Do You Need a Notary for a Will in Rhode Island?

No, not for the will itself.

The signing rule on the pages we read asks for two or more witnesses present at the same time, who sign in the testator's presence. A notary isn't part of that rule; one comes in for the self-proving affidavit, where it's used.

In the source's wording

"two (2) or more witnesses present at the same time"

From the sources listed below, checked November 2026.

What else the signing needs

Self-proving affidavit: Allowed. Per Nolo (citing R.I. Gen. Laws 33-7-26), the testator and witnesses sign an affidavit before a notary.
Interested witnesses: A gift to a witness is void as to that witness (and anyone claiming through them), though the will stands and the witness can still testify to prove it (R.I. Gen. Laws 33-6-1, 2020 text on Justia).
"be utterly null and void"
Remote or video signing: Not provided for: no Rhode Island law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's Rhode Island page, updated September 2025).
"your witnesses must sign your will in your presence and in each other's presence"
Electronic wills: Not authorized, per Nolo's Rhode Island page (updated September 2025); the will must be on paper.
"Rhode Island currently doesn't allow e-wills"
Handwritten wills: Not recognized: a will needs witnesses, per Nolo's Rhode Island page (updated September 2025).
"Rhode Island doesn't allow holographic wills"
Who can make a will: 18 or older (Nolo, citing R.I. Gen. Laws 33-5-2).
"18 years of age or older"

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. Here: Not provided for: no the state law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's Rhode Island page, updated September 2025).

Need a notary for the self-proving affidavit in the state? We can look for a mobile notary commissioned there; bring your own witnesses (two).

Request a mobile notary in Rhode Island

If a local notary in the state does it: Up to $25 per document or notarization, under the state's fee rules (Rhode Island notary fees).

Worth knowing

The state has a separate section for persons in military service and sailors (33-5-6).

Sources

R.I. Gen. Laws 33-5-5, Execution of will (Rhode Island General Assembly) (checked November 2026)
R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 33-5 index (Rhode Island General Assembly) (checked November 2026)
Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Rhode Island (Nolo, updated September 2025) (checked November 2026)
Justia (statute text) (secondary source): R.I. Gen. Laws 33-6-1, Gifts to attesting witnesses (2020 Rhode Island General Laws, Justia) (checked November 2026)

Sourced from official pages; a few facts from vetted secondary sources, marked "(secondary source)".

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 Rhode Island?

No, not for the will itself. The signing rule on the pages we read asks for two or more witnesses present at the same time, who sign in the testator's presence. 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 Rhode Island will?

The self-proving affidavit. Allowed. Per Nolo (citing R.I. Gen. Laws 33-7-26), the testator and witnesses sign an affidavit before a notary.

Can a will be signed over video in Rhode Island?

Not provided for: no the state law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's Rhode Island page, updated September 2025).

Can a beneficiary witness a Rhode Island will?

A gift to a witness is void as to that witness (and anyone claiming through them), though the will stands and the witness can still testify to prove it (R.I. Gen. Laws 33-6-1, 2020 text on Justia).

Keep going

A will in another state: Pennsylvania · South Carolina · every state

Do you need a notary for a will in Rhode Island?