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

Who it is for

Anyone signing a will in North Dakota, and the family member, friend or office helping set up the signing. Who can make a will, per the official page: 18 or older, of sound mind.

Not the right fit if

The person signing isn't in North Dakota, 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 North Dakota will signing data file, checked November 2026 against Wills Research Guide (North Dakota Legal Self Help Center, rev. January 2025); Nolo (secondary source): How to Make Will in North Dakota (Nolo, updated September 2025).
• 1 fact isn't stated on those pages, so the kit leaves it out and lists it once to look up, instead of guessing.
• Also from the file: North Dakota lets a notary public stand in for the two witnesses: the testator acknowledges the will to the notary.
• For the estate side in North Dakota, the North Dakota Executor and Estate Kit: The entire estate, wherever located, less liens and encumbrances, up to $100,000, with no real property in the probate estate.

What is inside

• Start here. The 6 confirmed North Dakota facts at a glance; to look up on the official page: remote witnessing.
• North Dakota signing-day checklist. Bring 2 witnesses. The rule: Two witnesses who saw the testator sign, or instead a notary public to whom the testator acknowledged the will. Pick witnesses who get nothing under the will and aren't married to someone who does. Have a notary there for the self-proving affidavit. The official page we read names a notary public. Allowed. Per Nolo (citing 30.1-08-04), the testator and witnesses sign an affidavit in front of a notary public. The rule here: A beneficiary may witness (Nolo, citing N.D.C.C. 30.1-08-05), though disinterested witnesses are recommended. The testator signs (or acknowledges the signature) while the witnesses watch, then each witness signs. This checklist is for a typed will signed with witnesses. A handwritten will follows different rules: Recognized if handwritten and signed by the testator. No witnesses needed.
• Witness information sheet. One block per North Dakota witness (2 required, plus a spare).
• Original-will storage and location record. Where the original is and who has copies. Handwritten wills in North Dakota: Recognized if handwritten and signed by the testator. No witnesses needed.
• North Dakota will signing tracker (Excel). Steps, ID, copies and review dates. Electronic wills: Authorized. An electronic will needs a record readable as text, a signature, and two witnesses or a notary.