Short answer. 2 witnesses. A self-proving affidavit is sworn before an oath officer such as a notary. Handwritten wills: yes.
At a glance
- Witnesses
- Two witnesses, who sign in the testator's presence. They don't have to sign in each other's presence.
"attested by at least two competent witnesses"
- Beneficiary as witness
- 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 affidavit
- Allowed at signing or any time later, before an officer authorized to administer oaths, under official seal.
"at any time subsequent to its execution"
- Handwritten wills
- Recognized if written entirely in the testator's handwriting and signed. No witness is needed.
"No attesting witness to a holographic will is required."
- Electronic wills
- 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).
"North Carolina currently doesn't allow e-wills"
- Remote witnesses
- 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.
- Minimum age
- 18 or older, of sound mind.
"Any person of sound mind, and 18 years of age or over, may make a will."
Worth knowing
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.
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 North Carolina.
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
- N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 31, Article 1, Execution of Wills (North Carolina General Assembly) (checked November 2026)
- N.C. Gen. Stat. 31-11.6, Self-proved wills (North Carolina General Assembly) (checked November 2026)
- Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in North Carolina (Nolo, updated August 2025) (checked November 2026)
- NC General Assembly bill summary, S.L. 2023-57 (S 552): emergency video notarization and witnessing extended to June 30, 2024 (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 North Carolina?
2. Two witnesses, who sign in the testator's presence. They don't have to sign in each other's presence.
Does a will need a notary in North Carolina?
Not to be valid on the pages we read; the notary is for the self-proving affidavit. Allowed at signing or any time later, before an officer authorized to administer oaths, under official seal.
Can a beneficiary witness a will in North Carolina?
A witness who, or whose spouse, is a beneficiary can cause that gift to be lost (Nolo, citing N.C. Gen. Stat. 31-10).
Is a handwritten will valid in North Carolina?
Recognized if written entirely in the testator's handwriting and signed. No witness is needed.
Are electronic wills allowed in North Carolina?
Not authorized, per Nolo's North Carolina page (updated August 2025). From January 2026 a paper will can be stored electronically through a state-licensed attorney (31-71 to 31-73).
How old do you have to be to make a will in North Carolina?
18 or older, of sound mind.
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