50 State Guide for Will Notarization

Alabama does not require wills to be notarized, but notarization is recommended to make the will "self-proving."

Alaska does not require wills to be notarized, but a self-proving affidavit is highly recommended.

Arizona does not require notarization but allows self-proving wills through notarized affidavits.

Arkansas wills do not need notarization, but self-proving affidavits make probate easier.

California does not require notarization, and wills can be self-proving if properly witnessed.

Colorado uniquely allows notarization as an alternative to witnesses.

Connecticut requires witnesses but not notarization for valid wills.

Delaware does not require notarization but recommends self-proving affidavits.

Florida strongly recommends notarization for self-proving wills.

Georgia allows temporary online notarization and recommends self-proving wills.

Hawaii does not require notarization but allows self-proving wills.

Idaho recommends notarization for self-proving status.

Illinois wills are automatically self-proved if properly executed.

Indiana allows a self-proving clause within the will itself.

Iowa does not require notarization but recommends self-proving affidavits.

Kansas allows self-proving wills through notarized affidavits.

Kentucky does not require notarization but allows self-proving wills.

Louisiana is the ONLY state that requires notarization for a valid will.

Maine recommends notarization for self-proving wills.

Maryland does NOT allow self-proving wills.

Massachusetts allows self-proving wills and has RON as of 2024.

Michigan requires dating for handwritten wills and allows self-proving affidavits.

Minnesota allows self-proving wills through notarization.

Mississippi allows temporary online notarization.

Missouri recommends self-proving affidavits for smoother probate.

Montana allows self-proving wills through notarized affidavits.

Nebraska requires dating for handwritten wills.

Nevada wills can be automatically self-proved if properly executed.

New Hampshire recommends self-proving affidavits.

New Jersey allows self-proving wills through notarization.

New Mexico recommends self-proving affidavits for easier probate.

New York has strict witness requirements but allows self-proving wills.

North Carolina recommends self-proving wills.

North Dakota uniquely allows notarization as an alternative to witnesses.

Ohio does NOT allow self-proving affidavits.

Oklahoma allows self-proving wills through notarized affidavits.

Oregon recommends notarization for self-proving wills.

Pennsylvania allows self-proving wills through notarization.

Rhode Island recommends self-proving affidavits.

South Carolina requires THREE witnesses for a valid will.

South Dakota allows self-proving wills through notarization.

Tennessee recommends self-proving affidavits for smoother probate.

Texas strongly recommends self-proving wills.

Utah allows self-proving wills through notarized affidavits.

Vermont requires THREE witnesses and does NOT allow self-proving wills.

Virginia was the first state to enact remote online notarization laws.

Washington allows self-proving wills through notarization.

Washington D.C. does NOT allow self-proving affidavits.

West Virginia recommends self-proving affidavits.

Wisconsin allows self-proving wills through notarization.

Wyoming recommends self-proving affidavits for smoother probate.