What Do I Need to Sign My Healthcare Proxy in California?
Witness, notary, and remote online notarization (RON) requirements for healthcare proxies in California.
Frequently Asked Questions
California requires 2 witnesses for a healthcare proxy.Cal. Prob. Code § 4673Verified Jul 15, 2026 Witnesses cannot be: The person named as your healthcare agent, Your healthcare provider, Healthcare facility employees, Healthcare facility owners/operators. Witnesses must be at least 18 years old.
In California, notarization can serve as an alternative to witnesses for a healthcare proxy.Cal. Prob. Code § 4673Verified Jul 15, 2026 Either witnesses or notarization satisfies the execution requirements.
California allows Remote Online Notarization (RON) for healthcare proxies.Cal. Prob. Code § 4673Verified Jul 15, 2026 The notarization can be completed via secure video call with an approved RON provider. The state also accepts out-of-state RON.
To execute a healthcare proxy in California: Find 2 adults to serve as witnesses. Review witness restrictions to ensure eligibility. Get the document notarized (standard practice, not required). Whether the 2 required witnesses may attend by video is unresolved
Yes. California has an explicit reciprocity statuteCal. Prob. Code § 4676Verified Jul 15, 2026: a healthcare directive executed in another state is honored in California if it was valid where signed or valid under the principal's domicile law. California recognizes advance healthcare directives executed in another state if valid where executed or if it complies with California law per § 4676. (Former § 4606 repealed 2000.) The document portability tool covers reciprocity rules in detail.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Serious Diagnosis
A serious diagnosis changes priorities. Healthcare proxies, financial powers of attorney, and the documents that ensure your wishes are honored.
Learn more
Moving to a New State
State laws vary significantly for wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. What to review after relocating to make sure your estate plan still works.
Learn more
Divorce
What divorce does and does not undo: beneficiary designations, your will, powers of attorney, and the one account your ex stays on until you change it.
Learn moreMore estate planning resources
Explore related tools and documents to complete your estate plan.
Last Will and Testament
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Pour-Over Will
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Financial Power of Attorney
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs.
Revocable Living Trust
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
Transfer on Death Deed
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax (12 states + DC), and inheritance tax (5 states) for an estate or trust.
What Does Estate Planning Actually Cost?
See the true cost of estate planning. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys including life events like marriage, divorce, and having children.
How Much Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost?
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
How Much Does a Will Cost?
Compare the cost of creating a will. See document costs plus probate fees your heirs will pay. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys.
When you're ready, we're here.
California Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering California probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.