Do You Need a Notary for a Will in Virginia?

No, not for the will itself.

The signing rule on the pages we read asks for two witnesses who are present at the same time, for any will not wholly in the testator's handwriting. 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

"in the presence of at least two competent witnesses who are present at the same time"

From the sources listed below, checked November 2026.

What else the signing needs

Self-proving affidavit: Allowed, before an officer authorized to administer oaths under Virginia law.
"before an officer authorized to administer oaths under the laws of the Commonwealth"
Interested witnesses: A beneficiary may serve as a witness (Nolo, citing Va. Code 64.2-405), though disinterested witnesses are recommended.
Electronic wills: Not authorized, per Nolo's Virginia page (updated October 2023).
"Virginia currently doesn't allow e-wills"
Handwritten wills: Recognized if wholly in the testator's handwriting and signed. At probate, two disinterested witnesses must prove the handwriting.
"is proved by at least two disinterested witnesses"
Who can make a will: Adults and emancipated minors of sound mind. An unemancipated minor can't make a will; the self-proving form says the testator is over 18.
"An individual is not capable of making a will if he is (i) of unsound mind or (ii) an unemancipated minor."

Not confirmed on the pages we read: remote witnessing. Check with the probate court for the county where the will-maker lives (statute: Code of Virginia Title 64.2, Chapter 4, Wills).

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 Virginia? We can look for a mobile notary commissioned there; bring your own witnesses (two).

Request a mobile notary in Virginia

If a local notary in Virginia does it: Acknowledgment, oath, affidavit certification or true-copy certification (statutory maximum), $10, under the state's fee rules (Virginia notary fees).

Sources

Code of Virginia Title 64.2, Chapter 4, Wills (checked November 2026)
Nolo (secondary source): Making a Will in Virginia (Nolo, updated October 2023) (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 Virginia?

No, not for the will itself. The signing rule on the pages we read asks for two witnesses who are present at the same time, for any will not wholly in the testator's handwriting. 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 Virginia will?

The self-proving affidavit. Allowed, before an officer authorized to administer oaths under Virginia law.

Can a beneficiary witness a Virginia will?

A beneficiary may serve as a witness (Nolo, citing Va. Code 64.2-405), though disinterested witnesses are recommended.

Who can make a will in Virginia?

Adults and emancipated minors of sound mind. An unemancipated minor can't make a will; the self-proving form says the testator is over 18.

Keep going

A will in another state: Vermont · Washington · every state

Do you need a notary for a will in Virginia?