Short answer. 2 witnesses. A self-proving affidavit is sworn before a notary. Handwritten wills: yes.
At a glance
- Witnesses
- Two witnesses. The county surrogate's guide says they should be at least 18.
- Witness age
- The county surrogate's guide says witnesses should be at least 18.
- Beneficiary as witness
- Interested witnesses are allowed (Nolo, citing N.J.S.A. 3B:3-8), though disinterested witnesses are recommended.
"New Jersey allows interested witnesses"
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed. The two witnesses sign a self-proving affidavit when the will is notarized, so they don't have to appear before the surrogate later.
- Handwritten wills
- Recognized. A will in the testator's handwriting with no witnesses can be probated, but only through the Superior Court, not the surrogate.
- Electronic wills
- Not authorized, per Nolo's New Jersey page (updated August 2025).
"New Jersey currently doesn't allow e-wills"
- Minimum age
- 18 or older.
"An individual must be at least 18 years of age in order to execute a Will."
Worth knowing
The surrogate's guide says to keep the original will in a safe place that is accessible in an emergency, and to make sure the executor and close family know where it is. Probate starts with the original.
Signing a will in the area? The estate signing package (notary, witnesses and the Surrogate run), or book a notary visit in New Jersey.
Signing day here
- Witnesses to bring: Bring 2 witnesses, each at least 18.
- 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 Jersey.
MCC Solutions provides notaries and witnesses for will signings in the area: see estate planning signings, the estate planning signing package, witness services.
Not confirmed on the pages we read: remote witnessing.
Sources
- Surrogate's Guide (Office of the Morris County Surrogate, New Jersey, January 2020) (checked November 2026)
- Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in New Jersey (Nolo, updated August 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 Jersey?
2. Two witnesses. The county surrogate's guide says they should be at least 18.
Does a will need a notary in New Jersey?
Not to be valid on the pages we read; the notary is for the self-proving affidavit. Allowed. The two witnesses sign a self-proving affidavit when the will is notarized, so they don't have to appear before the surrogate later.
Can a beneficiary witness a will in New Jersey?
Interested witnesses are allowed (Nolo, citing N.J.S.A. 3B:3-8), though disinterested witnesses are recommended. The statute: "the area allows interested witnesses."
Is a handwritten will valid in New Jersey?
Recognized. A will in the testator's handwriting with no witnesses can be probated, but only through the Superior Court, not the surrogate.
Are electronic wills allowed in New Jersey?
Not authorized, per Nolo's New Jersey page (updated August 2025).
How old do you have to be to make a will in New Jersey?
18 or older.
All states: will witness requirements by state · New Hampshire · New Mexico