--- title: "Virginia Will Signing Requirements: Witnesses & Notary | MCC" description: "Virginia will signing rules: 2 witnesses, beneficiary witnesses, the self-proving affidavit, handwritten wills, from the statute." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-virginia" --- Will signing · Virginia # Virginia will signing requirements How many witnesses, who shouldn't witness, and what the statute says about the self-proving affidavit, handwritten wills, electronic wills and the minimum age. ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) **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 who are present at the same time, for any will not wholly in the testator's handwriting. "in the presence of at least two competent witnesses who are present at the same time" Beneficiary as witness A beneficiary may serve as a witness (Nolo, citing Va. Code 64.2-405), though disinterested witnesses are recommended. Self-proving affidavit Allowed, before an officer authorized to administer oaths under Virginia law. "before an officer authorized to administer oaths under the laws of the Commonwealth" Handwritten wills Recognized if wholly in the testator's handwriting and signed. At probate, two disinterested witnesses must prove the handwriting. "is proved by at least two disinterested witnesses" Electronic wills Not authorized, per Nolo's Virginia page (updated October 2023). "Virginia currently doesn't allow e-wills" Minimum age Adults and emancipated minors of sound mind. An unemancipated minor can't make a will; the self-proving form says the testator is over 18. "An individual is not capable of making a will if he is (i) of unsound mind or (ii) an unemancipated minor." ## 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 Virginia](/notary/will-signing-day-checklist?state=va). MCC Solutions provides notaries and witnesses for signings in New Jersey ([estate planning signings](/notary/estate-planning-notary), [the estate planning signing package](/notary/estate-planning-signing-package), [witness services](/notary/witness-services)). Elsewhere, a local notary can help with the self-proving affidavit. **Not confirmed on the pages we read:** remote witnessing. ## Sources - [Code of Virginia Title 64.2, Chapter 4, Wills](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title64.2/chapter4/) (checked November 2026) - [Nolo (secondary source): Making a Will in Virginia (Nolo, updated October 2023)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/virginia-make-will-31781.html) (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 Virginia?** 2. Two witnesses who are present at the same time, for any will not wholly in the testator's handwriting. **Does a will need a notary in Virginia?** Not to be valid on the pages we read; the notary is for the self-proving affidavit. Allowed, before an officer authorized to administer oaths under Virginia law. **Can a beneficiary witness a will in Virginia?** A beneficiary may serve as a witness (Nolo, citing Va. Code 64.2-405), though disinterested witnesses are recommended. **Is a handwritten will valid in Virginia?** Recognized if wholly in the testator's handwriting and signed. At probate, two disinterested witnesses must prove the handwriting. **Are electronic wills allowed in Virginia?** Not authorized, per Nolo's Virginia page (updated October 2023). **How old do you have to be to make a will in Virginia?** Adults and emancipated minors of sound mind. An unemancipated minor can't make a will; the self-proving form says the testator is over 18. All states: [will witness requirements by state](/notary/will-witness-requirements-by-state) · [Vermont](/notary/will-signing-requirements-vermont) · [Washington](/notary/will-signing-requirements-washington) Coming soon ### Virginia Will Signing Day Kit This kit is being finished: every state rule in it is checked against official sources before it goes on sale. [See what it will include](/toolkits/virginia-will-signing-day-kit) ## Need a notary or witnesses in New Jersey? [See witness services](/notary/witness-services)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)