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

Who it is for

Anyone signing a will in Washington, 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 Washington, 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 Washington will signing data file, checked November 2026 against RCW Chapter 11.12, Wills (Washington State Legislature, combined chapter); RCW 11.20.020, Proof of will (Washington State Legislature); RCW 11.12.020, Requisites of wills (Washington State Legislature).
• All 7 Washington facts are confirmed on an official page.
• Sources: https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/Law/RCWPDF/RCW%20%2011%20%20TITLE/RCW%20%2011%20.%2012%20%20CHAPTER/RCW%20%2011%20.%2012%20%20COMBINEDCHAPTER.pdf https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/Law/RCWPDF/RCW%20%2011%20%20TITLE/RCW%20%2011%20.%2020%20%20CHAPTER/RCW%20%2011%20.%2020%20.020.pdf https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.12.020
• For the estate side in Washington, the Washington Executor and Estate Kit: Personal property up to $100,000, less liens and encumbrances, not counting the surviving spouse's or domestic partner's community property interest. The affidavit covers personal property, not real estate.

What is inside

• Start here. The 7 confirmed Washington facts at a glance.
• Washington signing-day checklist. Bring 2 witnesses. The rule: Two or more witnesses, who sign in the testator's presence or electronic 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. 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. 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. 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. The rule here: The will stays valid.
• Witness information sheet. One block per Washington witness (2 required, plus a spare).
• Original-will storage and location record. Where the original is and who has copies. Handwritten wills 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.
• Washington will signing tracker (Excel). Steps, ID, copies and review dates. Remote witnessing in Washington: Witnesses may sign in the testator's electronic presence, and people in different places may sign counterparts that together form one will. Electronic wills: Authorized for people who die on or after January 1, 2022. An electronic will is a will for all purposes.