Short answer. 2 witnesses. A self-proving affidavit is sworn before a notary. Handwritten wills: yes.
At a glance
- Witnesses
- Two witnesses, who sign within a reasonable time after watching the person sign.
"Signed by two witnesses within a reasonable time after they watch the person sign the Will."
- Beneficiary as witness
- The court's page says a witness can be related to the person making the will or get a gift under it.
"A person can act as a witness even if they are related to the person making the Will."
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed. The will-maker and both witnesses sign sworn statements in a self-proving affidavit, which is notarized.
"The affidavit and the will must be notarized."
- Handwritten wills
- A will not signed by two witnesses may still be valid as a holographic will; the page doesn't list the requirements.
"may still be valid as a holographic Will."
- Electronic wills
- Not authorized, per Nolo's Alaska page (updated September 2025); the will has to be on paper.
"Alaska currently doesn't allow e-wills"
- Remote witnesses
- 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).
- Minimum age
- 18 or older.
"Made by a person 18 years or older."
Worth knowing
A will can be deposited with the court for safekeeping (Form P-100); it stays confidential while the will-maker is alive.
Signing day here
- Witnesses to bring: Bring 2 witnesses.
- Notary and the self-proving affidavit: Have a notary there for the self-proving affidavit. The official page we read names a notary public.
The full list, with ID and who shouldn't witness: signing-day checklist for Alaska.
MCC Solutions provides notaries and witnesses for signings in New Jersey (estate planning signings, the estate planning signing package, witness services). Elsewhere, a local notary can help with the self-proving affidavit.
Sources
- Wills (Alaska Court System Self-Help Services) (checked November 2026)
- Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Alaska (Nolo, updated September 2025) (checked November 2026)
Sourced from official pages; a few facts from vetted secondary sources, marked "(secondary source)".
General information, not legal advice; we are not lawyers. Have a lawyer prepare or review your will. Checked November 2026 against the official pages listed above. Rules change, and how a rule applies to one will is a question for a lawyer licensed in the state. A notary can't give legal advice or draft a will.
Common questions
How many witnesses does a will need in Alaska?
2. Two witnesses, who sign within a reasonable time after watching the person sign.
Does a will need a notary in Alaska?
Not to be valid on the pages we read; the notary is for the self-proving affidavit. Allowed. The will-maker and both witnesses sign sworn statements in a self-proving affidavit, which is notarized.
Can a beneficiary witness a will in Alaska?
The court's page says a witness can be related to the person making the will or get a gift under it. The statute: "A person can act as a witness even if they are related to the person making the Will."
Is a handwritten will valid in Alaska?
A will not signed by two witnesses may still be valid as a holographic will; the page doesn't list the requirements.
Are electronic wills allowed in Alaska?
Not authorized, per Nolo's Alaska page (updated September 2025); the will has to be on paper.
How old do you have to be to make a will in Alaska?
18 or older.
All states: will witness requirements by state · Alabama · Arizona