No, not for the will itself.
The signing rule on the official page we read asks for two witnesses present at the same time, who sign in the testator's presence and each other's. A notary isn't part of that rule; one comes in for the self-proving affidavit, where it's used.
In the official wording
"at least two competent witnesses, present at the same time"
From the official pages listed below, checked November 2026.
What else the signing needs
- Self-proving affidavit
- Witnesses can sign affidavits at the testator's request before any officer authorized to administer oaths. Keep them with the will. They can't be used if the will is contested.
"make and subscribe an affidavit before any officer authorized to administer oaths"
- Interested witnesses
- A gift to a witness, or to a witness's spouse, is void. A witness who would inherit anyway keeps up to the value of the gift.
"such devise or bequest shall be void"
- Handwritten wills
- Recognized. Witnesses aren't needed for a will wholly in the testator's handwriting.
"unless it be wholly in the handwriting of the testator"
- Who can make a will
- 18 or older.
"under the age of eighteen years, shall be capable of making a will"
Not confirmed on the pages we read: electronic wills and remote witnessing. Check with the probate court for the county where the will-maker lives (statute: W. Va. Code Chapter 41, Article 1, Making of Wills (West Virginia Legislature)).
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 West Virginia? We can look for a mobile notary commissioned there; bring your own witnesses (two).
Request a mobile notary in West Virginia
If a local notary in West Virginia does it: Up to $10 per signature or notarial act, under the state's fee rules (West Virginia notary fees).
Official sources
- W. Va. Code Chapter 41, Article 1, Making of Wills (West Virginia Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- W. Va. Code Chapter 41, Wills (West Virginia 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 West Virginia?
No, not for the will itself. The signing rule on the official page we read asks for two witnesses present at the same time, who sign in the testator's presence and each other's. 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 West Virginia will?
The self-proving affidavit. Witnesses can sign affidavits at the testator's request before any officer authorized to administer oaths. Keep them with the will. They can't be used if the will is contested.
Can a beneficiary witness a West Virginia will?
A gift to a witness, or to a witness's spouse, is void. A witness who would inherit anyway keeps up to the value of the gift.
Who can make a will in West Virginia?
18 or older.
Keep going
- West Virginia will signing requirements
- Will signing-day checklist
- Will witness rules in every state
- A power of attorney in West Virginia
A will in another state: Washington · Wisconsin · every state