Short answer. 2 witnesses. A self-proving affidavit is sworn before an oath officer such as a notary. Handwritten wills: yes. Remote witnesses: limited.
At a glance
- Witnesses
- Two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or hearing the testator acknowledge it.
- Beneficiary as witness
- For wills signed on or after October 1, 2019, a witness can't be someone who gets a gift under the will, or a relative of one by blood, marriage or adoption, unless the will is self-proved.
"A person who is generally competent to be a witness may act as a witness to a will."
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed at signing or any time later. The testator and witnesses sign before an officer authorized to administer oaths where the will is signed, under official seal.
"A will may be simultaneously executed, attested and made self-proved"
- Handwritten wills
- Recognized. The execution section covers witnessed and holographic wills, with the holographic rules in section 14-2503.
"Execution of paper wills; witnessed wills; holographic wills; testamentary intent"
- Electronic wills
- Authorized. An electronic will needs the testator's electronic signature, two witnesses' electronic signatures, the signing dates and a copy of the testator's current government ID. (A.R.S. 14-2518)
"readable as text at the time of signing"
- Remote witnesses
- For an electronic will only: each witness may be physically or electronically present, and a remote witness must be in the United States while serving.
"physically present or electronically present with the testator"
Worth knowing
An electronic will must include a copy of the testator's government-issued ID that is current when the will is signed.
Signing day here
- Witnesses to bring: Bring 2 witnesses.
- Notary and the self-proving affidavit: Have a notary or another officer who can administer oaths there for the self-proving affidavit. The statute names that officer rather than notaries by name.
The full list, with ID and who shouldn't witness: signing-day checklist for Arizona.
MCC Solutions provides notaries and witnesses for signings in New Jersey (estate planning signings, the estate planning signing package, witness services). Elsewhere, a local notary can help with the self-proving affidavit.
Not confirmed on the pages we read: the minimum age.
Official sources
- A.R.S. 14-2502, Execution of paper wills; witnessed wills; holographic wills (Arizona Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- A.R.S. 14-2504, Self-proved wills; sample form; signature requirements (Arizona Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- A.R.S. 14-2505, Witnesses; requirements; definition (Arizona Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- A.R.S. 14-2518, Electronic will; requirements; interpretation (Arizona Legislature) (checked November 2026)
General information, not legal advice; we are not lawyers. Have a lawyer prepare or review your will. Checked November 2026 against the official pages listed above. 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.
Common questions
How many witnesses does a will need in Arizona?
2. Two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or hearing the testator acknowledge it.
Does a will need a notary in Arizona?
Not to be valid on the pages we read; the notary is for the self-proving affidavit. Allowed at signing or any time later. The testator and witnesses sign before an officer authorized to administer oaths where the will is signed, under official seal.
Can a beneficiary witness a will in Arizona?
For wills signed on or after October 1, 2019, a witness can't be someone who gets a gift under the will, or a relative of one by blood, marriage or adoption, unless the will is self-proved. The statute: "A person who is generally competent to be a witness may act as a witness to a will."
Is a handwritten will valid in Arizona?
Recognized. The execution section covers witnessed and holographic wills, with the holographic rules in section 14-2503.
Can will witnesses be remote in Arizona?
For an electronic will only: each witness may be physically or electronically present, and a remote witness must be in the United States while serving.
Are electronic wills allowed in Arizona?
Authorized. An electronic will needs the testator's electronic signature, two witnesses' electronic signatures, the signing dates and a copy of the testator's current government ID. (A.R.S. 14-2518)
All states: will witness requirements by state · Alaska · Delaware