Short answer. 2 witnesses. A self-proving affidavit is sworn before a notary. Handwritten wills: yes.
At a glance
- Witnesses
- At least two attesting witnesses, who sign in the testator's presence and in each other's presence (Tenn. Code 32-1-104, 2025 code text on Justia).
"the signature of the testator and of at least two (2) witnesses as follows"
- Beneficiary as witness
- A will isn't invalid because an interested witness signed it (statute as quoted by the Tennessee Court of Appeals in 2018).
"No will is invalidated because attested by an interested witness"
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed. Nolo's summary of Tenn. Code 32-2-110: the testator and the witnesses sign an affidavit before a notary. A notary isn't needed for the will itself.
- Handwritten wills
- Recognized without witnesses if the signature and material provisions are in the testator's handwriting; two witnesses must prove the handwriting at probate (Nolo, citing 32-1-105).
- Electronic wills
- Not authorized, per Nolo's Tennessee page (updated August 2025).
"Tennessee currently doesn't allow e-wills"
- Remote witnesses
- Not provided for: no Tennessee law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's Tennessee page, updated August 2025). The 2020 emergency order that allowed remote will signings was temporary.
- Minimum age
- 18 or older and of sound mind (Nolo, citing Tenn. Code 32-1-102).
"18 years of age or older, and of sound mind"
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 Tennessee.
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
- In re Estate of Joe Marce Abbott (Tenn. Ct. App. 2018), quoting Tenn. Code 32-1-103 (Tennessee Courts) (checked November 2026)
- Justia (statute text) (secondary source): Tenn. Code 32-1-104, Will other than holographic or nuncupative; signatures (2025 Tennessee Code, Justia) (checked November 2026)
- Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Tennessee (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 Tennessee?
2. At least two attesting witnesses, who sign in the testator's presence and in each other's presence (Tenn. Code 32-1-104, 2025 code text on Justia).
Does a will need a notary in Tennessee?
Not to be valid on the pages we read; the notary is for the self-proving affidavit. Allowed. Nolo's summary of Tenn. Code 32-2-110: the testator and the witnesses sign an affidavit before a notary. A notary isn't needed for the will itself.
Can a beneficiary witness a will in Tennessee?
A will isn't invalid because an interested witness signed it (statute as quoted by the Tennessee Court of Appeals in 2018). The statute: "No will is invalidated because attested by an interested witness."
Is a handwritten will valid in Tennessee?
Recognized without witnesses if the signature and material provisions are in the testator's handwriting; two witnesses must prove the handwriting at probate (Nolo, citing 32-1-105).
Are electronic wills allowed in Tennessee?
Not authorized, per Nolo's Tennessee page (updated August 2025).
How old do you have to be to make a will in Tennessee?
18 or older and of sound mind (Nolo, citing Tenn. Code 32-1-102).
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