Short answer. 2 witnesses. A self-proving affidavit is sworn before an oath officer such as a notary. Handwritten wills: no.
At a glance
- Witnesses
- Two witnesses, who saw the signing or the testator's acknowledgment.
"at least 2 individuals"
- Beneficiary as witness
- 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.
"a devise to a witness or a spouse of such witness shall be void"
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed at signing or later, before an officer authorized to administer oaths where it is signed.
"before an officer authorized to administer oaths"
- Handwritten wills
- Not recognized, per Nolo's Massachusetts page (updated September 2025), citing G.L. c. 190B, 2-502.
"Massachusetts doesn't permit holographic wills"
- Electronic wills
- Not authorized, per Nolo's Massachusetts page (updated September 2025).
"Massachusetts currently doesn't allow e-wills"
- Remote witnesses
- 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).
- Minimum age
- 18 or older and of sound mind.
"An individual 18 or more years of age who is of sound mind may make a will."
Signing day here
- Witnesses to bring: Bring 2 witnesses.
- Notary and the self-proving affidavit: Have a notary or another officer who can administer oaths there for the self-proving affidavit. The statute names that officer rather than notaries by name.
The full list, with ID and who shouldn't witness: signing-day checklist for Massachusetts.
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
- M.G.L. c.190B, 2-502, Execution; witnessed wills (Massachusetts Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- M.G.L. c.190B, 2-504, Self-proved will (Massachusetts Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- M.G.L. c.190B, 2-505, Who may witness (Massachusetts Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- M.G.L. c.190B, 2-501, Who may make will (Massachusetts Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Massachusetts (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 Massachusetts?
2. Two witnesses, who saw the signing or the testator's acknowledgment.
Does a will need a notary in Massachusetts?
Not to be valid on the pages we read; the notary is for the self-proving affidavit. Allowed at signing or later, before an officer authorized to administer oaths where it is signed.
Can a beneficiary witness a will in Massachusetts?
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. The statute: "a devise to a witness or a spouse of such witness shall be void."
Is a handwritten will valid in Massachusetts?
Not recognized, per Nolo's Massachusetts page (updated September 2025), citing G.L. c. 190B, 2-502.
Are electronic wills allowed in Massachusetts?
Not authorized, per Nolo's Massachusetts page (updated September 2025).
How old do you have to be to make a will in Massachusetts?
18 or older and of sound mind.
All states: will witness requirements by state · Maryland · Minnesota