No, not for the will itself.
The signing rule on the official page we read asks for two witnesses. The county surrogate's guide says they should be at least 18. A notary isn't part of that rule; one comes in for the self-proving affidavit, where it's used.
What else the signing needs
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed. The two witnesses sign a self-proving affidavit when the will is notarized, so they don't have to appear before the surrogate later.
- Handwritten wills
- Recognized. A will in the testator's handwriting with no witnesses can be probated, but only through the Superior Court, not the surrogate.
- Who can make a will
- 18 or older.
"An individual must be at least 18 years of age in order to execute a Will."
- Witness age
- The county surrogate's guide says witnesses should be at least 18.
Not confirmed on the pages we read: the interested-witness rule, electronic wills and remote witnessing. Check with the probate court for the county where the will-maker lives (statute: Surrogate's Guide (Office of the Morris County Surrogate, New Jersey, January 2020)).
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.
In New Jersey we can bring the notary and witnesses: estate planning signings and witness services.
Worth knowing
The surrogate's guide says to keep the original will in a safe place that is accessible in an emergency, and to make sure the executor and close family know where it is. Probate starts with the original.
Official sources
- Surrogate's Guide (Office of the Morris County Surrogate, New Jersey, January 2020) (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 New Jersey?
No, not for the will itself. The signing rule on the official page we read asks for two witnesses. The county surrogate's guide says they should be at least 18. 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 New Jersey will?
The self-proving affidavit. Allowed. The two witnesses sign a self-proving affidavit when the will is notarized, so they don't have to appear before the surrogate later.
Who can make a will in New Jersey?
18 or older.
Keep going
A will in another state: Nevada · New Mexico · every state