Short answer. 2 witnesses. A self-proving affidavit is sworn before a notary. Handwritten wills: no. Remote witnesses: yes.
At a glance
- Witnesses
- Two or more witnesses, who sign at the testator's request and in the testator's presence.
"Be signed by 2 or more credible witnesses"
- Beneficiary as witness
- An interested witness can lose the gift left to them (Nolo, citing RSA 551:3).
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed. The sworn acknowledgment is made before a notary public, a justice of the peace or another official authorized to administer oaths where the will is signed.
"a notary public, a justice of the peace"
- Handwritten wills
- Not recognized, per Nolo's New Hampshire page (updated September 2025).
"New Hampshire doesn't allow this type of handwritten will."
- Electronic wills
- Not allowed. The remote-witnessing rule says it doesn't allow an electronic will or codicil. (RSA 551:2)
"Nothing in this paragraph shall be deemed to allow an electronic will or codicil."
- Remote witnesses
- Witnesses count as present when they and the testator communicate with a notarial officer simultaneously by sight and sound through an electronic device.
"simultaneously by sight and sound through an electronic device or process"
- Minimum age
- 18 or older, or married, and of sane mind (Nolo, citing RSA 551:1).
"an individual 18 years of age or older (or married)"
Signing day here
- Witnesses to bring: Bring 2 witnesses.
- Notary and the self-proving affidavit: Have a notary there for the self-proving affidavit. The official page we read names a notary public.
The full list, with ID and who shouldn't witness: signing-day checklist for New Hampshire.
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.
Sources
- RSA 551:2, Requirements (New Hampshire General Court) (checked November 2026)
- RSA 551:2-a, Self-proved wills (New Hampshire General Court) (checked November 2026)
- Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in New Hampshire (Nolo, updated September 2025) (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 New Hampshire?
2. Two or more witnesses, who sign at the testator's request and in the testator's presence.
Does a will need a notary in New Hampshire?
Not to be valid on the pages we read; the notary is for the self-proving affidavit. Allowed. The sworn acknowledgment is made before a notary public, a justice of the peace or another official authorized to administer oaths where the will is signed.
Can a beneficiary witness a will in New Hampshire?
An interested witness can lose the gift left to them (Nolo, citing RSA 551:3).
Is a handwritten will valid in New Hampshire?
Not recognized, per Nolo's New Hampshire page (updated September 2025).
Can will witnesses be remote in New Hampshire?
Witnesses count as present when they and the testator communicate with a notarial officer simultaneously by sight and sound through an electronic device.
Are electronic wills allowed in New Hampshire?
Not allowed. The remote-witnessing rule says it doesn't allow an electronic will or codicil. (RSA 551:2)
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