What Do I Need to Sign My Will in Maryland?
Witness, notary, and remote online notarization (RON) requirements for wills in Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maryland requires 2 witnesses for a will.Md. Est. & Trusts § 4-102Verified Jul 15, 2026 Witnesses must be at least 18 years old.
Notarization is not required for a will to be valid in Maryland.Md. Est. & Trusts § 4-102Verified Jul 15, 2026 However, notarization Required for self-proving effect.
Yes. A will can be executed entirely remotely in Maryland — the signing happens in a live video session with an online notary (Md. Code Est. & Trusts § 4-102(b)(3)(ii) (two credible witnesses may attest in the electronic presence of the testator if the will satisfies (c) or (d))). 2 witnesses must join the same video session.Md. Est. & Trusts § 4-102Verified Jul 15, 2026
To execute a will in Maryland: Find 2 adults to serve as witnesses. Review witness restrictions to ensure eligibility. Get the document notarized (standard practice, not required). Sign remotely: signer, notary, and 2 witnesses in one live video session
Generally yes. Maryland isn't a UPC state, but its probate code accepts a will that was valid under the law of the place it was signed. Where things get sticky is at probate intake: a foreign will without a self-proving affidavit forces the witnesses to be located and either appear or sign declarations, which delays the case. Re-executing on a Maryland form, or adding a Maryland self-proving affidavit, removes that step. The document portability tool walks through the recognition tests by state.
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