No. New York does not require notarization for a will to be validEPTL § 3-2.1Verified Sep 16, 2026View source. The notary's role is the self-proving affidavitEPTL § 3-2.1Verified Sep 16, 2026View source, a notarized statement the testator and witnesses sign with the will so it enters probate without locating the witnesses; the form includes it.

New York requires 2NY PHL § 2981(5)(d)Verified Oct 15, 2026View source witnesses, each at least 18 yearsNY PHL § 2981(5)(d)Verified Oct 15, 2026View source old and present when you sign, and the agent cannot serve as one.

In New York, estates with personal property of $50,000SCPA § 1301Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less use the Voluntary AdministrationSCPA § 1301Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, a court filing short of full probate. Real property is outside the affidavitSCPA § 1301Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, which reaches personal property only. An estate over the limit does not qualify, and no affidavit is prepared for it.

Yes. New York publishes Petition for Probate (P-1)N.Y. Surrogate's Court Procedure Act Art. 14 (§§ 1401-1424, probate; § 1402 who may propound will/contents of petition; § 1414 letters testamentary); Art. 10 (§ 1001 et seq., administration); Art. 13 (§§ 1301-1312, small estate)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source, filed with the Surrogate's CourtN.Y. Surrogate's Court Procedure Act Art. 14 (§§ 1401-1424, probate; § 1402 who may propound will/contents of petition; § 1414 letters testamentary); Art. 10 (§ 1001 et seq., administration); Art. 13 (§§ 1301-1312, small estate)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. E-filing is open to self-represented filersN.Y. Surrogate's Court Procedure Act Art. 14 (§§ 1401-1424, probate; § 1402 who may propound will/contents of petition; § 1414 letters testamentary); Art. 10 (§ 1001 et seq., administration); Art. 13 (§§ 1301-1312, small estate)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.