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 present at the same time, who sign in the testator's presence and each other's.
"at least two competent witnesses, present at the same time"
- Beneficiary as witness
- A gift to a witness, or to a witness's spouse, is void. A witness who would inherit anyway keeps up to the value of the gift.
"such devise or bequest shall be void"
- Self-proving affidavit
- Witnesses can sign affidavits at the testator's request before any officer authorized to administer oaths. Keep them with the will. They can't be used if the will is contested.
"make and subscribe an affidavit before any officer authorized to administer oaths"
- Handwritten wills
- Recognized. Witnesses aren't needed for a will wholly in the testator's handwriting.
"unless it be wholly in the handwriting of the testator"
- Minimum age
- 18 or older.
"under the age of eighteen years, shall be capable of making a will"
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 West Virginia.
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
- W. Va. Code Chapter 41, Article 1, Making of Wills (West Virginia Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- W. Va. Code Chapter 41, Wills (West Virginia 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 West Virginia?
2. Two witnesses present at the same time, who sign in the testator's presence and each other's.
Does a will need a notary in West Virginia?
Not to be valid on the pages we read; the notary is for the self-proving affidavit. Witnesses can sign affidavits at the testator's request before any officer authorized to administer oaths. Keep them with the will. They can't be used if the will is contested.
Can a beneficiary witness a will in West Virginia?
A gift to a witness, or to a witness's spouse, is void. A witness who would inherit anyway keeps up to the value of the gift. The statute: "such devise or bequest shall be void."
Is a handwritten will valid in West Virginia?
Recognized. Witnesses aren't needed for a will wholly in the testator's handwriting.
How old do you have to be to make a will in West Virginia?
18 or older.
All states: will witness requirements by state · Washington