How it works. Pick the state where the will is being signed. You get how many witnesses to bring, whether to have a notary for the self-proving affidavit, what ID to bring and who shouldn't witness, with the statute's own words and link.
Choose the state where the will is being signed, then select Show checklist.
Before signing day
Have the lawyer send the final will in advance and confirm who will be in the room. Book the witnesses and the notary for the same time, and pick a place with a table and enough quiet to read. If the testator is in a hospital or care facility, ask the facility about visitors and whether staff are allowed to witness; many aren't. For every state at once, see will witness requirements by state.
General information, not legal advice; we are not lawyers. Have a lawyer prepare or review your will. Checked November 2026 against the official statute pages linked in each checklist. Rules change, and how a rule applies to one will is a question for a lawyer licensed in the state. A notary can't give legal advice or draft a will.
Questions about the checklist
Which state's rules apply?
Usually the state where the will is signed, and often the state where the testator lives. When they differ, or the testator owns property in another state, the lawyer preparing the will decides which rules to follow.
Who should be a witness?
Adults who know the testator, can watch the signing, and get nothing under the will. Neighbors, friends and office staff often serve. Family members who inherit, and their spouses, shouldn't.
Do the witnesses need to know what the will says?
No. Witnesses confirm that the testator signed, or acknowledged the signature, willingly and in their presence. They don't need to read the will.
What if no notary is available on signing day?
The will can still be signed with witnesses. In several states the self-proving affidavit can be added later while the witnesses can be found; the checklist says so where the statute does.
Does this page save what I pick?
No. The state travels in the page address only, so a link such as ?state=ny opens the same checklist, and it works without JavaScript.
Related guides: Self-proving affidavit for a will · Living will signing and witnesses · Notary versus witness requirements · Become a witness