Missouri Will Signing Day Kit: Missouri's Witness and Notary Rules, Signing-Day Checklist, Witness Sheet and Original-Will Record

Who it is for

Anyone signing a will in Missouri, and the family member, friend or office helping set up the signing. Who can make a will, per the official page: 18 or older (or an emancipated minor), of sound mind.

Not the right fit if

The person signing isn't in Missouri, you still need the will written (that's a lawyer's job), or someone may contest it. Not a will form or a legal service.

Why it is different

• Built only from our Missouri will signing data file, checked November 2026 against RSMo Chapter 474, Probate Code: Intestate Succession and Wills (Revisor of Missouri); RSMo 474.337, Written will self-proved, how (Revisor of Missouri); RSMo 474.330, Who may witness will, effect of interest in will (Revisor of Missouri); Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Missouri (Nolo).
• All 7 Missouri facts are confirmed: on an official page, or where none could be read, on a vetted secondary source marked as such.
• Also from the file: A will can be deposited with the probate division during the testator's life (RSMo 474.510).
• For the estate side in Missouri, the Missouri Executor and Estate Kit: The entire estate, less liens, debts and encumbrances, $40,000 or less. Distributees can establish title to real estate by recording the affidavit and the clerk's certificate.

What is inside

• Start here. The 7 confirmed Missouri facts at a glance.
• Missouri signing-day checklist. Bring 2 witnesses. The rule: Two or more competent witnesses, who sign in the testator's presence. Pick witnesses who get nothing under the will and aren't married to someone who does. If a beneficiary would have to witness, stop and call the lawyer first: The will stays valid, but an interested witness loses anything above an intestate share unless two disinterested witnesses also signed. 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. Allowed at signing or any later date, before an officer authorized to administer oaths in the state, under official seal. If no notary is available on the day, the affidavit can be added later, while the witnesses can still be reached.
• Witness information sheet. One block per Missouri witness (2 required, plus a spare).
• Original-will storage and location record. Where the original is and who has copies. Handwritten wills in Missouri: Not recognized unless witnessed: a handwritten will needs the same witnesses as any other will, per Nolo's Missouri page.
• Missouri will signing tracker (Excel). Steps, ID, copies and review dates. Remote witnessing in Missouri: For an electronic will, the self-proving affidavit can be taken by a remote online notary when fewer than two witnesses are physically present. Electronic wills: Authorized. An electronic will is a will for all purposes.