Short answer. 2 witnesses. A self-proving affidavit is sworn before a notary. Handwritten wills: no. Remote witnesses: limited.
At a glance
- Witnesses
- Two or more witnesses, who sign in the presence of the testator and each other.
"signed in the presence of two or more credible witnesses"
- Beneficiary as witness
- A gift to a witness, or to a witness's spouse, can be undone unless two other competent witnesses signed.
"shall be voidable unless there are two other competent, subscribing witnesses"
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed. The testator and witnesses make a sworn acknowledgment before a notary public or other official authorized to administer oaths where the will is signed.
"before a notary public or other official authorized to administer oaths"
- Handwritten wills
- Not recognized unless witnessed: a will must be signed in front of two or more credible witnesses, who sign in front of the testator and each other (14 V.S.A. 5). The section makes no exception for handwritten wills.
"signed in the presence of two or more credible witnesses by the testator"
- Electronic wills
- Not authorized, per Nolo's Vermont page (updated August 2024); the will has to be on paper.
"Vermont currently doesn't allow e-wills."
- Remote witnesses
- Only for a will signed under the state's emergency rules for remote notarial acts, while those rules are in effect. Then witnesses count as present without being in the room.
"shall be considered to be in the presence of the testator and each other"
- Minimum age
- 18 or older, or emancipated by court order, and of sound mind.
"Every individual 18 years of age or over"
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 Vermont.
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
- Vermont Statutes Title 14, Chapter 1, Wills (Vermont Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- 14 V.S.A. 108, Self-proved wills (Vermont Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Vermont (Nolo, updated August 2024) (checked November 2026)
- 14 V.S.A. 5, Execution of will; requisites (Vermont Legislature) (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 Vermont?
2. Two or more witnesses, who sign in the presence of the testator and each other.
Does a will need a notary in Vermont?
Not to be valid on the pages we read; the notary is for the self-proving affidavit. Allowed. The testator and witnesses make a sworn acknowledgment before a notary public or other official authorized to administer oaths where the will is signed.
Can a beneficiary witness a will in Vermont?
A gift to a witness, or to a witness's spouse, can be undone unless two other competent witnesses signed. The statute: "shall be voidable unless there are two other competent, subscribing witnesses."
Is a handwritten will valid in Vermont?
Not recognized unless witnessed: a will must be signed in front of two or more credible witnesses, who sign in front of the testator and each other (14 V.S.A. 5). The section makes no exception for handwritten wills.
Can will witnesses be remote in Vermont?
Only for a will signed under the state's emergency rules for remote notarial acts, while those rules are in effect. Then witnesses count as present without being in the room.
Are electronic wills allowed in Vermont?
Not authorized, per Nolo's Vermont page (updated August 2024); the will has to be on paper.
All states: will witness requirements by state · Utah · Virginia