Short answer. 2 witnesses. No separate self-proving affidavit. Handwritten wills: no. Remote witnesses: limited.
At a glance
- Witnesses
- Two or more credible witnesses, who attest in the testator's presence.
"at least two credible witnesses"
- Beneficiary as witness
- An interested witness can lose any gift the will leaves them (Nolo, citing D.C. Code 18-104).
- Self-proving affidavit
- 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.
"D.C. does not give you this option"
- Handwritten wills
- 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.
"attested and subscribed in the presence of the testator, by at least two credible witnesses"
- Electronic wills
- Authorized. The execution section carves out wills made under the Uniform Electronic Wills Act in Chapter 9. (D.C. Code Title 18, Chapter 9 (Uniform Electronic Wills Act))
"other than a will executed in the manner provided by section 18-107 or Chapter 9 of this title"
- Remote witnesses
- 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.
"in the physical or electronic presence of the testator"
- Minimum age
- 18 or older, of sound and disposing mind.
"of sound and disposing mind"
Signing day here
- Witnesses to bring: Bring 2 witnesses.
- Notary and the self-proving affidavit: No self-proving affidavit to arrange for this state: 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.
The full list, with ID and who shouldn't witness: signing-day checklist for District of Columbia.
Sources
- D.C. Code 18-103, Execution of written will; attestation (DC Council) (checked November 2026)
- D.C. Code 18-102, Capacity to make a will (DC Council) (checked November 2026)
- D.C. Code Title 18, Chapter 1, Wills (DC Council) (checked November 2026)
- D.C. Code 18-905, Execution of electronic will (DC Council) (checked November 2026)
- Nolo (secondary source): Making a Will in the District of Columbia (Nolo, updated October 2022) (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 District of Columbia?
2. Two or more credible witnesses, who attest in the testator's presence.
Does a will need a notary in District of Columbia?
Not to be valid on the pages we read, and there's no separate self-proving affidavit to notarize. 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.
Can a beneficiary witness a will in District of Columbia?
An interested witness can lose any gift the will leaves them (Nolo, citing D.C. Code 18-104).
Is a handwritten will valid in District of Columbia?
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.
Can will witnesses be remote in District of Columbia?
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.
Are electronic wills allowed in District of Columbia?
Authorized. The execution section carves out wills made under the Uniform Electronic Wills Act in Chapter 9. (D.C. Code Title 18, Chapter 9 (Uniform Electronic Wills Act))
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