No, not for the will itself.
The signing rule on the official page we read asks for two or more witnesses, who sign in the testator's presence or electronic presence. A notary isn't part of that rule; one comes in for the self-proving affidavit, where it's used.
In the official wording
"attested by two or more competent witnesses"
From the official pages listed below, checked November 2026.
What else the signing needs
- Self-proving affidavit
- Witnesses can sign an affidavit at the testator's request before any person authorized to administer oaths. The court accepts it as if given in court.
"before any person authorized to administer oaths"
- Interested witnesses
- The will stays valid. If fewer than two other disinterested witnesses signed, the law presumes a gift to the witness was improperly obtained; unless that is rebutted, the witness takes no more than an intestate share.
"A will or any of its provisions is not invalid because it is signed by an interested witness."
- Remote or video signing
- Witnesses may sign in the testator's electronic presence, and people in different places may sign counterparts that together form one will.
"in the testator's presence or electronic presence"
- Electronic wills
- Authorized for people who die on or after January 1, 2022. An electronic will is a will for all purposes.
"An electronic will is a will for all purposes of the law of this state."
- Who can make a will
- 18 or older, of sound mind.
"Any person of sound mind who has attained the age of eighteen years"
Not confirmed on the pages we read: handwritten wills. Check with the probate court for the county where the will-maker lives (statute: RCW Chapter 11.12, Wills (Washington State Legislature, combined chapter)).
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: Witnesses may sign in the testator's electronic presence, and people in different places may sign counterparts that together form one will.
Need a notary for the self-proving affidavit in Washington? We can look for a mobile notary commissioned there; bring your own witnesses (two).
Request a mobile notary in Washington
If a local notary in Washington does it: Most notarial acts, including witnessing a signature, an oath and certifying a copy (up to), $15, under the state's fee rules (Washington notary fees).
Official sources
- RCW Chapter 11.12, Wills (Washington State Legislature, combined chapter) (checked November 2026)
- RCW 11.20.020, Proof of will (Washington State 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 Washington?
No, not for the will itself. The signing rule on the official page we read asks for two or more witnesses, who sign in the testator's presence or electronic 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 Washington will?
The self-proving affidavit. Witnesses can sign an affidavit at the testator's request before any person authorized to administer oaths. The court accepts it as if given in court.
Can a will be signed over video in Washington?
Witnesses may sign in the testator's electronic presence, and people in different places may sign counterparts that together form one will.
Can a beneficiary witness a Washington will?
The will stays valid. If fewer than two other disinterested witnesses signed, the law presumes a gift to the witness was improperly obtained; unless that is rebutted, the witness takes no more than an intestate share.
Keep going
- Washington will signing requirements
- Will signing-day checklist
- Will witness rules in every state
- A power of attorney in Washington
A will in another state: Vermont · West Virginia · every state