Short answer. 2 witnesses. No separate self-proving affidavit. Handwritten wills: no. Remote witnesses: no.
At a glance
- Witnesses
- Two or more witnesses, who sign in the testator's conscious presence after seeing the signing or hearing it acknowledged.
- Beneficiary as witness
- A gift to someone who is one of only two witnesses is void.
"If a devise or bequest is made to a person who is one of only two witnesses to a will, the devise or bequest is void."
- Self-proving affidavit
- Not available. Nolo's Ohio will page and its self-proving affidavits page both say Ohio doesn't offer a self-proving affidavit, and Ohio's will statute (2107.03) provides none, so the witnesses may need to testify about the signing.
"Ohio does not give you this option"
- Handwritten wills
- A handwritten will is fine, but it still needs two witnesses. There's no separate unwitnessed handwritten will.
"may be handwritten or typewritten"
- Electronic wills
- Not authorized, per Nolo's Ohio will page, which notes that a 2019 bill to allow electronic wills didn't pass.
"Ohio currently doesn't allow e-wills"
- Remote witnesses
- Not allowed. Conscious presence means within range of the testator's senses, not by phone, video or other distant communication.
"within the range of any of the testator's senses"
- Minimum age
- 18 or older, of sound mind and memory, and not under restraint.
"A person who is eighteen years of age or older, of sound mind and memory, and not under restraint may make a will."
Worth knowing
A will can be deposited with the probate court for safekeeping during the testator's life, for a $25 fee. A separate section sets the age to witness a will (2107.06).
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 Ohio will page and its self-proving affidavits page both say Ohio doesn't offer a self-proving affidavit, and Ohio's will statute (2107.03) provides none, so the witnesses may need to testify about the signing.
The full list, with ID and who shouldn't witness: signing-day checklist for Ohio.
Sources
- Ohio Revised Code 2107.03, Method of making will (checked November 2026)
- Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2107, Wills (checked November 2026)
- Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Ohio (e-wills and self-proving) (checked November 2026)
- Nolo (secondary source): Self-proving affidavits (D.C. and Ohio don't offer one) (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 Ohio?
2. Two or more witnesses, who sign in the testator's conscious presence after seeing the signing or hearing it acknowledged.
Does a will need a notary in Ohio?
Not to be valid on the pages we read, and there's no separate self-proving affidavit to notarize. Not available. Nolo's Ohio will page and its self-proving affidavits page both say Ohio doesn't offer a self-proving affidavit, and Ohio's will statute (2107.03) provides none, so the witnesses may need to testify about the signing.
Can a beneficiary witness a will in Ohio?
A gift to someone who is one of only two witnesses is void. The statute: "If a devise or bequest is made to a person who is one of only two witnesses to a will, the devise or bequest is void."
Is a handwritten will valid in Ohio?
A handwritten will is fine, but it still needs two witnesses. There's no separate unwitnessed handwritten will.
Can will witnesses be remote in Ohio?
Not allowed. Conscious presence means within range of the testator's senses, not by phone, video or other distant communication.
Are electronic wills allowed in Ohio?
Not authorized, per Nolo's Ohio will page, which notes that a 2019 bill to allow electronic wills didn't pass.
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