Short answer. 2 witnesses. Handwritten wills: no. Remote witnesses: no.
At a glance
- Witnesses
- Two or more witnesses, who sign in the testator's conscious presence after seeing the signing or hearing it acknowledged.
- Beneficiary as witness
- A gift to someone who is one of only two witnesses is void.
"If a devise or bequest is made to a person who is one of only two witnesses to a will, the devise or bequest is void."
- Handwritten wills
- A handwritten will is fine, but it still needs two witnesses. There's no separate unwitnessed handwritten will.
"may be handwritten or typewritten"
- Remote witnesses
- Not allowed. Conscious presence means within range of the testator's senses, not by phone, video or other distant communication.
"within the range of any of the testator's senses"
- Minimum age
- 18 or older, of sound mind and memory, and not under restraint.
"A person who is eighteen years of age or older, of sound mind and memory, and not under restraint may make a will."
Worth knowing
A will can be deposited with the probate court for safekeeping during the testator's life, for a $25 fee. A separate section sets the age to witness a will (2107.06).
Signing day here
- Witnesses to bring: Bring 2 witnesses.
- Notary and the self-proving affidavit: Not confirmed. Ask the lawyer whether a self-proving affidavit is used here and who takes it.
The full list, with ID and who shouldn't witness: signing-day checklist for Ohio.
Not confirmed on the pages we read: the self-proving affidavit, electronic wills.
Official sources
- Ohio Revised Code 2107.03, Method of making will (checked November 2026)
- Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2107, Wills (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 Ohio?
2. Two or more witnesses, who sign in the testator's conscious presence after seeing the signing or hearing it acknowledged.
Can a beneficiary witness a will in Ohio?
A gift to someone who is one of only two witnesses is void. The statute: "If a devise or bequest is made to a person who is one of only two witnesses to a will, the devise or bequest is void."
Is a handwritten will valid in Ohio?
A handwritten will is fine, but it still needs two witnesses. There's no separate unwitnessed handwritten will.
Can will witnesses be remote in Ohio?
Not allowed. Conscious presence means within range of the testator's senses, not by phone, video or other distant communication.
How old do you have to be to make a will in Ohio?
18 or older, of sound mind and memory, and not under restraint.
All states: will witness requirements by state · New York · Oklahoma