--- title: "Massachusetts Will Signing Requirements: Witnesses & Notary" description: "Massachusetts will signing rules: 2 witnesses, beneficiary witnesses, the self-proving affidavit, handwritten wills, from the statute." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-massachusetts" --- Will signing · Massachusetts # Massachusetts will signing requirements How many witnesses, who shouldn't witness, and what the statute says about the self-proving affidavit, handwritten wills, electronic wills and the minimum age. ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) **Short answer.** 2 witnesses. A self-proving affidavit is sworn before an oath officer such as a notary. Handwritten wills: no. ## At a glance Witnesses Two witnesses, who saw the signing or the testator's acknowledgment. "at least 2 individuals" Beneficiary as witness The will stays valid, but a gift to a witness or the witness's spouse is void unless two other witnesses who get nothing similar also signed, or the witness shows no fraud or undue influence. "a devise to a witness or a spouse of such witness shall be void" Self-proving affidavit Allowed at signing or later, before an officer authorized to administer oaths where it is signed. "before an officer authorized to administer oaths" Handwritten wills Not recognized, per Nolo's Massachusetts page (updated September 2025), citing G.L. c. 190B, 2-502. "Massachusetts doesn't permit holographic wills" Electronic wills Not authorized, per Nolo's Massachusetts page (updated September 2025). "Massachusetts currently doesn't allow e-wills" Remote witnesses Not provided for: no Massachusetts law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's Massachusetts page, updated September 2025). Minimum age 18 or older and of sound mind. "An individual 18 or more years of age who is of sound mind may make a will." ## 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 Massachusetts](/notary/will-signing-day-checklist?state=ma). MCC Solutions provides notaries and witnesses for signings in New Jersey ([estate planning signings](/notary/estate-planning-notary), [the estate planning signing package](/notary/estate-planning-signing-package), [witness services](/notary/witness-services)). Elsewhere, a local notary can help with the self-proving affidavit. ## Sources - [M.G.L. c.190B, 2-502, Execution; witnessed wills (Massachusetts Legislature)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleII/Chapter190B/Section2-502) (checked November 2026) - [M.G.L. c.190B, 2-504, Self-proved will (Massachusetts Legislature)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleII/Chapter190B/Section2-504) (checked November 2026) - [M.G.L. c.190B, 2-505, Who may witness (Massachusetts Legislature)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleII/Chapter190B/Section2-505) (checked November 2026) - [M.G.L. c.190B, 2-501, Who may make will (Massachusetts Legislature)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleII/Chapter190B/ArticleII/Section2-501) (checked November 2026) - [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Massachusetts (Nolo, updated September 2025)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/massachusetts-make-will-31818.html) (checked November 2026) Sourced from official pages; a few facts from vetted secondary sources, marked "(secondary source)". 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 Massachusetts?** 2. Two witnesses, who saw the signing or the testator's acknowledgment. **Does a will need a notary in Massachusetts?** Not to be valid on the pages we read; the notary is for the self-proving affidavit. Allowed at signing or later, before an officer authorized to administer oaths where it is signed. **Can a beneficiary witness a will in Massachusetts?** The will stays valid, but a gift to a witness or the witness's spouse is void unless two other witnesses who get nothing similar also signed, or the witness shows no fraud or undue influence. The statute: "a devise to a witness or a spouse of such witness shall be void." **Is a handwritten will valid in Massachusetts?** Not recognized, per Nolo's Massachusetts page (updated September 2025), citing G.L. c. 190B, 2-502. **Are electronic wills allowed in Massachusetts?** Not authorized, per Nolo's Massachusetts page (updated September 2025). **How old do you have to be to make a will in Massachusetts?** 18 or older and of sound mind. All states: [will witness requirements by state](/notary/will-witness-requirements-by-state) · [Maryland](/notary/will-signing-requirements-maryland) · [Minnesota](/notary/will-signing-requirements-minnesota) Do it yourself ### Massachusetts Will Signing Day Kit Plan your Massachusetts will signing from the state's own rules. Two witnesses, who saw the signing or the testator's acknowledgment. Self-proving affidavit: Allowed at signing or later, before an officer authorized to administer oaths where it is signed. [See what's inside ($19)](/toolkits/massachusetts-will-signing-day-kit) [Free sample](/toolkits/massachusetts-will-signing-day-kit#free-starter)14-day full refund ## Need a notary or witnesses in New Jersey? [See witness services](/notary/witness-services)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)