Do You Need a Notary for a Will in Texas?

No, not for the will itself.

The signing rule on the pages we read asks for two or more credible witnesses who are at least 14. A notary isn't part of that rule; one comes in for the self-proving affidavit, where it's used.

In the source's wording

"two or more credible witnesses who are at least 14 years of age"

From the sources listed below, checked November 2026.

What else the signing needs

Self-proving affidavit: Allowed. The testator and witnesses swear to an affidavit before an officer authorized to administer oaths. A will written wholly by hand can be self-proved any time during the testator's life.
"before an officer authorized to administer oaths"
Interested witnesses: 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).
Remote or video signing: 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).
Electronic wills: Not authorized, per Nolo's Texas page (updated September 2025).
"Texas currently doesn't allow e-wills"
Handwritten wills: Recognized. A will written wholly in the testator's handwriting doesn't need witnesses.
"a will written wholly in the testator's handwriting is not required to be attested by subscribing witnesses"
Who can make a will: 18 or older, or married, or serving in the armed forces, and of sound mind.
"a person of sound mind has the right and power to make a will"
Witness age: Witnesses must be at least 14.
"two or more credible witnesses who are at least 14 years of age"

Next step

Plan an in-person signing, with the witnesses in the room. Online notarization of a will is generally not available through us: New Jersey's remote notarization law leaves wills and codicils out for signers outside the U.S. (N.J.S.A. 52:7-10.10), and states set their own rules on video witnessing. Here: 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).

Need a notary for the self-proving affidavit in Texas? We can look for a mobile notary commissioned there; bring your own witnesses (two, each at least 14).

Request a mobile notary in Texas

If a local notary in Texas does it: Administering oaths or affirmations, including certificate and seal, $10, under the state's fee rules (Texas notary fees).

Sources

Texas Estates Code Chapter 251, Fundamental Requirements and Provisions Relating to Wills (Texas Legislature) (checked November 2026)
Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Texas (Nolo, updated September 2025) (checked November 2026)
FindLaw Codes (secondary source): Texas Estates Code 254.002 (FindLaw Codes, current as of January 1, 2026) (checked November 2026)

Sourced from official pages; a few facts from vetted secondary sources, marked "(secondary source)".

We are not lawyers, and this is general information, not legal advice. Checked November 2026. Rules change, and whoever receives the document decides what it accepts; we can't guarantee acceptance.

Common questions

Does a will have to be notarized in Texas?

No, not for the will itself. The signing rule on the pages we read asks for two or more credible witnesses who are at least 14. A notary isn't part of that rule; one comes in for the self-proving affidavit, where it's used.

Where does a notary come in for a Texas will?

The self-proving affidavit. Allowed. The testator and witnesses swear to an affidavit before an officer authorized to administer oaths. A will written wholly by hand can be self-proved any time during the testator's life.

Can a will be signed over video in Texas?

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).

Can a beneficiary witness a Texas will?

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).

Keep going

A will in another state: Tennessee · Utah · every state

Do you need a notary for a will in Texas?