No, not for the will itself.
The signing rule on the official page we read asks for two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after the signing or acknowledgment. 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 2 witnesses who signed within a reasonable time after any of the following:"
From the official pages listed below, checked November 2026.
What else the signing needs
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed at signing or any time later, before an officer authorized to administer oaths, under official seal.
"An attested will may be made self-proved at any time after its execution"
- Interested witnesses
- The will stays valid, but gifts to an interested witness or the witness's spouse are invalid beyond an intestate share unless an exception applies.
"a will is not invalidated because it is signed by an interested witness"
- Who can make a will
- 18 or older, of sound mind.
"Any person of sound mind 18 years of age or older may make and revoke a will."
Not confirmed on the pages we read: handwritten wills, electronic wills and remote witnessing. Check with the probate court for the county where the will-maker lives (statute: Wis. Stat. Chapter 853, Wills (Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin? We can look for a mobile notary commissioned there; bring your own witnesses (two).
Request a mobile notary in Wisconsin
If a local notary in Wisconsin does it: Drawing an affidavit or other paper not otherwise provided for, per folio (plus 12 cents per folio for copying), $5, under the state's fee rules (Wisconsin notary fees).
Worth knowing
Wisconsin law has a section on depositing a will with the circuit court during the testator's lifetime (853.09).
Official sources
- Wis. Stat. Chapter 853, Wills (Wisconsin Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- Wis. Stat. 853.03, Execution of wills (Wisconsin Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- Wis. Stat. 853.04 and 853.07, Self-proved will; Witnesses (Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
No, not for the will itself. The signing rule on the official page we read asks for two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after the signing or acknowledgment. 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 Wisconsin will?
The self-proving affidavit. Allowed at signing or any time later, before an officer authorized to administer oaths, under official seal.
Can a beneficiary witness a Wisconsin will?
The will stays valid, but gifts to an interested witness or the witness's spouse are invalid beyond an intestate share unless an exception applies.
Who can make a will in Wisconsin?
18 or older, of sound mind.
Keep going
A will in another state: West Virginia · every state