Short answer. 2 witnesses. A self-proving affidavit is sworn before a notary. Handwritten wills: no.
At a glance
- Witnesses
- Two or more witnesses present at the same time, who sign in the testator's presence.
"two (2) or more witnesses present at the same time"
- Beneficiary as witness
- A gift to a witness is void as to that witness (and anyone claiming through them), though the will stands and the witness can still testify to prove it (R.I. Gen. Laws 33-6-1, 2020 text on Justia).
"be utterly null and void"
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed. Per Nolo (citing R.I. Gen. Laws 33-7-26), the testator and witnesses sign an affidavit before a notary.
- Handwritten wills
- Not recognized: a will needs witnesses, per Nolo's Rhode Island page (updated September 2025).
"Rhode Island doesn't allow holographic wills"
- Electronic wills
- Not authorized, per Nolo's Rhode Island page (updated September 2025); the will must be on paper.
"Rhode Island currently doesn't allow e-wills"
- Remote witnesses
- Not provided for: no Rhode Island law we found lets witnesses appear by video, and e-wills aren't authorized (Nolo's Rhode Island page, updated September 2025).
- Minimum age
- 18 or older (Nolo, citing R.I. Gen. Laws 33-5-2).
"18 years of age or older"
Worth knowing
The state has a separate section for persons in military service and sailors (33-5-6).
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 Rhode Island.
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
- R.I. Gen. Laws 33-5-5, Execution of will (Rhode Island General Assembly) (checked November 2026)
- R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 33-5 index (Rhode Island General Assembly) (checked November 2026)
- Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Rhode Island (Nolo, updated September 2025) (checked November 2026)
- Justia (statute text) (secondary source): R.I. Gen. Laws 33-6-1, Gifts to attesting witnesses (2020 Rhode Island General Laws, Justia) (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 Rhode Island?
2. Two or more witnesses present at the same time, who sign in the testator's presence.
Does a will need a notary in Rhode Island?
Not to be valid on the pages we read; the notary is for the self-proving affidavit. Allowed. Per Nolo (citing R.I. Gen. Laws 33-7-26), the testator and witnesses sign an affidavit before a notary.
Can a beneficiary witness a will in Rhode Island?
A gift to a witness is void as to that witness (and anyone claiming through them), though the will stands and the witness can still testify to prove it (R.I. Gen. Laws 33-6-1, 2020 text on Justia). The statute: "be utterly null and void."
Is a handwritten will valid in Rhode Island?
Not recognized: a will needs witnesses, per Nolo's Rhode Island page (updated September 2025).
Are electronic wills allowed in Rhode Island?
Not authorized, per Nolo's Rhode Island page (updated September 2025); the will must be on paper.
How old do you have to be to make a will in Rhode Island?
18 or older (Nolo, citing R.I. Gen. Laws 33-5-2).
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