Notarize Will & Testament Online: Legal & Valid 2025

Can You Notarize a Will Online?

Yes, you can legally notarize a will online in all 50 states. Remote online notarization (RON) has been recognized nationwide since 2019, and estate attorneys across the country accept online notarized wills.

Online notarization creates what's called a "self-proving will" — a will that includes a notarized affidavit confirming the signatures of the testator (person making the will) and witnesses. This eliminates the need for witnesses to testify in probate court after your death.

Key benefits of online will notarization:

Same legal validity as traditional in-person notarization
Faster probate process with self-proving affidavit
No witness testimony required in court
Lower probate costs for your estate
Convenient — complete from home, available 24/7
Secure digital records with tamper-proof seals

Estate attorneys and probate courts accept RON wills because they provide stronger evidence than traditional notarization. The video recording, identity verification, and digital audit trail create an indisputable record of proper execution.

Self-Proving Wills Explained

Understanding the difference between regular wills and self-proving wills is crucial for estate planning:

Regular Will

Requires witness testimony in probate court
Delays estate settlement process
Witnesses must be located and appear
Higher probate costs and attorney fees
Risk if witnesses can't be found
More opportunity for will contests

RECOMMENDED
Self-Proving WillNo witness testimony needed in court
Faster probate process (weeks vs months)
Notarial certificate is sufficient proof
Lower legal costs for estate
Video recording provides evidence
Harder to contest successfully

How it works: When you notarize your will online, you sign a self-proving affidavit in front of the notary and witnesses (if required by your state). This affidavit becomes part of your will and proves that all formalities were properly followed. During probate, the court accepts the affidavit as evidence without requiring live witness testimony.

Bottom line: Self-proving wills save time, money, and reduce disputes during the already difficult probate process. Online notarization makes it easy to create one.

What Can Be Notarized Online?

Remote online notarization supports all common types of wills and testamentary documents:

Last Will & Testament

Standard wills distributing assets, naming guardians for minor children, and appointing executors.

Living Wills

Healthcare directives specifying medical treatment preferences and end-of-life decisions.

Pour-Over Wills

Wills that transfer remaining assets into a living trust after death.

Joint Wills

Combined wills for married couples with reciprocal provisions (check state requirements).

Holographic Wills

Handwritten wills (only in states that recognize them: CA, TX, VA, etc.).

Codicils

Legal amendments or additions to existing wills without creating an entirely new document.

Note: While online notarization is legally valid for all these document types, we recommend consulting an estate planning attorney for complex estates, blended families, or high-value assets. Online notarization handles the execution formalities; legal advice ensures your wishes are properly documented.

State-by-State Requirements

Will execution requirements vary by state. Here's what you need to know:

Witness & Notary Requirements by State

Most States: Flexible Options

California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and 35+ others

Requirement: 2 witnesses OR 1 notary OR both (for self-proving)

✓ Online platform provides remote witnesses when needed

Strict Witness States: 2 Witnesses + Notary

Florida, Louisiana, Texas (for self-proving), Georgia (for self-proving)

Requirement: Must have both 2 witnesses AND notary for self-proving will

✓ RON platforms provide 2 remote witnesses automatically

Special Cases

Vermont (3 witnesses OR 2 + notary), South Carolina (3 witnesses OR notary)

Requirement: Additional witness may be required

✓ Platform will inform you of your state's specific requirements

Important: When you start the online notarization process, the platform automatically detects your state and ensures you meet all legal requirements. Remote witnesses (if needed) are provided by the platform at no extra charge in most cases.

How to Notarize Your Will Online: Step-by-Step

Creating a self-proving will through online notarization is straightforward:

Prepare Your Will Document

5-30 minutes

Create your will using an estate planning attorney, online legal service (LegalZoom, Trust & Will), or template. Ensure it includes space for notarization and witness signatures. Most platforms accept PDF or Word formats.

Upload to RON Platform

2 minutes

Create an account on Notarize or NotaryLive. Upload your will document. The platform will verify it's notarizable and check for any state-specific requirements based on your location.

Complete Identity Verification

3 minutes

Verify your identity through knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions about your credit history and background. Then scan your government-issued photo ID for validation.

Meet with Notary + Witnesses (if required)

10-15 minutes

Join a live video session with a commissioned notary public. If your state requires witnesses, they'll join the session too. The notary will verify your identity visually, confirm you understand the document, and ensure you're signing voluntarily. Witnesses (if present) will attest to your signature.

Receive Your Self-Proving Will

2 minutes

Download your notarized will with the self-proving affidavit and notarial certificate attached. Store the original safely and inform your executor of its location. Many people keep copies with their attorney, in a safe deposit box, and with trusted family members.

Pro tip: Complete the notarization during business hours (even though 24/7 service is available) if you're new to the process. Notaries tend to have more time to answer questions during standard hours.

Best Platforms for Will Notarization

These platforms specialize in estate planning document notarization:

Notarize (Proof)

$25

Estate planning specialty
2 witnesses included (if needed)
Legal in all 50 states
Attorney-approved platform
Available 24/7/365
Secure lifetime storage

Notarize Your Will →

NotaryLive

$15

Simple wills & living wills
Witness service available
Fast processing (10 min avg)
Extended hours support
Lowest pricing available
User-friendly interface

Get Started →

Which to choose? Use Notarize (Proof) for complex wills, high-value estates, or if you need maximum peace of mind with attorney-approved processes. Use NotaryLive for straightforward wills and living wills where cost savings matter.

Important Legal Considerations

Before Notarizing Your Will Online:

⚠️ Consult an estate attorney for complex estates — especially if you have significant assets, blended families, special needs beneficiaries, or business interests
⚠️ State-specific execution requirements vary — the platform will guide you, but understanding your state's laws helps
⚠️ Some states have evolving RON laws — most states fully accept RON for wills, but a few have specific requirements
✅ Self-proving affidavit is highly recommended — it significantly streamlines probate
✅ Store the original safely after notarization — safe deposit box, fireproof home safe, or with your attorney
✅ Inform your executor of document location — the will must be found quickly after death
✅ Update your will when circumstances change — marriage, divorce, births, major asset changes
✅ Keep copies, but mark them as copies — only the original notarized will is legally binding

Disclaimer: This information is educational and not legal advice. For personalized guidance on your estate plan, consult a licensed estate planning attorney in your state. Online notarization handles proper execution of documents; it doesn't replace legal counsel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an online notarized will legally valid?

Yes, online notarized wills are legally valid in all 50 states. Remote online notarization (RON) is recognized nationwide under the ESIGN Act and individual state laws. Estate attorneys and probate courts accept RON wills as having the same legal standing as traditionally notarized wills. The digital audit trail actually provides stronger evidence of proper execution.

What is a self-proving will?

A self-proving will includes a notarized affidavit signed by you (the testator) and your witnesses that proves the will was properly executed. This eliminates the need for witnesses to testify in probate court after your death. The notary's certificate serves as sufficient evidence that all formalities were followed, speeding up the probate process and reducing costs for your estate.

Do I need witnesses to notarize my will online?

It depends on your state. Most states allow you to choose: 2 witnesses OR a notary OR both (for self-proving). Some states like Florida, Louisiana, and Texas require both 2 witnesses AND a notary for self-proving wills. The good news is that RON platforms automatically provide remote witnesses when your state requires them, usually at no extra charge. The platform will tell you exactly what your state requires when you start the process.

Can I notarize a handwritten will online?

Yes, if your state recognizes holographic (handwritten) wills. States like California, Texas, Virginia, and about 25 others accept holographic wills. You can scan your handwritten will and notarize it online to make it self-proving. However, many states do NOT recognize holographic wills at all, so check your state's requirements. A typed will is safer and more universally accepted.

How much does it cost to notarize a will online?

Online will notarization costs $15-$39 depending on the platform. NotaryLive charges $15, while Notarize (Proof) charges $25. This includes the notarization, digital seal, self-proving affidavit, and usually witness service if your state requires it. This is comparable to in-person notarization ($5-$15 per signature) but with added convenience of 24/7 availability and no travel required.

Do estate attorneys accept online notarized wills?

Yes, estate planning attorneys nationwide accept and recommend online notarized wills. Many attorneys now use RON platforms themselves for client document execution. The video recording, identity verification, and tamper-proof digital seal provide stronger evidence of proper execution than traditional notarization. Major law firms and probate courts have fully adopted RON as standard practice.

Can I notarize a living will online?

Yes, living wills (advance healthcare directives) can be notarized online in all states. Living wills typically have simpler execution requirements than last wills and testaments. Most states require only your signature and a notary, without witnesses. Online notarization is ideal for living wills, healthcare proxies, and medical power of attorney documents.

What's the difference between notarizing and creating a will?

Creating a will means drafting the legal document that states your wishes (use an attorney or online service like LegalZoom for this). Notarizing a will means having a notary witness your signature and create a self-proving affidavit. You need to create the will first, then notarize it. Online notarization platforms don't create wills—they only handle the execution formalities. Think of it as: write the will (attorney/legal service), then notarize it (RON platform).

Notarize Will & Testament Online

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