Short answer. 2 witnesses. A self-proving affidavit is sworn before a notary. Handwritten wills: no.
At a glance
- Witnesses
- Two witnesses, per the county probate court's FAQ.
"is at least eighteen (18) years old and have two witnesses."
- Beneficiary as witness
- Pick witnesses who inherit nothing; under 62-2-504, as Nolo explains, a witness-beneficiary can forfeit the gift.
- Self-proving affidavit
- Optional under 62-2-503 (Nolo's summary): the testator and witnesses swear before a notary that the will was signed knowingly, so the court needn't contact the witnesses.
- Handwritten wills
- South Carolina doesn't accept an unwitnessed will in the maker's own handwriting (Nolo, September 2025).
- Electronic wills
- No. Nolo's South Carolina guide (September 2025) says the will must be on actual paper.
"South Carolina currently doesn't allow e-wills"
- Remote witnesses
- Not provided for: no South Carolina law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's South Carolina page, updated September 2025).
- Minimum age
- 18 or older, per the county probate court's FAQ.
"is at least eighteen (18) years old"
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 South Carolina.
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
- Probate's Office FAQ (Fairfield County, South Carolina, Probate Court) (checked November 2026)
- Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in South Carolina (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 South Carolina?
2. Two witnesses, per the county probate court's FAQ.
Does a will need a notary in South Carolina?
Not to be valid on the pages we read; the notary is for the self-proving affidavit. Optional under 62-2-503 (Nolo's summary): the testator and witnesses swear before a notary that the will was signed knowingly, so the court needn't contact the witnesses.
Can a beneficiary witness a will in South Carolina?
Pick witnesses who inherit nothing; under 62-2-504, as Nolo explains, a witness-beneficiary can forfeit the gift.
Is a handwritten will valid in South Carolina?
The state doesn't accept an unwitnessed will in the maker's own handwriting (Nolo, September 2025).
Are electronic wills allowed in South Carolina?
No. Nolo's the state guide (September 2025) says the will must be on actual paper.
How old do you have to be to make a will in South Carolina?
18 or older, per the county probate court's FAQ.
All states: will witness requirements by state · Rhode Island · South Dakota