Short answer. 2 witnesses. A self-proving affidavit is sworn before a notary. Handwritten wills: yes. Remote witnesses: yes.
At a glance
- Witnesses
- Two or more witnesses, who sign in the testator's conscious presence.
"two or more individuals"
- Beneficiary as witness
- A beneficiary may witness (Nolo, citing SDCL 29A-2-505), though disinterested witnesses are recommended.
"allows 'interested' parties who stand to inherit from your will to serve as witnesses"
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed. Per Nolo (citing 29A-2-504), the testator and witnesses sign an affidavit before a notary.
- Handwritten wills
- Recognized whether or not witnessed, if the signature and material parts are in the testator's handwriting.
"the signature and material portions of the document are in the testator's handwriting"
- Electronic wills
- Not authorized, per Nolo's South Dakota page (updated September 2025); an out-of-state electronic will valid where made is recognized.
"South Dakota doesn't allow e-wills"
- Remote witnesses
- Witnesses and notaries may take part over live audio-video and count as in the testator's conscious presence (Nolo, citing SDCL 18-1-11.2, 18-8-1, 18-8-2 and 29A-2-502).
"does allow witnesses and notaries to sign the will remotely"
- Minimum age
- 18 or older and of sound mind (Nolo, citing SDCL 29A-2-501).
"18 years of age or older"
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 Dakota.
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
- SDCL 29A-2-502, Execution; witnessed wills; holographic wills (South Dakota Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in South Dakota (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 Dakota?
2. Two or more witnesses, who sign in the testator's conscious presence.
Does a will need a notary in South Dakota?
Not to be valid on the pages we read; the notary is for the self-proving affidavit. Allowed. Per Nolo (citing 29A-2-504), the testator and witnesses sign an affidavit before a notary.
Can a beneficiary witness a will in South Dakota?
A beneficiary may witness (Nolo, citing SDCL 29A-2-505), though disinterested witnesses are recommended. The statute: "allows 'interested' parties who stand to inherit from your will to serve as witnesses."
Is a handwritten will valid in South Dakota?
Recognized whether or not witnessed, if the signature and material parts are in the testator's handwriting.
Can will witnesses be remote in South Dakota?
Witnesses and notaries may take part over live audio-video and count as in the testator's conscious presence (Nolo, citing SDCL 18-1-11.2, 18-8-1, 18-8-2 and 29A-2-502).
Are electronic wills allowed in South Dakota?
Not authorized, per Nolo's South Dakota page (updated September 2025); an out-of-state electronic will valid where made is recognized.
All states: will witness requirements by state · South Carolina · Tennessee