{
 "dataset": "will-signing",
 "title": "Will signing and witness rules by state",
 "description": "How many witnesses a will needs in each state and DC, self-proving affidavits, handwritten wills, electronic and remote signing and minimum ages, as a free CSV and JSON file.",
 "url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/data/will-signing",
 "publisher": "MCC Solutions",
 "license": {
  "name": "Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)",
  "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "attribution": "Credit \"MCC Solutions\" and link to https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/data/will-signing"
 },
 "checked": "2026-11",
 "row_count": 51,
 "accuracy": "Facts come from official government pages as they read on the checked date; where no official page could be read, a few come from vetted secondary sources (Cornell LII, Justia (statute text only), FindLaw Codes, Casetext, NCSL, the Uniform Law Commission, the American Bar Association and state bar associations, legal aid networks (LawHelp.org and the state legal help sites), Nolo, the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel, the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the National Center for State Courts, the Eviction Lab, the Tax Foundation, the Sales Tax Institute, the American Payroll Association, SHRM, ADP, Paychex, Bloomberg Tax, Thomson Reuters, Avalara and Sovos), marked \"secondary\" in source_kinds. Anything not confirmed is null and named in the row's unconfirmed list. General information, not legal or tax advice; MCC Solutions is not a law firm and we are not lawyers.",
 "fields": [
  {
   "name": "jurisdiction_code",
   "type": "string",
   "meaning": "Two-letter postal code of the state or DC."
  },
  {
   "name": "jurisdiction",
   "type": "string",
   "meaning": "State name (or District of Columbia)."
  },
  {
   "name": "witnesses.n",
   "type": "integer",
   "meaning": "Number of witnesses required."
  },
  {
   "name": "witnesses.text",
   "type": "string (free text)",
   "meaning": "The witness rule in plain English. Present only for jurisdictions that have their own page on the site."
  },
  {
   "name": "interested.effect",
   "type": "string (code)",
   "meaning": "What happens when a witness also inherits under the will."
  },
  {
   "name": "interested.text",
   "type": "string (free text)",
   "meaning": "The interested-witness rule in plain English. Present only for jurisdictions that have their own page on the site."
  },
  {
   "name": "self_proving.allowed",
   "type": "boolean",
   "meaning": "Whether a self-proving affidavit is allowed."
  },
  {
   "name": "self_proving.notary",
   "type": "string (code)",
   "meaning": "Who takes the self-proving affidavit."
  },
  {
   "name": "self_proving.later",
   "type": "boolean",
   "meaning": "Whether the affidavit can be added after the signing."
  },
  {
   "name": "self_proving.text",
   "type": "string (free text)",
   "meaning": "The self-proving rule in plain English. Present only for jurisdictions that have their own page on the site."
  },
  {
   "name": "holographic.status",
   "type": "string (code)",
   "meaning": "Whether handwritten wills without witnesses are recognized."
  },
  {
   "name": "holographic.text",
   "type": "string (free text)",
   "meaning": "The holographic will rule in plain English. Present only for jurisdictions that have their own page on the site."
  },
  {
   "name": "electronic.status",
   "type": "string (code)",
   "meaning": "Whether electronic wills are authorized."
  },
  {
   "name": "electronic.statute",
   "type": "string",
   "meaning": "Statute authorizing electronic wills. Present only for jurisdictions that have their own page on the site."
  },
  {
   "name": "electronic.text",
   "type": "string (free text)",
   "meaning": "The electronic will rule in plain English. Present only for jurisdictions that have their own page on the site."
  },
  {
   "name": "remote.status",
   "type": "string (code)",
   "meaning": "Whether witnesses may take part remotely."
  },
  {
   "name": "remote.text",
   "type": "string (free text)",
   "meaning": "The remote witnessing rule in plain English. Present only for jurisdictions that have their own page on the site."
  },
  {
   "name": "min_age.age",
   "type": "integer",
   "meaning": "Minimum age to make a will."
  },
  {
   "name": "witness_age.age",
   "type": "integer",
   "meaning": "Minimum age for a witness, where the state sets one."
  },
  {
   "name": "notes",
   "type": "string (free text)",
   "meaning": "Other points from the official source. Present only for jurisdictions that have their own page on the site."
  },
  {
   "name": "unconfirmed",
   "type": "array of strings",
   "meaning": "Fields the official sources read did not confirm for this row. Those values are null."
  },
  {
   "name": "source_urls",
   "type": "array of strings",
   "meaning": "Links to the sources (all of them for jurisdictions with their own page; the main linked source for the others)."
  },
  {
   "name": "source_kinds",
   "type": "array of strings",
   "meaning": "What each link in source_urls is, in the same order: \"official\" (a government page: state agency, legislature, court, county or city) or \"secondary\" (a vetted secondary source, used only where no official page could be read: Cornell LII, Justia (statute text only), FindLaw Codes, Casetext, NCSL, the Uniform Law Commission, the American Bar Association and state bar associations, legal aid networks (LawHelp.org and the state legal help sites), Nolo, the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel, the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the National Center for State Courts, the Eviction Lab, the Tax Foundation, the Sales Tax Institute, the American Payroll Association, SHRM, ADP, Paychex, Bloomberg Tax, Thomson Reuters, Avalara and Sovos). A fact backed only by a secondary source is shown on the site as \"<publisher> (secondary source)\"."
  },
  {
   "name": "checked",
   "type": "date (YYYY-MM-DD)",
   "meaning": "When the row's sources were opened (YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD). A row with no official source carries the date of the check that found none."
  },
  {
   "name": "page_url",
   "type": "string (URL)",
   "meaning": "The page on mcc-solutionsnj.com that explains this row."
  }
 ],
 "rows": [
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "AL",
   "jurisdiction": "Alabama",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "At least two witnesses, per the county probate office.",
   "interested.effect": "none",
   "interested.text": "Allowed: a will, or any part of it, isn't invalid because an interested witness signed it (Ala. Code 43-8-134, Justia's 2021 code text). Disinterested witnesses are still the safer choice.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "notary",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed. The county probate office says a self-proving will must be notarized and use the language the law requires.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "Not recognized: handwritten, unwitnessed wills aren't valid, per Nolo's Alabama page.",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's Alabama page.",
   "remote.status": null,
   "remote.text": null,
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [
    "remote"
   ],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://talladegacountyal.org/departments/probate_office/wills_and_estates.php",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/alabama-make-will-32063.html",
    "https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/2021/title-43/chapter-8/article-7/division-1/section-43-8-134/"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "secondary",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-alabama"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "AK",
   "jurisdiction": "Alaska",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses, who sign within a reasonable time after watching the person sign.",
   "interested.effect": "none",
   "interested.text": "The court's page says a witness can be related to the person making the will or get a gift under it.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "notary",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed. The will-maker and both witnesses sign sworn statements in a self-proving affidavit, which is notarized.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "A will not signed by two witnesses may still be valid as a holographic will; the page doesn't list the requirements.",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's Alaska page (updated September 2025); the will has to be on paper.",
   "remote.status": "no",
   "remote.text": "Not provided for: no Alaska law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's Alaska page, updated September 2025).",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": "A will can be deposited with the court for safekeeping (Form P-100); it stays confidential while the will-maker is alive.",
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://courts.alaska.gov/shc/probate/wills.htm",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/alaska-make-will-31784.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-alaska"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "AZ",
   "jurisdiction": "Arizona",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or hearing the testator acknowledge it.",
   "interested.effect": "restricted",
   "interested.text": "For wills signed on or after October 1, 2019, a witness can't be someone who gets a gift under the will, or a relative of one by blood, marriage or adoption, unless the will is self-proved.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": true,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed at signing or any time later. The testator and witnesses sign before an officer authorized to administer oaths where the will is signed, under official seal.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "Recognized. The execution section covers witnessed and holographic wills, with the holographic rules in section 14-2503.",
   "electronic.status": "yes",
   "electronic.statute": "A.R.S. 14-2518",
   "electronic.text": "Authorized. An electronic will needs the testator's electronic signature, two witnesses' electronic signatures, the signing dates and a copy of the testator's current government ID.",
   "remote.status": "limited",
   "remote.text": "For an electronic will only: each witness may be physically or electronically present, and a remote witness must be in the United States while serving.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": "An electronic will must include a copy of the testator's government-issued ID that is current when the will is signed.",
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://azleg.gov/ars/14/02502.htm",
    "https://azleg.gov/ars/14/02504.htm",
    "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/14/02505.htm",
    "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/14/02518.htm",
    "https://law.justia.com/codes/arizona/2022/title-14/section-14-2501/"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-arizona"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "AR",
   "jurisdiction": "Arkansas",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "At least two witnesses, per the statute as quoted by the Arkansas Court of Appeals in 2009.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "Use witnesses who get nothing under the will: Nolo reads 28-25-102 as putting a witness-beneficiary's gift at risk.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "notary",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Yes: a notary takes the sworn affidavit of the testator and both witnesses, which lets the court accept the will without calling them (Nolo on Ark. Code 28-25-106).",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "Recognized if the entire body and signature are in the testator's handwriting; three credible, disinterested witnesses must be able to establish the handwriting (Nolo, citing 28-25-104).",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "No statute for e-wills yet; Nolo's Arkansas guide (May 2023) says a will must be a paper document.",
   "remote.status": "no",
   "remote.text": "No: witnesses must be physically present when the testator signs or acknowledges the will, per Nolo's Arkansas page (updated May 2023), and no statute provides for e-wills.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://opinions.arcourts.gov/ark/courtofappeals/en/311274/1/document.do",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/arkansas-make-will-31910.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-arkansas"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "CA",
   "jurisdiction": "California",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "self_proving.allowed": null,
   "self_proving.notary": null,
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "electronic.status": null,
   "remote.status": null,
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": 18,
   "unconfirmed": [
    "self_proving",
    "electronic",
    "remote"
   ],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2026-02/6240-Statutory-will-form.pdf"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-witness-requirements-by-state"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "CO",
   "jurisdiction": "Colorado",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses who sign within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or acknowledgment, or instead the testator acknowledges the will before a notary (Nolo, citing C.R.S. 15-11-502).",
   "interested.effect": "none",
   "interested.text": "Allowed: a will, or any part of it, isn't invalid because an interested witness signed it (C.R.S. 15-11-505, Justia's 2022 code text). Disinterested witnesses are still the safer choice.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "notary",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed. Per Nolo (citing C.R.S. 15-11-504), the testator and witnesses sign an affidavit before a notary.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "Recognized without witnesses if the signature and material provisions are in the testator's handwriting (Nolo, citing 15-11-502).",
   "electronic.status": "yes",
   "electronic.statute": "Colorado Uniform Electronic Wills Act (HB21-1004, signed January 21, 2021)",
   "electronic.text": "Authorized. The act declares an electronic will a will for all purposes.",
   "remote.status": "limited",
   "remote.text": "For an electronic will: witnesses (or a Colorado notary) may be electronically present; remote witnesses must be U.S. residents located in the U.S. (Nolo, citing 15-11-1305).",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": "For probate, the court's instructions say the original will must be filed with the court.",
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB21-1004",
    "https://coloradojudicial.gov/sites/default/files/2024-04/JDF906.pdf",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/colorado-make-will-32143.html",
    "https://law.justia.com/codes/colorado/2022/title-15/article-11/part-5/section-15-11-505/"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-colorado"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "CT",
   "jurisdiction": "Connecticut",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Signed in front of two witnesses, who sign in the testator's presence (Nolo, citing Conn. Gen. Stat. 45a-251).",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "A witness who, or whose spouse, gets a gift under the will could lose it (Nolo, citing 45a-258).",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "notary",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed. Per Nolo (citing 45a-285), the testator and witnesses sign an affidavit before a notary.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "Not recognized, per Nolo's Connecticut page (updated September 2025).",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized; the will must be on paper, per Nolo's Connecticut page (updated September 2025).",
   "remote.status": "no",
   "remote.text": "Not provided for: no Connecticut law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's Connecticut page, updated September 2025).",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": "Only the minimum age was confirmed. The state's statute site couldn't be opened for this check, so the witness count, the self-proving affidavit and the other rules are left unconfirmed. The probate courts' form PC-210 is a witness's sworn statement used after the testator's death, signed before a judge, clerk, notary public or commissioner of the Superior Court; it isn't a self-proving affidavit made at the signing.",
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://www.ctprobate.gov/Forms/PC-210.pdf",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/connecticut-make-will-32002.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-connecticut"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "DE",
   "jurisdiction": "Delaware",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two or more credible witnesses, who sign in the testator's presence.",
   "interested.effect": "none",
   "interested.text": "A witness who gets something under the will doesn't make the will or any part of it invalid.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": true,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed at signing or any later date, before an officer authorized to administer oaths in the state, under official seal.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "Not recognized. A will that isn't written, signed and witnessed as the statute says is void. A separate handwritten list can cover only certain personal items.",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized: Nolo's Delaware page (updated September 2025) says the will must be on paper, not audio, video or a digital file.",
   "remote.status": "no",
   "remote.text": "Not provided for: no Delaware law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's Delaware page, updated September 2025).",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title12/title12.pdf",
    "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title12/c013/index.html",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/delaware-make-will-31927.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-delaware"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "DC",
   "jurisdiction": "District of Columbia",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two or more credible witnesses, who attest in the testator's presence.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "An interested witness can lose any gift the will leaves them (Nolo, citing D.C. Code 18-104).",
   "self_proving.allowed": false,
   "self_proving.notary": "not_stated",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Not available. Nolo's D.C. page says D.C. doesn't offer the self-proving option that spares the witnesses from going to court to testify that they saw the will signed.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "Not recognized unless witnessed: a will is void unless two credible witnesses attest and sign it in the testator's presence (D.C. Code 18-103). The section's only exceptions are oral (nuncupative) wills and electronic wills.",
   "electronic.status": "yes",
   "electronic.statute": "D.C. Code Title 18, Chapter 9 (Uniform Electronic Wills Act)",
   "electronic.text": "Authorized. The execution section carves out wills made under the Uniform Electronic Wills Act in Chapter 9.",
   "remote.status": "limited",
   "remote.text": "For an electronic will only: at least two witnesses sign in the testator's physical or electronic presence, and each must be a resident of a state and physically in a state when signing.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/18-103",
    "https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/18-102",
    "https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/titles/18/chapters/1",
    "https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/18-905",
    "https://nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/district-of-columbia-make-will-31908.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-district-of-columbia"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "FL",
   "jurisdiction": "Florida",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses. The testator signs or acknowledges in front of both, and they sign in front of the testator and each other.",
   "interested.effect": "none",
   "interested.text": "A will, or any part of it, isn't invalid because an interested witness signed it (2018 edition of the statute).",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": true,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed at signing or any later date, before an officer authorized to administer oaths. The statutory form has boxes for physical presence or online notarization.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "Not recognized unless witnessed: a handwritten will needs the same two witnesses as any other will, per Nolo's Florida page (updated November 2023).",
   "electronic.status": "yes",
   "electronic.statute": "Fla. Stat. 732.522",
   "electronic.text": "Authorized. A signature requirement can be met with an electronic signature.",
   "remote.status": "yes",
   "remote.text": "Witnesses may appear by audio-video only when supervised by a notary in an online notarization session under chapter 117.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": "Florida says a handwritten will that is signed and witnessed under its execution rule isn't treated as a holographic will. The page we read doesn't say an unwitnessed one is valid, so we left that blank.",
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://m.flsenate.gov/Statutes/732.502",
    "https://m.flsenate.gov/Statutes/732.501",
    "https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2018/0732.504",
    "https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/732.503",
    "https://m.flsenate.gov/Statutes/732.522",
    "https://nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/florida-make-will-31865.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-florida"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "GA",
   "jurisdiction": "Georgia",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses, who watch the signing and also sign. The state's page says they shouldn't be beneficiaries.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "A beneficiary who witnesses could lose the gift (Nolo, citing O.C.G.A. 53-4-23).",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "not_stated",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed. The state aging division's brochure describes a self-proving affidavit that can remove the need for witness testimony at probate; it doesn't say who takes it.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "Not recognized unless witnessed: Georgia.gov (updated June 2026) says a will must be signed in front of two witnesses, who also sign. It doesn't describe any handwritten-will exception.",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's Georgia page (updated September 2025).",
   "remote.status": "no",
   "remote.text": "Not provided for: no Georgia law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's Georgia page, updated September 2025). Georgia.gov says the will is signed in the presence of two witnesses.",
   "min_age.age": 14,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": "The state's page says a will doesn't have to be notarized or filed with the probate court in advance. After a death, whoever has the will must file it with the probate court.",
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://georgia.gov/write-will",
    "https://aging.georgia.gov/document/document/do-i-need-will/download",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/georgia-make-will-32191.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-georgia"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "HI",
   "jurisdiction": "Hawaii",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or the acknowledgment.",
   "interested.effect": "none",
   "interested.text": "A will, or any part of it, isn't invalid because an interested witness signed it.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": true,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed at signing or any time later. The testator and witnesses sign before an officer authorized to administer oaths, under official seal.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "Recognized if the signature and material parts are in the testator's handwriting. No witnesses needed.",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's Hawaii page; the will has to be on paper. For a self-proving will, Nolo describes the testator and witnesses going to a notary to sign the affidavit.",
   "remote.status": null,
   "remote.text": null,
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": "After the testator dies, whoever holds the original will must, when an interested person asks, promptly hand it to someone able to seek probate or file it with the court. A person who deliberately fails to do so is liable for the losses caused, which the court may triple, and refusing a court order to produce it is contempt (HRS 560:2-516, Justia statute text).",
   "unconfirmed": [
    "remote"
   ],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0502.htm",
    "https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0501.htm",
    "https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0504.htm",
    "https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0560/HRS_0560-0002-0505.htm",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/hawaii-make-will-32164.html",
    "https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2020/title-30a/chapter-560/section-560-2-516/"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-hawaii"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "ID",
   "jurisdiction": "Idaho",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses, each of whom saw the signing or the testator's acknowledgment.",
   "interested.effect": "none",
   "interested.text": "A will, or any part of it, isn't invalid because an interested witness signed it.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": true,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed at signing or any time later, before an officer authorized to administer oaths where the will is signed.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "Recognized. The execution section carves out holographic wills, though the page doesn't list their requirements.",
   "electronic.status": "yes",
   "electronic.statute": "Idaho Code 15-2-1101 to 15-2-1108 (Uniform Electronic Wills Act, 2023 ch. 104)",
   "electronic.text": "Authorized since 2023. An electronic will is a tamper-evident electronic record readable as text when signed, signed by the testator and by at least two witnesses, each a resident of a state, within a reasonable time after witnessing the signing or acknowledgment.",
   "remote.status": "limited",
   "remote.text": "For an electronic will only: the witnesses may sign in the testator's physical or electronic presence. The self-proving affidavit wording can say physical or electronic presence instead of presence and hearing.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": 18,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-502/",
    "https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-501/",
    "https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-504/",
    "https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-505/",
    "https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/t15ch2/sect15-2-1105/",
    "https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/t15ch2/sect15-2-1108/"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "official"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-idaho"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "IL",
   "jurisdiction": "Illinois",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two or more credible witnesses, who attest in the testator's presence.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "A witness who stands to inherit under the will may lose that inheritance (Nolo, citing 755 ILCS 5/4-6).",
   "self_proving.allowed": false,
   "self_proving.notary": "not_stated",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "No separate affidavit is needed. Per Nolo's Illinois page, a will that is signed and witnessed correctly is self-proved without a self-proving affidavit, and a notary isn't needed to make the will legal.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "Not recognized, per Nolo's Illinois page.",
   "electronic.status": "yes",
   "electronic.statute": "755 ILCS 6 (Electronic Wills, Electronic Estate Planning Documents, and Remote Witnesses Act)",
   "electronic.text": "Authorized. An electronic will is signed by the testator and attested by two or more credible witnesses.",
   "remote.status": "yes",
   "remote.text": "Allowed under 755 ILCS 6. Witnesses confirm the signer's identity, the will names Illinois as its place of execution, and the witnesses are in the United States.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/075500050K4-3.htm",
    "https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/075500050K4-1.htm",
    "https://ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/102/102-0167.htm",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/illinois-make-will-31882.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-illinois"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "IN",
   "jurisdiction": "Indiana",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two attesting witnesses, physically present with the testator, per the Indiana Supreme Court's 2020 order on witnessing wills (citing IC 29-1-5 and 29-1-21).",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "A witness who inherits risks forfeiting the gift (Nolo, citing Ind. Code 29-1-5-2).",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "not_stated",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "A self-proving clause may be built into or attached to a will (2021 law). The summary we read doesn't say who takes it.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "Not recognized, per Nolo's Indiana page.",
   "electronic.status": "yes",
   "electronic.statute": "H.E.A. 1255 (P.L. 185-2021)",
   "electronic.text": "Authorized. The 2021 law lets an attorney or paralegal supervise the execution of an electronic will.",
   "remote.status": "no",
   "remote.text": "No: Indiana requires the witnesses' actual presence, even for an electronic will (Nolo's Indiana page, citing Ind. Code 29-1-21-4). The signing may be videotaped, but the witnesses still have to be there.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": "A living person can deposit a will with the circuit court clerk in the county where the testator lived when it was signed, for a $25 fee (IC 29-1-7-3.1).",
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://legislativeupdate.courts.in.gov/2021/05/14/probate-and-property-matters-3",
    "https://www.in.gov/judiciary/iocs/files/pubs-trial-court-wills.pdf",
    "https://www.in.gov/courts/files/order-other-2020-20S-MS-237a.pdf",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/indiana-make-will-31782.html",
    "https://codes.findlaw.com/in/title-29-probate/in-code-sect-29-1-5-1/"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-indiana"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "IA",
   "jurisdiction": "Iowa",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses, who sign at the testator's request in the presence of the testator and each other.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "The will stays valid, but unless two disinterested witnesses also signed, an interested witness loses whatever the will gives beyond what that witness would get with no will.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": true,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed at signing or any later date, before a person authorized to administer oaths and take acknowledgments. A self-proved will can be admitted without witness testimony.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "Not recognized unless witnessed: every will, to be valid, must be signed and declared before two witnesses (Iowa Code 633.279). The only exception the section names is for wills made under another state's law (633.283).",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's Iowa page (updated September 2025).",
   "remote.status": "yes",
   "remote.text": "Presence can be physical or electronic, as long as the witness and testator can see and hear each other. Counterparts signed in different places are allowed.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": 16,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2024/633.279.pdf",
    "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2024/633.281.pdf",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/iowa-make-will-31921.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-iowa"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "KS",
   "jurisdiction": "Kansas",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two or more witnesses who saw the testator sign or heard the testator acknowledge the will, signing in the testator's presence.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "A gift to a witness is void unless two other competent witnesses who get nothing also signed. A witness who would inherit with no will can still take up to that share.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": true,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed at signing or later during the lives of the testator and witnesses, before an officer authorized to take acknowledgments and administer oaths.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "Not recognized, per Nolo's Kansas page (updated September 2025).",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's Kansas page (updated September 2025).",
   "remote.status": "no",
   "remote.text": "Not provided for: no Kansas law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's Kansas page, updated September 2025).",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch59/059_006_0006.html",
    "https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch59/059_006_0004.html",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/kansas-make-will-32192.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-kansas"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "KY",
   "jurisdiction": "Kentucky",
   "witnesses.n": null,
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "notary",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "electronic.status": "yes",
   "remote.status": null,
   "min_age.age": null,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "unconfirmed": [
    "witnesses",
    "remote",
    "min_age"
   ],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/chapter.aspx?id=39195"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-witness-requirements-by-state"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "LA",
   "jurisdiction": "Louisiana",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "notary",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "electronic.status": null,
   "remote.status": null,
   "min_age.age": 16,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "unconfirmed": [
    "electronic",
    "remote"
   ],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=108901"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-witness-requirements-by-state"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "ME",
   "jurisdiction": "Maine",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "At least two witnesses. Each one watches the testator sign, or hears the testator acknowledge the signature or the will, and then signs within a reasonable time (18-C M.R.S. 2-502).",
   "interested.effect": "none",
   "interested.text": "No effect on validity: a witness who takes under the will doesn't make the will, or any portion of it, invalid (18-C M.R.S. 2-504).",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": true,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed at signing or any time later. The testator and witnesses sign before an officer authorized to administer oaths where the will is signed.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "Recognized if the signature and material parts are in the testator's handwriting.",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's Maine page (updated October 2022); the will has to be on paper.",
   "remote.status": null,
   "remote.text": null,
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": "Maine replaced its probate code with Title 18-C, in effect since July 1, 2019. Nolo notes that, beginning July 2, 2019, witnesses no longer have to sign at the same moment as the testator, as long as each signs within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or acknowledgment. The probate courts no longer take wills for safekeeping: none has been accepted since September 19, 1997. A will deposited before then can be released only to the testator or to someone the testator authorized in writing, and after the death the court notifies the person designated to receive it (18-C M.R.S. 2-514).",
   "unconfirmed": [
    "remote"
   ],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/18-C/title18-Csec2-502.html",
    "https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/18-C/title18-Csec2-503.html",
    "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/18-C/title18-Csec2-504.html",
    "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/18-C/title18-Csec2-501.html",
    "https://nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/maine-make-will-32175.html",
    "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/18-C/title18-Csec2-514.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary",
    "official"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-maine"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "MD",
   "jurisdiction": "Maryland",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two or more credible witnesses, in the testator's physical or electronic presence.",
   "interested.effect": null,
   "interested.text": null,
   "self_proving.allowed": false,
   "self_proving.notary": "not_stated",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "No separate affidavit is needed. Per Nolo (citing Md. Est. & Trusts 5-303), a will that is signed and witnessed correctly doesn't have to be proved to the probate court, so there's no self-proving affidavit to make.",
   "holographic.status": "limited",
   "holographic.text": "Only for a member of the armed services outside the U.S.; entirely in the testator's handwriting, and void one year after discharge unless the testator has died or lost capacity (Nolo, citing Md. Est. & Trusts 4-103).",
   "electronic.status": "yes",
   "electronic.statute": "Md. Code, Estates and Trusts 4-102 (2022 ch. 176)",
   "electronic.text": "Authorized through a certified will: a paper copy of the electronically signed will with a certification, made by a supervising attorney or by the testator with a notary.",
   "remote.status": "yes",
   "remote.text": "The testator and all witnesses may be in each other's physical or electronic presence.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [
    "interested"
   ],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2022RS/chapters_noln/Ch_176_hb0576T.pdf",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/maryland-make-will-31695.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-maryland"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "MA",
   "jurisdiction": "Massachusetts",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses, who saw the signing or the testator's acknowledgment.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "The will stays valid, but a gift to a witness or the witness's spouse is void unless two other witnesses who get nothing similar also signed, or the witness shows no fraud or undue influence.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": true,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed at signing or later, before an officer authorized to administer oaths where it is signed.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "Not recognized, per Nolo's Massachusetts page (updated September 2025), citing G.L. c. 190B, 2-502.",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's Massachusetts page (updated September 2025).",
   "remote.status": "no",
   "remote.text": "Not provided for: no Massachusetts law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's Massachusetts page, updated September 2025).",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleII/Chapter190B/Section2-502",
    "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleII/Chapter190B/Section2-504",
    "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleII/Chapter190B/Section2-505",
    "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleII/Chapter190B/ArticleII/Section2-501",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/massachusetts-make-will-31818.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-massachusetts"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "MI",
   "jurisdiction": "Michigan",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "interested.effect": "none",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer_or_declaration",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "electronic.status": null,
   "remote.status": null,
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "unconfirmed": [
    "electronic",
    "remote"
   ],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://ombudsman.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/MCL-700-2502.pdf"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-witness-requirements-by-state"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "MN",
   "jurisdiction": "Minnesota",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or the acknowledgment.",
   "interested.effect": "none",
   "interested.text": "A will, or any part of it, isn't invalid because an interested witness signed it.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": true,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed at signing or any time later. The testator and witnesses sign in the presence of an officer authorized to administer oaths.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "Not recognized: a handwritten will needs witnesses like any other will, per Nolo's Minnesota page, though a will validly made in another state is recognized.",
   "electronic.status": "yes",
   "electronic.statute": "Minn. Laws 2023, ch. 21 (Uniform Electronic Wills Act); Minn. Stat. 524.1-201 and 524.2-518",
   "electronic.text": "Authorized. The 2023 law adopting the Uniform Electronic Wills Act brings electronic wills into the definition of a will, and a certified paper copy can stand in for the original.",
   "remote.status": "yes",
   "remote.text": "For the will execution sections (524.2-501 to 524.2-517), presence includes being present by an electronic device or process that lets the person see and hear the testator.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/524.2-502/pdf",
    "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/524.2-501/pdf",
    "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/524.2-504/pdf",
    "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/524.2-505/pdf",
    "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/2023/0/Session+Law/Chapter/21/2023-08-07%2011:20:06+00:00/pdf",
    "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2025/cite/524.2-518",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/minnesota-make-will-32074.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-minnesota"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "MS",
   "jurisdiction": "Mississippi",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two or more credible witnesses, who sign in the testator's presence, unless the will is wholly handwritten (statute as quoted by the Mississippi Supreme Court in 2022).",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "An interested witness who stands to inherit can lose the gift (Nolo, citing Miss. Code 91-5-9).",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "notary",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed. Per Nolo (citing Miss. Code 91-7-7), the testator and witnesses sign an affidavit before a notary.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "A will wholly written and signed by the testator doesn't need witnesses.",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's Mississippi page (updated August 2025).",
   "remote.status": "no",
   "remote.text": "Not provided for: no Mississippi law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's Mississippi page, updated August 2025).",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://courts.ms.gov/appellatecourts/Opinions/CO159577.pdf",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/mississippi-make-will-31962.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-mississippi"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "MO",
   "jurisdiction": "Missouri",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two or more competent witnesses, who sign in the testator's presence.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "The will stays valid, but an interested witness loses anything above an intestate share unless two disinterested witnesses also signed.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": true,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed at signing or any later date, before an officer authorized to administer oaths in the state, under official seal.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "Not recognized unless witnessed: a handwritten will needs the same witnesses as any other will, per Nolo's Missouri page.",
   "electronic.status": "yes",
   "electronic.statute": "RSMo 474.544",
   "electronic.text": "Authorized. An electronic will is a will for all purposes.",
   "remote.status": "limited",
   "remote.text": "For an electronic will, the self-proving affidavit can be taken by a remote online notary when fewer than two witnesses are physically present.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": "A will can be deposited with the probate division during the testator's life (RSMo 474.510).",
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://revisor.mo.gov/main/ViewChapter.aspx?chapter=474",
    "https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=474.337",
    "https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=474.330",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/missouri-make-will-32118.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-missouri"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "MT",
   "jurisdiction": "Montana",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Signed by at least two individuals, each of whom signs within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or the testator's acknowledgment (MCA 72-2-522, 2022 code text on Justia).",
   "interested.effect": "none",
   "interested.text": "An interested witness may sign; Nolo's summary of MCA 72-2-525 still advises using witnesses who don't inherit.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "notary",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed. Per Nolo (citing MCA 72-2-524), the testator and witnesses sign an affidavit before a notary. A notary isn't needed for the will itself.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "Recognized, with or without witnesses, if the signature and material portions are in the testator's handwriting.",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's Montana page.",
   "remote.status": null,
   "remote.text": null,
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": "The Legislature's current code site couldn't be opened, so these rules come from the 2021 and 2022 code text published by Justia and Nolo's summary (secondary sources). Remote witnessing stays unconfirmed.",
   "unconfirmed": [
    "remote"
   ],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://law.justia.com/codes/montana/2022/title-72/chapter-2/part-5/section-72-2-522/",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/montana-make-will-31751.html",
    "https://law.justia.com/codes/montana/2021/title-72/chapter-2/part-5/section-72-2-521/"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "secondary",
    "secondary",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-montana"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "NE",
   "jurisdiction": "Nebraska",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "The testator signs or acknowledges in front of two witnesses, and both sign (30-2327, per Nolo).",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "Nolo reads 30-2330 this way: a witness who also inherits may lose whatever the will gives beyond their intestate share.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "notary",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Optional. Under 30-2329, as Nolo describes it, the testator and the two witnesses swear to an affidavit in front of a notary, which speeds up probate.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "Recognized if the signature, the material provisions and the date are in the testator's handwriting.",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "No: Nolo's Nebraska guide (August 2025) says a will can't be a digital file, audio or video.",
   "remote.status": "no",
   "remote.text": "Not provided for: no Nebraska law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's Nebraska page, updated August 2025).",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=30-2328",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/nebraska-make-will-31649.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-nebraska"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "NV",
   "jurisdiction": "Nevada",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses, who sign the will in the testator's presence.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "A gift to a witness is void unless two other competent witnesses also signed the will.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer_or_declaration",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed. Witnesses sign an affidavit before anyone authorized to administer oaths, or a declaration under penalty of perjury instead.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "Recognized, with the same effect as a formally signed and witnessed will.",
   "electronic.status": "yes",
   "electronic.statute": "NRS 133.085",
   "electronic.text": "Authorized under NRS 133.085.",
   "remote.status": "yes",
   "remote.text": "People in different places count as present if they can communicate by audio-video. The affidavit form is changed to say a witness appeared that way.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-133.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-nevada"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "NH",
   "jurisdiction": "New Hampshire",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two or more witnesses, who sign at the testator's request and in the testator's presence.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "An interested witness can lose the gift left to them (Nolo, citing RSA 551:3).",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "notary",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed. The sworn acknowledgment is made before a notary public, a justice of the peace or another official authorized to administer oaths where the will is signed.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "Not recognized, per Nolo's New Hampshire page (updated September 2025).",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": "RSA 551:2",
   "electronic.text": "Not allowed. The remote-witnessing rule says it doesn't allow an electronic will or codicil.",
   "remote.status": "yes",
   "remote.text": "Witnesses count as present when they and the testator communicate with a notarial officer simultaneously by sight and sound through an electronic device.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://www.gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LVI/551/551-2.htm",
    "https://www.gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LVI/551/551-2-a.htm",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/new-hampshire-make-will-31915.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-new-hampshire"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "NJ",
   "jurisdiction": "New Jersey",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses. The county surrogate's guide says they should be at least 18.",
   "interested.effect": "none",
   "interested.text": "Interested witnesses are allowed (Nolo, citing N.J.S.A. 3B:3-8), though disinterested witnesses are recommended.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "notary",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed. The two witnesses sign a self-proving affidavit when the will is notarized, so they don't have to appear before the surrogate later.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "Recognized. A will in the testator's handwriting with no witnesses can be probated, but only through the Superior Court, not the surrogate.",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's New Jersey page (updated August 2025).",
   "remote.status": null,
   "remote.text": null,
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": 18,
   "notes": "The surrogate's guide says to keep the original will in a safe place that is accessible in an emergency, and to make sure the executor and close family know where it is. Probate starts with the original.",
   "unconfirmed": [
    "remote"
   ],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://www.morriscountynj.gov/files/sharedassets/public/departments/surrogate/surrogateguide.pdf",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/new-jersey-make-will-31805.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-new-jersey"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "NM",
   "jurisdiction": "New Mexico",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "At least two witnesses, who sign in the presence of the testator and of each other.",
   "interested.effect": "none",
   "interested.text": "A will, or any part of it, isn't invalid because an interested witness signed it.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed. The testator's acknowledgment and the witnesses' affidavits are each made before an officer authorized to administer oaths.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "Not recognized: the probate code's definition of a will excludes a holographic will.",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's New Mexico page (updated August 2025).",
   "remote.status": "no",
   "remote.text": "Not provided for: no New Mexico law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's New Mexico page, updated August 2025).",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa-unanno/en/18546/1/document.do",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/new-mexico-make-will-31650.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-new-mexico"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "NY",
   "jurisdiction": "New York",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses, who sign within one 30-day period. The testator signs at the end of the will.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "The will stands, but a gift to a witness is void unless two other witnesses who get nothing also signed. A witness who would inherit anyway can keep up to that share.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Witnesses can sign an affidavit, at the testator's request during life, before any officer authorized to administer oaths. The court accepts it as if the witness had testified.",
   "holographic.status": "limited",
   "holographic.text": "Only for members of the armed forces in actual service during a war or armed conflict, people serving with them, and mariners at sea. These wills expire after a set time.",
   "electronic.status": "pending",
   "electronic.statute": "EPTL 3-2.1 as amended, effective December 12, 2027",
   "electronic.text": "Not yet. The version of the execution section that takes effect December 12, 2027 refers to electronic wills under a new part six.",
   "remote.status": "no",
   "remote.text": "Not now. Executive Order 202.14 let audio-video technology satisfy the presence requirement only from April 7, 2020 to June 25, 2021, as the Queens County Surrogate's Court noted in Matter of Holmgren (2022).",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": "Witnesses add their home addresses when the testator asks. Leaving an address off doesn't make the will invalid.",
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EPT/3-2.1",
    "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EPT/3-2.2",
    "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EPT/3-3.2",
    "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EPT/3-1.1",
    "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/SCP/1406",
    "https://www.nycourts.gov/Reporter/3dseries/2022/2022_22049.htm"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "official"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-new-york"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "NC",
   "jurisdiction": "North Carolina",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses, who sign in the testator's presence. They don't have to sign in each other's presence.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "A witness who, or whose spouse, is a beneficiary can cause that gift to be lost (Nolo, citing N.C. Gen. Stat. 31-10).",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": true,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed at signing or any time later, before an officer authorized to administer oaths, under official seal.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "Recognized if written entirely in the testator's handwriting and signed. No witness is needed.",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's North Carolina page (updated August 2025). From January 2026 a paper will can be stored electronically through a North Carolina-licensed attorney (31-71 to 31-73).",
   "remote.status": "no",
   "remote.text": "Not provided for: no North Carolina law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's North Carolina page, updated August 2025). The emergency video-witnessing authority in G.S. 10B-200 ran only through June 30, 2024, and the state's remote notarization law excludes self-proving wills.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": "A spoken (nuncupative) will is allowed only during a last sickness or in imminent peril of death, before two witnesses, and can pass personal property only.",
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/ByArticle/Chapter_31/Article_1.pdf",
    "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_31/GS_31-11.6.html",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/north-carolina-make-will-32171.html",
    "https://dashboard.ncleg.gov/api/Services/BillSummary/2023/S552-SMST-82(sl)-v-5"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary",
    "official"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-north-carolina"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "ND",
   "jurisdiction": "North Dakota",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses who saw the testator sign, or instead a notary public to whom the testator acknowledged the will.",
   "interested.effect": "none",
   "interested.text": "A beneficiary may witness (Nolo, citing N.D.C.C. 30.1-08-05), though disinterested witnesses are recommended.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "notary",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed. Per Nolo (citing 30.1-08-04), the testator and witnesses sign an affidavit in front of a notary public.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "Recognized if handwritten and signed by the testator. No witnesses needed.",
   "electronic.status": "yes",
   "electronic.statute": "N.D.C.C. 30.1-37-04",
   "electronic.text": "Authorized. An electronic will needs a record readable as text, a signature, and two witnesses or a notary.",
   "remote.status": null,
   "remote.text": null,
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": "North Dakota lets a notary public stand in for the two witnesses: the testator acknowledges the will to the notary.",
   "unconfirmed": [
    "remote"
   ],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://www.ndcourts.gov/Media/Default/Legal%20Resources/Legal%20Self%20Help/Probate/Wills%20Research%20Guide.pdf",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/north-dakota-make-will-31737.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-north-dakota"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "OH",
   "jurisdiction": "Ohio",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two or more witnesses, who sign in the testator's conscious presence after seeing the signing or hearing it acknowledged.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "A gift to someone who is one of only two witnesses is void.",
   "self_proving.allowed": false,
   "self_proving.notary": "not_stated",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Not available. Nolo's Ohio will page and its self-proving affidavits page both say Ohio doesn't offer a self-proving affidavit, and Ohio's will statute (2107.03) provides none, so the witnesses may need to testify about the signing.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "A handwritten will is fine, but it still needs two witnesses. There's no separate unwitnessed handwritten will.",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's Ohio will page, which notes that a 2019 bill to allow electronic wills didn't pass.",
   "remote.status": "no",
   "remote.text": "Not allowed. Conscious presence means within range of the testator's senses, not by phone, video or other distant communication.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": "A will can be deposited with the probate court for safekeeping during the testator's life, for a $25 fee. A separate section sets the age to witness a will (2107.06).",
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2107.03",
    "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/chapter-2107",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/ohio-make-will-31924.html",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/self-proving-affidavits.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-ohio"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "OK",
   "jurisdiction": "Oklahoma",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two attesting witnesses, who each sign. The testator signs in their presence or acknowledges the signature to them.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "A gift to a witness is void unless two other competent witnesses signed. A witness who would inherit anyway keeps up to that share.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer_or_declaration",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed, before an officer authorized to take acknowledgments and administer oaths, or by a written declaration under penalty of perjury.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "Recognized if entirely written, dated and signed by the testator's own hand. No witnesses needed.",
   "electronic.status": "yes",
   "electronic.statute": "84 O.S. 901 to 927 (Uniform Electronic Estate Planning Documents Act, Laws 2024, c. 344, SB 468, effective November 1, 2024)",
   "electronic.text": "Authorized since November 1, 2024. An electronic will can be signed, attested and made self-proving at the same time, by acknowledgment before an officer whose certificate is attached to or logically associated with the electronic will (84 O.S. 907).",
   "remote.status": "limited",
   "remote.text": "For an electronic will only: the two witnesses may sign in the testator's physical or electronic presence (live sight and sound from different places), and they must be U.S. residents physically in the U.S. when they sign (Nolo's Oklahoma page, updated September 2025, on the Uniform Electronic Estate Planning Documents Act).",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": "An oral will is valid only in narrow cases: an estate of $1,000 or less, proved by two witnesses, made in military service, at sea or expecting immediate death from an injury that day.",
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://oklegislature.gov/OK_Statutes/CompleteTitles/os84.pdf",
    "https://law.justia.com/codes/oklahoma/title-84/section-84-907/",
    "https://nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/news/law-updates/ok-senate-bill-468",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/oklahoma-make-will-32019.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "secondary",
    "secondary",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-oklahoma"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "OR",
   "jurisdiction": "Oregon",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses, who each see the testator sign or acknowledge the signature and then sign.",
   "interested.effect": "none",
   "interested.text": "A will signed by an interested witness isn't invalid for that reason.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "not_stated",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "A witness's signature on an affidavit signed at the same time as the will counts as a witness signature. The statute we read doesn't mention a notary.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "Not recognized as a separate kind of will: every will must be in writing and signed by the testator and two witnesses (ORS 112.235). A document that misses those steps, handwritten or not, can be treated as a will only if a court finds clear and convincing evidence the person meant it as one (ORS 112.238).",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": "ORS 112.235(4)",
   "electronic.text": "Not allowed. For a will, a writing doesn't include an electronic record.",
   "remote.status": "no",
   "remote.text": "Not provided for: no Oregon law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized: the execution statute says a writing doesn't include an electronic record (ORS 112.235(4)), and Nolo's Oregon page (updated August 2025) agrees.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": "A court can treat a will that doesn't meet the signing rules as valid if there's clear and convincing evidence the person meant it as a will (ORS 112.238).",
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors112.html",
    "https://law.justia.com/codes/oregon/current/volume-03/chapter-112/section-112-235/",
    "https://codes.findlaw.com/or/title-12-probate-law/or-rev-st-sect-112-238/",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/oregon-make-will-31653.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "secondary",
    "secondary",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-oregon"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "PA",
   "jurisdiction": "Pennsylvania",
   "witnesses.n": 0,
   "interested.effect": null,
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "notary",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "remote.status": null,
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "unconfirmed": [
    "interested",
    "remote"
   ],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/20/00.025..HTM"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-witness-requirements-by-state"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "RI",
   "jurisdiction": "Rhode Island",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two or more witnesses present at the same time, who sign in the testator's presence.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "A gift to a witness is void as to that witness (and anyone claiming through them), though the will stands and the witness can still testify to prove it (R.I. Gen. Laws 33-6-1, 2020 text on Justia).",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "notary",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed. Per Nolo (citing R.I. Gen. Laws 33-7-26), the testator and witnesses sign an affidavit before a notary.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "Not recognized: a will needs witnesses, per Nolo's Rhode Island page (updated September 2025).",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's Rhode Island page (updated September 2025); the will must be on paper.",
   "remote.status": "no",
   "remote.text": "Not provided for: no Rhode Island law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's Rhode Island page, updated September 2025).",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": "Rhode Island has a separate section for persons in military service and sailors (33-5-6).",
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE33/33-5/33-5-5.htm",
    "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE33/33-5/INDEX.htm",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/rhode-island-make-will-31773.html",
    "https://law.justia.com/codes/rhode-island/2020/title-33/chapter-33-6/section-33-6-1/"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-rhode-island"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "SC",
   "jurisdiction": "South Carolina",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses, per the county probate court's FAQ.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "Pick witnesses who inherit nothing; under 62-2-504, as Nolo explains, a witness-beneficiary can forfeit the gift.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "notary",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Optional under 62-2-503 (Nolo's summary): the testator and witnesses swear before a notary that the will was signed knowingly, so the court needn't contact the witnesses.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "South Carolina doesn't accept an unwitnessed will in the maker's own handwriting (Nolo, September 2025).",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "No. Nolo's South Carolina guide (September 2025) says the will must be on actual paper.",
   "remote.status": "no",
   "remote.text": "Not provided for: no South Carolina law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's South Carolina page, updated September 2025).",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://www.fairfieldsc.com/departments/probate-court/probates-office-faq",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/south-carolina-make-will-31824.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-south-carolina"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "SD",
   "jurisdiction": "South Dakota",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two or more witnesses, who sign in the testator's conscious presence.",
   "interested.effect": "none",
   "interested.text": "A beneficiary may witness (Nolo, citing SDCL 29A-2-505), though disinterested witnesses are recommended.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "notary",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed. Per Nolo (citing 29A-2-504), the testator and witnesses sign an affidavit before a notary.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "Recognized whether or not witnessed, if the signature and material parts are in the testator's handwriting.",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's South Dakota page (updated September 2025); an out-of-state electronic will valid where made is recognized.",
   "remote.status": "yes",
   "remote.text": "Witnesses and notaries may take part over live audio-video and count as in the testator's conscious presence (Nolo, citing SDCL 18-1-11.2, 18-8-1, 18-8-2 and 29A-2-502).",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/29A-2-502.html",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/south-dakota-make-will-31837.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-south-dakota"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "TN",
   "jurisdiction": "Tennessee",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "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).",
   "interested.effect": "none",
   "interested.text": "A will isn't invalid because an interested witness signed it (statute as quoted by the Tennessee Court of Appeals in 2018).",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "notary",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "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.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "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.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's Tennessee page (updated August 2025).",
   "remote.status": "no",
   "remote.text": "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.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://test-www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/estateofjoemarceabbott2opn.pdf",
    "https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-32/chapter-1/part-1/section-32-1-104",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/tennessee-make-will-32173.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "secondary",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-tennessee"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "TX",
   "jurisdiction": "Texas",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two or more credible witnesses who are at least 14.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "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.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "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.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "Recognized. A will written wholly in the testator's handwriting doesn't need witnesses.",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's Texas page (updated September 2025).",
   "remote.status": "no",
   "remote.text": "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).",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": 14,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/ES/htm/ES.251.htm",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/texas-make-will-31744.html",
    "https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-254-002/"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "secondary",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-texas"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "UT",
   "jurisdiction": "Utah",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or the acknowledgment.",
   "interested.effect": "none",
   "interested.text": "A witness who is interested doesn't make the will or any part of it invalid.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed. The witnesses' affidavits are made before an officer authorized to administer oaths.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "Recognized if the signature and the material parts are in the testator's handwriting.",
   "electronic.status": "yes",
   "electronic.statute": "Utah Code 75-2-1401 to 75-2-1408 (Uniform Electronic Wills Act)",
   "electronic.text": "Authorized. An electronic will is a record readable as text when signed, signed by the testator and by at least two witnesses within a reasonable time after witnessing the signing or acknowledgment. It can be made self-proving before an officer authorized to administer oaths.",
   "remote.status": "limited",
   "remote.text": "For an electronic will only: the witnesses may sign in the testator's physical or electronic presence, meaning communicating in real time from different locations.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75/Chapter2/C75-2-P5_1800010118000101.pdf",
    "https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75/Chapter2/C75-2-P14_2020083120200831.pdf"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-utah"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "VT",
   "jurisdiction": "Vermont",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two or more witnesses, who sign in the presence of the testator and each other.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "A gift to a witness, or to a witness's spouse, can be undone unless two other competent witnesses signed.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "notary",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed. The testator and witnesses make a sworn acknowledgment before a notary public or other official authorized to administer oaths where the will is signed.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "Not recognized unless witnessed: a will must be signed in front of two or more credible witnesses, who sign in front of the testator and each other (14 V.S.A. 5). The section makes no exception for handwritten wills.",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's Vermont page (updated August 2024); the will has to be on paper.",
   "remote.status": "limited",
   "remote.text": "Only for a will signed under the state's emergency rules for remote notarial acts, while those rules are in effect. Then witnesses count as present without being in the room.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/14/001",
    "https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/14/003/00108",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/vermont-make-will-31659.html",
    "https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/14/001/00005"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary",
    "official"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-vermont"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "VA",
   "jurisdiction": "Virginia",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses who are present at the same time, for any will not wholly in the testator's handwriting.",
   "interested.effect": "none",
   "interested.text": "A beneficiary may serve as a witness (Nolo, citing Va. Code 64.2-405), though disinterested witnesses are recommended.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed, before an officer authorized to administer oaths under Virginia law.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "Recognized if wholly in the testator's handwriting and signed. At probate, two disinterested witnesses must prove the handwriting.",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's Virginia page (updated October 2023).",
   "remote.status": null,
   "remote.text": null,
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [
    "remote"
   ],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title64.2/chapter4/",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/virginia-make-will-31781.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-virginia"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "WA",
   "jurisdiction": "Washington",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two or more witnesses, who sign in the testator's presence or electronic presence.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "The will stays valid. If fewer than two other disinterested witnesses signed, the law presumes a gift to the witness was improperly obtained; unless that is rebutted, the witness takes no more than an intestate share.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "Witnesses can sign an affidavit at the testator's request before any person authorized to administer oaths. The court accepts it as if given in court.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "Not recognized unless witnessed: every will must be signed and attested by two or more competent witnesses (RCW 11.12.020). The only exceptions are the electronic will sections.",
   "electronic.status": "yes",
   "electronic.statute": "RCW 11.12.400 to 11.12.491",
   "electronic.text": "Authorized for people who die on or after January 1, 2022. An electronic will is a will for all purposes.",
   "remote.status": "yes",
   "remote.text": "Witnesses may sign in the testator's electronic presence, and people in different places may sign counterparts that together form one will.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/Law/RCWPDF/RCW%20%2011%20%20TITLE/RCW%20%2011%20.%2012%20%20CHAPTER/RCW%20%2011%20.%2012%20%20COMBINEDCHAPTER.pdf",
    "https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/Law/RCWPDF/RCW%20%2011%20%20TITLE/RCW%20%2011%20.%2020%20%20CHAPTER/RCW%20%2011%20.%2020%20.020.pdf",
    "https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.12.020"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "official"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-washington"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "WV",
   "jurisdiction": "West Virginia",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses present at the same time, who sign in the testator's presence and each other's.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "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.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": null,
   "self_proving.text": "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.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "Recognized. Witnesses aren't needed for a will wholly in the testator's handwriting.",
   "electronic.status": null,
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": null,
   "remote.status": null,
   "remote.text": null,
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [
    "electronic",
    "remote"
   ],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://code.wvlegislature.gov/pdf/41-1/",
    "https://code.wvlegislature.gov/pdf/41/"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-west-virginia"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "WI",
   "jurisdiction": "Wisconsin",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after the signing or acknowledgment.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "The will stays valid, but gifts to an interested witness or the witness's spouse are invalid beyond an intestate share unless an exception applies.",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": true,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed at signing or any time later, before an officer authorized to administer oaths, under official seal.",
   "holographic.status": "no",
   "holographic.text": "Not recognized unless witnessed: every will must be in writing and signed with two witnesses to be validly executed (Wis. Stat. 853.03). A separate written list can leave certain tangible personal property (853.32).",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized; a will can't be a digital file (Nolo, citing Wis. Stat. 853.03).",
   "remote.status": "limited",
   "remote.text": "Witnesses can be present by live audio-visual technology only when an attorney supervises the remote signing (Nolo, citing Wis. Stat. 853.03).",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": "Wisconsin law has a section on depositing a will with the circuit court during the testator's lifetime (853.09).",
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/853",
    "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/853/_4?up=1",
    "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/853/I/04",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/wisconsin-make-will-32065.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "official",
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-wisconsin"
  },
  {
   "jurisdiction_code": "WY",
   "jurisdiction": "Wyoming",
   "witnesses.n": 2,
   "witnesses.text": "Two competent witnesses.",
   "interested.effect": "gift_at_risk",
   "interested.text": "Interested witnesses may lose any gift the will makes to them (Nolo, citing Wyo. Stat. 2-6-112).",
   "self_proving.allowed": true,
   "self_proving.notary": "officer",
   "self_proving.later": true,
   "self_proving.text": "Allowed, before an officer authorized to administer oaths. Since July 1, 2023 witnesses may sign the self-proving form electronically by secure means.",
   "holographic.status": "yes",
   "holographic.text": "Recognized without witnesses if entirely in the testator's handwriting and signed (Nolo, citing Wyo. Stat. 2-6-113).",
   "electronic.status": "no",
   "electronic.statute": null,
   "electronic.text": "Not authorized, per Nolo's Wyoming page (updated September 2025).",
   "remote.status": "yes",
   "remote.text": "Since July 1, 2023, witnesses may appear by audio-video if they can see and hear the testator in real time and can securely sign electronically.",
   "min_age.age": 18,
   "witness_age.age": null,
   "notes": null,
   "unconfirmed": [],
   "source_urls": [
    "https://www.wyoleg.gov/2023/Enroll/SF0099.pdf",
    "https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/wyoming-make-will-32116.html"
   ],
   "source_kinds": [
    "official",
    "secondary"
   ],
   "checked": "2026-11",
   "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/will-signing-requirements-wyoming"
  }
 ]
}