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 witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or the acknowledgment.
"signed by at least two individuals, each of whom signed within a reasonable time after he witnessed"
- Beneficiary as witness
- A witness who is interested doesn't make the will or any part of it invalid.
"does not invalidate the will or any provision of it"
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed. The witnesses' affidavits are made before an officer authorized to administer oaths.
"each made before an officer authorized to administer oaths"
- Handwritten wills
- Recognized if the signature and the material parts are in the testator's handwriting.
"if the signature and material portions of the document are in the testator's handwriting"
- Minimum age
- 18 or older, with testamentary capacity.
"is 18 years old or older"
Signing day here
- Witnesses to bring: Bring 2 witnesses.
- 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 Utah.
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.
Not confirmed on the pages we read: electronic wills, remote witnessing.
Official sources
- Utah Code Title 75, Chapter 2, Part 5, Wills (Utah Legislature) (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 Utah?
2. Two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or the acknowledgment.
Does a will need a notary in Utah?
Not to be valid on the pages we read; the notary is for the self-proving affidavit. Allowed. The witnesses' affidavits are made before an officer authorized to administer oaths.
Can a beneficiary witness a will in Utah?
A witness who is interested doesn't make the will or any part of it invalid. The statute: "does not invalidate the will or any provision of it."
Is a handwritten will valid in Utah?
Recognized if the signature and the material parts are in the testator's handwriting.
How old do you have to be to make a will in Utah?
18 or older, with testamentary capacity.
All states: will witness requirements by state · Oregon · Vermont