What Do I Need to Sign My Will in California?
Witness, notary, and remote online notarization (RON) requirements for wills in California.
Frequently Asked Questions
California requires 2 witnesses for a will.Cal. Prob. Code § 6110Verified Jul 15, 2026 Witnesses must be at least 18 years old.
Notarization is not required for a will to be valid in California.Cal. Prob. Code § 6110Verified Jul 15, 2026 California has no execution-time affidavit; a witness affidavit at probate can substitute for live testimony, so no notary is involved when the will is signed.
California has authorized Remote Online Notarization for many documents, but wills are specifically excluded.Cal. Prob. Code § 6110Verified Jul 15, 2026 In-person notarization is required.
To execute a will in California: Find 2 adults to serve as witnesses. Review witness restrictions to ensure eligibility. Keep the original will in a secure location. Wet signature and in-person signing required
Yes. California hasn't adopted the Uniform Probate Code, but it recognizes a will validly executed under another state's law as long as the will was valid where signed. The practical wrinkle is the self-proving affidavit — if the foreign will doesn't have one, witnesses may need to testify during probate. A California-specific will sidesteps that. The document portability tool shows the recognition rule by document type.
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In-depth guides covering California probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.