Does my will need to be notarized?

Notarization is not a universal rule for a valid will. Some states use notarization for a self-proving affidavit or allow special electronic-will procedures. Required witnesses and other state formalities still matter.

General information

• A notary checks identity and acknowledgment. The notary does not approve the will's legal terms.
• A notarized will can still be invalid if required steps were missed.
• State rules differ.

Service steps to consider

1. Following the document's state instructions exactly.
2. Risk: replacing required witnesses with a notary when the law and instructions do not allow it.
3. A licensed attorney can provide advice about an uncertain signing.

Quick check

• Did I follow my state's steps?
• Did every person sign in the right place?
• Can my family find the signed original?

How Complete Wills can help

Complete Wills lets customers download or print prepared documents and provides signing guidance. The site may offer optional online notarization or printing and shipping. Customers remain responsible for completing the signing requirements for their state. A notary does not on its own replace required witnesses. Customer support can explain website features and questionnaire fields, but it cannot choose documents, people, distributions, or legal terms, interpret a completed document, or explain how the law applies to a person's facts. Only a separately engaged licensed attorney may provide legal advice within the attorney's engagement.

Important limits

• A prepared document may remain ineffective until it is signed with the witnesses, acknowledgment, notarization, or other steps required by state law.
• If a signing mistake may have occurred, do not guess. Ask a licensed attorney in the governing state. This article gives general information only. A licensed attorney can explain how state law applies to a specific estate plan or document.