Short answer. 2 witnesses. A self-proving affidavit is sworn before an oath officer such as a notary. Handwritten wills: yes.
At a glance
- Witnesses
- Two or more credible witnesses who are at least 14.
"two or more credible witnesses who are at least 14 years of age"
- Witness age
- Witnesses must be at least 14.
"two or more credible witnesses who are at least 14 years of age"
- Beneficiary as witness
- A gift to a witness is void if the will can't be proved without that witness's testimony, except that the witness can take up to an intestate share. The gift stands if at least one disinterested, credible person corroborates the witness's testimony (Estates Code 254.002, FindLaw's code text current as of January 2026).
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed. The testator and witnesses swear to an affidavit before an officer authorized to administer oaths. A will written wholly by hand can be self-proved any time during the testator's life.
"before an officer authorized to administer oaths"
- Handwritten wills
- Recognized. A will written wholly in the testator's handwriting doesn't need witnesses.
"a will written wholly in the testator's handwriting is not required to be attested by subscribing witnesses"
- Electronic wills
- Not authorized, per Nolo's Texas page (updated September 2025).
"Texas currently doesn't allow e-wills"
- Remote witnesses
- Not provided for: no Texas law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's Texas page, updated September 2025).
- Minimum age
- 18 or older, or married, or serving in the armed forces, and of sound mind.
"a person of sound mind has the right and power to make a will"
Signing day here
- Witnesses to bring: Bring 2 witnesses, each at least 14.
- Notary and the self-proving affidavit: Have a notary or another officer who can administer oaths there for the self-proving affidavit. The statute names that officer rather than notaries by name.
The full list, with ID and who shouldn't witness: signing-day checklist for Texas.
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
- Texas Estates Code Chapter 251, Fundamental Requirements and Provisions Relating to Wills (Texas Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Texas (Nolo, updated September 2025) (checked November 2026)
- FindLaw Codes (secondary source): Texas Estates Code 254.002 (FindLaw Codes, current as of January 1, 2026) (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 Texas?
2. Two or more credible witnesses who are at least 14.
Does a will need a notary in Texas?
Not to be valid on the pages we read; the notary is for the self-proving affidavit. Allowed. The testator and witnesses swear to an affidavit before an officer authorized to administer oaths. A will written wholly by hand can be self-proved any time during the testator's life.
Can a beneficiary witness a will in Texas?
A gift to a witness is void if the will can't be proved without that witness's testimony, except that the witness can take up to an intestate share. The gift stands if at least one disinterested, credible person corroborates the witness's testimony (Estates Code 254.002, FindLaw's code text current as of January 2026).
Is a handwritten will valid in Texas?
Recognized. A will written wholly in the testator's handwriting doesn't need witnesses.
Are electronic wills allowed in Texas?
Not authorized, per Nolo's Texas page (updated September 2025).
How old do you have to be to make a will in Texas?
18 or older, or married, or serving in the armed forces, and of sound mind.
All states: will witness requirements by state · Tennessee · Utah