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	iowa	https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/633.279.pdf	All wills and codicils, except as provided in section 633.283, to be valid, must be in writing, signed by the testator, or by some person in the testator’s presence and by the testator’s express direction writing the testator’s name thereto, and declared by the testator to be the testator’s will, and witnessed, at the ...	Iowa	Iowa Code § 633.279	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/iowa/	[ "self_proving_affidavit", "witnesses_required" ]	witnessed, at the testator’s request, by two competent persons who signed as witnesses in the presence of the testator and in the presence of each other	null	null	null	An attested will may be made self-proved at the time of its execution, or at any subsequent date, by the acknowledgment thereof by the testator and the affidavits of the witnesses	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	kansas	https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch59/059_006_0006.html	Every will, except an oral will as provided in K.S.A. 59-608 and amendments thereto, shall be in writing, and signed at the end by the party making the will, or by some other person in the presence and by the express direction of the testator. Such will shall be attested and subscribed in the presence of such party by ...	Kansas	Kan. Stat. Ann. § 59-606	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/kansas/	[ "self_proving_affidavit", "witnesses_required" ]	Such will shall be attested and subscribed in the presence of such party by two or more competent witnesses, who saw the testator subscribe or heard the testator acknowledge the will.	null	null	null	Such will, at the time of its execution or at any subsequent date during the lifetimes of the testator and the witnesses, may be made self-proved, and the testimony of the witnesses in the probate of the will may be made unnecessary by the acknowledgments of the will and the affidavits of the testator and the attesting...	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	kentucky	https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=36237	If the will is not wholly written by the testator, the subscription shall be made or the will acknowledged by him in the presence of at least two (2) credible witnesses, who shall subscribe the will with their names in the presence of the testator, and in the presence of each other.	Kentucky	Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 394.040	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/kentucky/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	at least two (2) credible witnesses	[ { "as_of": "2026-09-02T00:00:00", "field": "self_proving_affidavit", "source": "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=36262", "source_quote": "(1) Any will may be simultaneously executed, attested, and made self-proved, by acknowledgment thereof by the testator and affidavits ...	[]	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	louisiana	https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=108901	The notarial testament shall be prepared in writing, dated, executed before a notary public in the presence of two witnesses, and signed by the testator, each witness, and the notary.	Louisiana	La. Civ. Code art. 1576	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/louisiana/	[ "notarization_rule", "witnesses_required" ]	executed before a notary public in the presence of two witnesses, and signed by the testator, each witness, and the notary	[ { "as_of": "2026-08-18T00:00:00", "field": "holographic_wills", "source": "https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=108900", "source_quote": "An olographic testament is one entirely written, dated, and signed in the handwriting of the testator. The olographic testament is subject to no other requir...	[]	executed before a notary public in the presence of two witnesses	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	is valid as a holographic will, whether or not witnessed, if the signature and material portions of the document are in the testator's handwriting	maine	https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/18-C/title18-Csec2-502.html	Signed by at least 2 individuals, each of whom signed within a reasonable time after the individual witnessed either the signing of the will as described in	Maine	18-C M.R.S. § 2-502	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/maine/	[ "holographic_wills", "witnesses_required" ]	Signed by at least 2 individuals, each of whom signed within a reasonable time after the individual witnessed either the signing of the will	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	maryland	https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=get&section=4-102&enactments=false	every will shall be: (1) In writing; (2) Signed by the testator, or by some other person for the testator, in the testator’s physical presence and by the testator’s express direction; and (3) Attested and signed by two or more credible witnesses in: (i) The physical presence of the testator; or (ii) The electronic pres...	Maryland	Md. Code, Est. & Trusts § 4-102	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/maryland/	[ "electronic_wills", "witnesses_required" ]	Attested and signed by two or more credible witnesses in: (i) The physical presence of the testator; or (ii) The electronic presence of the testator	null	null	null	null	An electronic will or remotely witnessed will executed under this subsection shall satisfy the following requirements:
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	massachusetts	https://codes.findlaw.com/ma/part-ii-real-and-personal-property-and-domestic-relations-ch-183-210/ma-gen-laws-ch-190b-sect-2-502/	(3) signed by at least 2 individuals, each of whom witnessed either the signing of the will as described in paragraph (2) or the testator's acknowledgment of that signature or acknowledgment of the will.	Massachusetts	Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 190B, § 2-502	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/massachusetts/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	signed by at least 2 individuals	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	A will that does not comply with subsection (1) is valid as a holographic will, whether or not witnessed, if it is dated, and if the testator's signature and the document's material portions are in the testator's handwriting.	michigan	https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-700-2502	a will is valid only if it is all of the following: (a) In writing. (b) Signed by the testator or in the testator's name by some other individual in the testator's conscious presence and by the testator's direction. (c) Signed by at least 2 individuals, each of whom signed within a reasonable time after he or she witne...	Michigan	Mich. Comp. Laws § 700.2502	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/michigan/	[ "holographic_wills", "witnesses_required" ]	Signed by at least 2 individuals, each of whom signed within a reasonable time after he or she witnessed either the signing of the will as described in subdivision (b) or the testator's acknowledgment of that signature or acknowledgment of the will.	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	minnesota	https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/524.2-502	signed by at least two individuals, each of whom signed within a reasonable time after witnessing either the signing of the will as described in clause (2) or the testator's acknowledgment of that signature or acknowledgment of the will.	Minnesota	Minn. Stat. § 524.2-502	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/minnesota/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	signed by at least two individuals, each of whom signed within a reasonable time after witnessing either the signing of the will	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	if not wholly written and subscribed by himself or herself, it shall be attested by two (2) or more credible witnesses	mississippi	https://codes.findlaw.com/ms/title-91-trusts-and-estates/ms-code-sect-91-5-1/	provided such last will and testament, or codicil, be signed by the testator or testatrix, or by some other person in his or her presence and by his or her express direction. Moreover, if not wholly written and subscribed by himself or herself, it shall be attested by two (2) or more credible witnesses in the presence ...	Mississippi	Miss. Code Ann. § 91-5-1	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/mississippi/	[ "holographic_wills", "witnesses_required" ]	if not wholly written and subscribed by himself or herself, it shall be attested by two (2) or more credible witnesses in the presence of the testator or testatrix	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	missouri	https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=474.320	Every will shall be in writing, signed by the testator, or by some person, by his direction, in his presence; and shall be attested by two or more competent witnesses subscribing their names to the will in the presence of the testator.	Missouri	Mo. Rev. Stat. § 474.320	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/missouri/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	shall be attested by two or more competent witnesses subscribing their names to the will in the presence of the testator	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	A will that does not comply with subsection (1) is valid as a holographic will, whether or not witnessed, if the signature and material portions of the document are in the testator's handwriting.	montana	https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0720/chapter_0020/part_0050/section_0220/0720-0020-0050-0220.html	(a) in writing; (b) signed by the testator or in the testator's name by some other individual in the testator's conscious presence and by the testator's direction; and (c) signed by at least two individuals, each of whom signed within a reasonable time after having witnessed either the signing of the will as described ...	Montana	Mont. Code Ann. § 72-2-522	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/montana/	[ "holographic_wills", "witnesses_required" ]	signed by at least two individuals, each of whom signed within a reasonable time after having witnessed either the signing of the will as described in subsection (1)(b) or the testator's acknowledgment of that signature or acknowledgment of the will.	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	nebraska	https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=30-2327	every will is required to be in writing signed by the testator or in the testator's name by some other individual in the testator's presence and by his direction, and is required to be signed by at least two individuals each of whom witnessed either the signing or the testator's acknowledgment of the signature or of th...	Nebraska	Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2327	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/nebraska/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	is required to be signed by at least two individuals each of whom witnessed either the signing or the testator's acknowledgment of the signature or of the will	[ { "as_of": "2026-09-02T00:00:00", "field": "holographic_wills", "source": "https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=30-2328", "source_quote": "30-2327 is valid as a holographic will, whether or not witnessed, if the signature, the material provisions, and an indication of the date o...	[]	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	A holographic will is a will in which the signature, date and material provisions are written by the hand of the testator, whether or not it is witnessed or notarized.	nevada	https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-133.html	No will executed in this State, except such electronic wills or holographic wills as are mentioned in this chapter, is valid unless it is in writing and signed by the testator, or by an attending person at the testator’s express direction, and attested by at least two competent witnesses who subscribe their names to th...	Nevada	NRS 133.040, 133.050, 133.085, 133.090	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/nevada/	[ "electronic_wills", "holographic_wills", "self_proving_affidavit", "witnesses_required" ]	attested by at least two competent witnesses who subscribe their names to the will in the presence of the testator	null	null	null	Any attesting witness to a will, including, without limitation, an electronic will, may sign a declaration under penalty of perjury or an affidavit before any person authorized to administer oaths in or out of the State, stating such facts as the witness would be required to testify to in court to prove the will.	Every person of sound mind over the age of 18 years may, by last electronic will, dispose of all of his or her estate, real and personal
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	new-hampshire	https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/LVI/551/551-2.htm	(d) Be signed by 2 or more credible witnesses, who shall, at the request of the testator and in the testator's presence, attest to the testator's signature.	New Hampshire	N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 551:2	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/new-hampshire/	[ "electronic_wills", "witnesses_required" ]	2 or more credible witnesses	null	null	null	null	Nothing in this paragraph shall be deemed to allow an electronic will or codicil
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	new-jersey	https://codes.findlaw.com/nj/title-3b-administration-of-estates-decedents-and-others/nj-st-sect-3b-3-4/	Any will executed on or after September 1, 1978 may be simultaneously executed, attested, and made self-proved, by acknowledgment thereof by the testator and affidavits of the witnesses, each made before an officer authorized pursuant to	New Jersey	N.J. Stat. Ann. § 3B:3-4	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/new-jersey/	[ "self_proving_affidavit" ]	null	null	null	null	Any will executed on or after September 1, 1978 may be simultaneously executed, attested, and made self-proved, by acknowledgment thereof by the testator and affidavits of the witnesses	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	new-mexico	https://codes.findlaw.com/nm/chapter-45-uniform-probate-code/nm-st-sect-45-2-502/	A. in writing; B. signed by the testator or in the testator's name by some other individual in the testator's conscious presence and by the testator's direction; and C. signed by at least two individuals, each of whom signed in the presence of the testator and of each other after each witnessed the signing of the will ...	New Mexico	N.M. Stat. Ann. § 45-2-502	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/new-mexico/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	signed by at least two individuals, each of whom signed in the presence of the testator and of each other after each witnessed the signing of the will as described in Subsection B of this section.	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	new-york	https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EPT/3-2.1	(4) There shall be at least two attesting witnesses, who shall, within one thirty day period, both attest the testator's signature, as affixed or acknowledged in their presence, and at the request of the testator, sign their names and affix their residence addresses at the end of the will.	New York	N.Y. Est. Powers & Trusts Law § 3-2.1	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/new-york/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	There shall be at least two attesting witnesses, who shall, within one thirty day period, both attest the testator's signature, as affixed or acknowledged in their presence, and at the request of the testator, sign their names and affix their residence addresses at the end of the will.	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	north-carolina	https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_31/GS_31-3.3.html	(a) An attested written will is a written will signed by the testator and attested by at least two competent witnesses as provided by this section.	North Carolina	N.C. Gen. Stat. § 31-3.3	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/north-carolina/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	An attested written will is a written will signed by the testator and attested by at least two competent witnesses as provided by this section.	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	A will that does not comply with subsection 1 is valid as a holographic will, whether or not witnessed, if the signature and material portions of the document are in the testator's handwriting.	north-dakota	https://codes.findlaw.com/nd/title-30-1-uniform-probate-code/nd-cent-code-sect-30-1-08-02/	(1) By at least two individuals, each of whom signed within a reasonable time after witnessing either the signing of the will as described in subdivision b or the testator's acknowledgment of that signature or acknowledgment of the will; or (2) Acknowledged by the testator before a notary public or other individual aut...	North Dakota	N.D. Cent. Code § 30.1-08-02	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/north-dakota/	[ "holographic_wills", "notarization_rule", "witnesses_required" ]	By at least two individuals, each of whom signed within a reasonable time after witnessing either the signing of the will	null	null	Acknowledged by the testator before a notary public or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	ohio	https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2107.03	Except oral wills, every will shall be in writing, but may be handwritten or typewritten. The will shall be signed at the end by the testator or by some other person in the testator's conscious presence and at the testator's express direction. The will shall be attested and subscribed in the conscious presence of the t...	Ohio	Ohio Rev. Code § 2107.03	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/ohio/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	attested and subscribed in the conscious presence of the testator, by two or more competent witnesses, who saw the testator subscribe, or heard the testator acknowledge the testator's signature	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	A holographic will is one that is entirely written, dated and signed by the hand of the testator himself	oklahoma	https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2019-12/os84.pdf	4. There must be two attesting witnesses, each of whom must sign his name as a witness at the end of the will at the testator's request and in his presence.	Oklahoma	Okla. Stat. tit. 84, § 55	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/oklahoma/	[ "holographic_wills", "self_proving_affidavit", "witnesses_required" ]	two attesting witnesses	null	null	null	may, at the time of execution or at any subsequent date during the lifetimes of the testator and the witnesses, be made self-proved	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	oregon	https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors112.html	(b) At least two witnesses shall each: (A)(i) See the testator sign the will;	Oregon	ORS 112.235	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/oregon/	[ "electronic_wills", "witnesses_required" ]	At least two witnesses	null	null	null	null	“writing” does not include an electronic record, document or image
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	pennsylvania	https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-2502/	Every will shall be in writing and shall be signed by the testator at the end thereof, subject to the following rules and exceptions:	Pennsylvania	20 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2502	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/pennsylvania/	null	null	[ { "as_of": "2026-09-02T00:00:00", "field": "self_proving_affidavit", "source": "https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-3132-1/", "source_quote": "(b) Acknowledgment and affidavits.--An attested will may at the time of its execution or at any subs...	[]	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	rhode-island	https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE33/33-5/33-5-5.htm	No will shall be valid, except as provided in §§ 33-5-6 and 33-5-7, unless it shall be in writing and signed by the testator, or by some other person for him or her in his or her presence and by his or her express direction; and this signature shall be made or acknowledged by the testator in the presence of two (2) or ...	Rhode Island	R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-5-5	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/rhode-island/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	this signature shall be made or acknowledged by the testator in the presence of two (2) or more witnesses present at the same time, and the witnesses shall attest and shall subscribe the will in the presence of the testator	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	south-carolina	https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t62c002.php	Except as provided for writings within Section 62-2-512 and wills within Section 62-2-505, every will shall be: (1) in writing; (2) signed by the testator or signed in the testator's name by some other individual in the testator's presence and by the testator's direction; and (3) signed by at least two individuals each...	South Carolina	S.C. Code Ann. §§ 62-2-502, 62-2-503	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/south-carolina/	[ "self_proving_affidavit", "witnesses_required" ]	signed by at least two individuals each of whom witnessed either the signing or the testator's acknowledgment of the signature or of the will.	null	null	null	Any will may be simultaneously executed, attested, and made self-proved. The self-proof shall be effective upon the acknowledgment by the testator and the affidavit of at least one witness	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	A will is valid as a holographic will, whether or not witnessed, if the signature and material portions of the document are in the testator's handwriting	south-dakota	https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/29A-2-502.html	(3) Signed in the conscious presence of the testator by two or more individuals who, in the conscious presence of the testator, witnessed either the signing of the will or the testator's acknowledgment of that signature.	South Dakota	S.D. Codified Laws § 29A-2-502	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/south-dakota/	[ "holographic_wills", "witnesses_required" ]	Signed in the conscious presence of the testator by two or more individuals	[ { "as_of": "2026-09-02T00:00:00", "field": "self_proving_affidavit", "source": "https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/29A-2-504.html", "source_quote": "(a) A will may be simultaneously executed, attested, and made self - proved, by acknowledgment thereof by the testator and affidavits of the witnes...	[]	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	tennessee	https://codes.findlaw.com/tn/title-32-wills/tn-code-sect-32-1-104/	(a) The execution of a will, other than a holographic or nuncupative will, must be by the signature of the testator and of at least two (2) witnesses as follows:	Tennessee	Tenn. Code Ann. § 32-1-104	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/tennessee/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	The execution of a will, other than a holographic or nuncupative will, must be by the signature of the testator and of at least two (2) witnesses	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	texas	https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/ES/htm/ES.251.htm	attested by two or more credible witnesses who are at least 14 years of age and who subscribe their names to the will in their own handwriting in the testator's presence.	Texas	Tex. Est. Code § 251.051	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/texas/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	attested by two or more credible witnesses who are at least 14 years of age	[ { "as_of": "2026-09-02T00:00:00", "field": "holographic_wills", "source": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/ES/htm/ES.251.htm", "source_quote": "a will written wholly in the testator's handwriting is not required to be attested by subscribing witnesses.", "value": "a will written wholly in...	[]	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	A will that does not comply with Subsection (1) is valid as a holographic will, whether or not witnessed, if the signature and material portions of the document are in the testator's handwriting.	utah	https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75/Chapter2/C75-2-S502_1800010118000101.xml	Except as provided in Subsection (2) and in Sections 75-2-503 , 75-2-506 , and 75-2-513 , a will shall be: in writing; signed by the testator or in the testator's name by some other individual in the testator's conscious presence and by the testator's direction; and signed by at least two individuals, each of whom sign...	Utah	Utah Code § 75-2-502	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/utah/	[ "holographic_wills", "witnesses_required" ]	signed by at least two individuals, each of whom signed within a reasonable time after he witnessed either the signing of the will as described in Subsection (1)(b) or the testator's acknowledgment of that signature or acknowledgment of the will.	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	vermont	https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/14/001/00005	A will shall be: (1) in writing; (2) signed in the presence of two or more credible witnesses by the testator or in the testator’s name by some other person in the testator’s presence and by the testator’s express direction; and (3) attested and subscribed by the witnesses in the presence of the testator and each other...	Vermont	14 V.S.A. § 5	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/vermont/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	signed in the presence of two or more credible witnesses by the testator or in the testator’s name by some other person in the testator’s presence and by the testator’s express direction	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	A will wholly in the testator's handwriting is valid without further requirements, provided that the fact that a will is wholly in the testator's handwriting and signed by the testator is proved by at least two disinterested witnesses.	virginia	https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title64.2/section64.2-403/	A will not wholly in the testator's handwriting is not valid unless the signature of the testator is made, or the will is acknowledged by the testator, in the presence of at least two competent witnesses who are present at the same time and who subscribe the will in the presence of the testator.	Virginia	Va. Code § 64.2-403	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/virginia/	[ "holographic_wills", "witnesses_required" ]	in the presence of at least two competent witnesses who are present at the same time and who subscribe the will in the presence of the testator	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	washington	https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.12.020	every will shall be in writing signed by the testator or by some other person under the testator's direction in the testator's presence or electronic presence, and shall be attested by two or more competent witnesses, by subscribing their names to the will	Washington	RCW 11.12.020	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/washington/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	attested by two or more competent witnesses, by subscribing their names to the will	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	unless it be wholly in the handwriting of the testator, the signature shall be made or the will acknowledged by him in the presence of at least two competent witnesses	west-virginia	https://code.wvlegislature.gov/41-1-3/	No will shall be valid unless it be in writing and signed by the testator, or by some other person in his presence and by his direction, in such manner as to make it manifest that the name is intended as a signature; and moreover, unless it be wholly in the handwriting of the testator, the signature shall be made or th...	West Virginia	W. Va. Code § 41-1-3	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/west-virginia/	[ "holographic_wills", "witnesses_required" ]	the signature shall be made or the will acknowledged by him in the presence of at least two competent witnesses, present at the same time; and such witnesses shall subscribe the will in the presence of the testator, and of each other	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	wisconsin	https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/853.03	It must be signed by at least 2 witnesses who signed within a reasonable time after any of the following:	Wisconsin	Wis. Stat. § 853.03	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/wisconsin/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	signed by at least 2 witnesses who signed within a reasonable time	null	null	null	null	null
[ "statute_citation" ]	null	wyoming	https://codes.findlaw.com/wy/title-2-wills-decedents-estates-and-probate-code/wy-st-sect-2-6-112/	all wills to be valid shall be in writing, or typewritten, witnessed by two (2) competent witnesses and signed by the testator or by some person in his presence and by his express direction.	Wyoming	Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 2-6-112	https://referencesource.org/will-execution-requirements-by-state/wyoming/	[ "witnesses_required" ]	all wills to be valid shall be in writing, or typewritten, witnessed by two (2) competent witnesses and signed by the testator or by some person in his presence and by his express direction.	null	null	null	null	null

Will execution requirements by state: witnesses, notarization, holographic and electronic wills

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Last verified: 2026-09-02
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What each US state's probate/estates code requires for a will to be validly executed: how many witnesses, whether they must sign in the testator's presence, whether notarization can substitute for witnesses, whether holographic (handwritten, unwitnessed) wills are valid, whether electronic wills are authorized, and whether a self-proving affidavit is available. Each record is one state, from that state's statute. Answers 'how many witnesses does a will need in [state]', 'is a handwritten will valid in [state]', and 'does a will need to be notarized in [state]'. The general answer (two witnesses, no notary) is right in most states and wrong in the ones that matter: holographic wills are valid in roughly half of states and void in the rest, Colorado and North Dakota allow notarization instead of witnesses, Louisiana requires a notary plus two witnesses, and a growing list (Nevada, Florida, Arizona, Indiana...) authorizes electronic wills. People executing DIY wills hit exactly these edges. Existing charts are will-vendor marketing (Gentreo, estate-bee) with no statute citations.

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