No, not for the will itself.
The signing rule on the official page we read asks for two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or the acknowledgment. A notary isn't part of that rule; one comes in for the self-proving affidavit, where it's used.
In the official wording
"Signed by at least 2 individuals"
From the official pages listed below, checked November 2026.
What else the signing needs
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed. The county probate page describes sworn statements before an officer authorized to administer oaths, or a signed statement under penalty of perjury instead.
"I certify (or declare) under penalty for perjury"
- Interested witnesses
- A will, or any part of it, isn't invalid because an interested witness signed it.
"The signing of a will by an interested witness does not invalidate the will or any provision of it."
- Handwritten wills
- Recognized if dated and the signature and material parts are in the testator's handwriting.
"the testator's signature and the document's material portions are in the testator's handwriting"
- Who can make a will
- 18 or older and of sound mind, per the county page.
Not confirmed on the pages we read: electronic wills and remote witnessing. Check with the probate court for the county where the will-maker lives (statute: MCL 700.2502, Execution; witnessed wills; holographic wills (Michigan Legislature)).
Next step
Plan an in-person signing, with the witnesses in the room. Online notarization of a will is generally not available through us: New Jersey's remote notarization law leaves wills and codicils out for signers outside the U.S. (N.J.S.A. 52:7-10.10), and states set their own rules on video witnessing.
Need a notary for the self-proving affidavit in Michigan? We can look for a mobile notary commissioned there; bring your own witnesses (two).
Request a mobile notary in Michigan
If a local notary in Michigan does it: Up to $10 for each notarial act, under the state's fee rules (Michigan notary fees).
Worth knowing
Michigan also has a fill-in statutory will form (MCL 700.2519), per the county page.
Official sources
- MCL 700.2502, Execution; witnessed wills; holographic wills (Michigan Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- Types of Wills (Kent County, Michigan) (checked November 2026)
- MCL 700.2505, Who may witness (Michigan Legislature) (checked November 2026)
We are not lawyers, and this is general information, not legal advice. Checked November 2026. Rules change, and whoever receives the document decides what it accepts; we can't guarantee acceptance.
Common questions
Does a will have to be notarized in Michigan?
No, not for the will itself. The signing rule on the official page we read asks for two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or the acknowledgment. A notary isn't part of that rule; one comes in for the self-proving affidavit, where it's used.
Where does a notary come in for a Michigan will?
The self-proving affidavit. Allowed. The county probate page describes sworn statements before an officer authorized to administer oaths, or a signed statement under penalty of perjury instead.
Can a beneficiary witness a Michigan will?
A will, or any part of it, isn't invalid because an interested witness signed it.
Who can make a will in Michigan?
18 or older and of sound mind, per the county page.
Keep going
- Will signing-day checklist
- Will witness rules in every state
- A power of attorney in Michigan
- A small estate affidavit in Michigan
A will in another state: Louisiana · Missouri · every state