A notary or witnesses.
Two witnesses who saw the testator sign, or instead a notary public to whom the testator acknowledged the will.
In the official wording
"At least two individuals, who witnessed the testator sign the Will"
From Wills Research Guide (North Dakota Legal Self Help Center, rev. January 2025), checked November 2026.
What else the signing needs
- Electronic wills
- Authorized. An electronic will needs a record readable as text, a signature, and two witnesses or a notary.
"An Electronic Will is a Will for all purposes of the law of North Dakota."
- Handwritten wills
- Recognized if handwritten and signed by the testator. No witnesses needed.
"hand written by the testator and signed by the testator"
- Who can make a will
- 18 or older, of sound mind.
"An adult (18 years of age older) who is of sound mind may make a Will."
Not confirmed on the pages we read: whether a notarized self-proving affidavit is used, the interested-witness rule and remote witnessing. Check with the probate court for the county where the will-maker lives (statute: Wills Research Guide (North Dakota Legal Self Help Center, rev. January 2025)).
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 North Dakota? We can look for a mobile notary commissioned there; bring your own witnesses (two).
Request a mobile notary in North Dakota
If a local notary in North Dakota does it: Up to $5 per notarial act, under the state's fee rules (North Dakota notary fees).
Worth knowing
North Dakota lets a notary public stand in for the two witnesses: the testator acknowledges the will to the notary.
Official sources
- Wills Research Guide (North Dakota Legal Self Help Center, rev. January 2025) (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 North Dakota?
A notary or witnesses. Two witnesses who saw the testator sign, or instead a notary public to whom the testator acknowledged the will.
Who can make a will in North Dakota?
18 or older, of sound mind.
What does a notary charge in North Dakota?
Up to $5 per notarial act, under the state's fee rules. A mobile notary may add a travel fee; ask for the total first.
Keep going
- Will signing-day checklist
- Will witness rules in every state
- A power of attorney in North Dakota
- A small estate affidavit in North Dakota
A will in another state: North Carolina · Ohio · every state