Short answer. 2 witnesses. A self-proving affidavit is sworn before an oath officer such as a notary. Handwritten wills: no. Remote witnesses: yes.
At a glance
- Witnesses
- Two or more witnesses, who sign in the testator's presence or electronic presence.
"attested by two or more competent witnesses"
- Beneficiary as witness
- The will stays valid. If fewer than two other disinterested witnesses signed, the law presumes a gift to the witness was improperly obtained; unless that is rebutted, the witness takes no more than an intestate share.
"A will or any of its provisions is not invalid because it is signed by an interested witness."
- Self-proving affidavit
- Witnesses can sign an affidavit at the testator's request before any person authorized to administer oaths. The court accepts it as if given in court.
"before any person authorized to administer oaths"
- Handwritten wills
- Not recognized unless witnessed: every will must be signed and attested by two or more competent witnesses (RCW 11.12.020). The only exceptions are the electronic will sections.
"every will shall be in writing signed by the testator"
- Electronic wills
- Authorized for people who die on or after January 1, 2022. An electronic will is a will for all purposes. (RCW 11.12.400 to 11.12.491)
"An electronic will is a will for all purposes of the law of this state."
- Remote witnesses
- Witnesses may sign in the testator's electronic presence, and people in different places may sign counterparts that together form one will.
"in the testator's presence or electronic presence"
- Minimum age
- 18 or older, of sound mind.
"Any person of sound mind who has attained the age of eighteen years"
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 Washington.
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.
Official sources
- RCW Chapter 11.12, Wills (Washington State Legislature, combined chapter) (checked November 2026)
- RCW 11.20.020, Proof of will (Washington State Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- RCW 11.12.020, Requisites of wills (Washington State Legislature) (checked November 2026)
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 Washington?
2. Two or more witnesses, who sign in the testator's presence or electronic presence.
Does a will need a notary in Washington?
Not to be valid on the pages we read; the notary is for the self-proving affidavit. Witnesses can sign an affidavit at the testator's request before any person authorized to administer oaths. The court accepts it as if given in court.
Can a beneficiary witness a will in Washington?
The will stays valid. If fewer than two other disinterested witnesses signed, the law presumes a gift to the witness was improperly obtained; unless that is rebutted, the witness takes no more than an intestate share. The statute: "A will or any of its provisions is not invalid because it is signed by an interested witness."
Is a handwritten will valid in Washington?
Not recognized unless witnessed: every will must be signed and attested by two or more competent witnesses (RCW 11.12.020). The only exceptions are the electronic will sections.
Can will witnesses be remote in Washington?
Witnesses may sign in the testator's electronic presence, and people in different places may sign counterparts that together form one will.
Are electronic wills allowed in Washington?
Authorized for people who die on or after January 1, 2022. An electronic will is a will for all purposes. (RCW 11.12.400 to 11.12.491)
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