Short answer. 2 witnesses. A self-proving affidavit is sworn before a notary. Handwritten wills: yes.
At a glance
- Witnesses
- Two witnesses who saw the testator sign, or instead a notary public to whom the testator acknowledged the will.
"At least two individuals, who witnessed the testator sign the Will"
- Beneficiary as witness
- A beneficiary may witness (Nolo, citing N.D.C.C. 30.1-08-05), though disinterested witnesses are recommended.
"allows interested parties who stand to inherit to serve as a witness"
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed. Per Nolo (citing 30.1-08-04), the testator and witnesses sign an affidavit in front of a notary public.
- Handwritten wills
- Recognized if handwritten and signed by the testator. No witnesses needed.
"hand written by the testator and signed by the testator"
- Electronic wills
- Authorized. An electronic will needs a record readable as text, a signature, and two witnesses or a notary. (N.D.C.C. 30.1-37-04)
"An Electronic Will is a Will for all purposes of the law of North Dakota."
- Minimum age
- 18 or older, of sound mind.
"An adult (18 years of age older) who is of sound mind may make a Will."
Worth knowing
North Dakota lets a notary public stand in for the two witnesses: the testator acknowledges the will to the notary.
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 North Dakota.
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.
Not confirmed on the pages we read: remote witnessing.
Sources
- Wills Research Guide (North Dakota Legal Self Help Center, rev. January 2025) (checked November 2026)
- Nolo (secondary source): How to Make Will in North Dakota (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 North Dakota?
2. Two witnesses who saw the testator sign, or instead a notary public to whom the testator acknowledged the will.
Does a will need a notary in North Dakota?
Not to be valid on the pages we read; the notary is for the self-proving affidavit. Allowed. Per Nolo (citing 30.1-08-04), the testator and witnesses sign an affidavit in front of a notary public.
Can a beneficiary witness a will in North Dakota?
A beneficiary may witness (Nolo, citing N.D.C.C. 30.1-08-05), though disinterested witnesses are recommended. The statute: "allows interested parties who stand to inherit to serve as a witness."
Is a handwritten will valid in North Dakota?
Recognized if handwritten and signed by the testator. No witnesses needed.
Are electronic wills allowed in North Dakota?
Authorized. An electronic will needs a record readable as text, a signature, and two witnesses or a notary. (N.D.C.C. 30.1-37-04)
How old do you have to be to make a will in North Dakota?
18 or older, of sound mind.
All states: will witness requirements by state · North Carolina · Ohio