What Do I Need to Sign My Will in New York?

New York does not require notarization for a will to be validEPTL § 3-2.1Verified Oct 19, 2026View source. The notary's usual role in New York is the optional self-proving affidavit: a notarized statement signed with the will that lets it enter probate without locating the witnesses.

New York has authorized remote online notarization for many documentsNY Exec. Law § 135-cVerified Sep 9, 2026View source, but wills are excludedNY Exec. Law § 135-cVerified Sep 9, 2026View source; the notarization happens in person.

To execute a will in New York: Find 2 adults to serve as witnesses. Review witness restrictions to ensure eligibility. Get the document notarized (standard practice, not required). Wet signature and in-person signing required

Yes. New York has not adopted the Uniform Probate Code, but its probate code accepts a will that was valid under the law of the place it was signed. The practical wrinkle is the self-proving affidavit: a foreign will without one forces the witnesses to be located and either appear or sign declarations, and re-executing on a New York form, or adding a New York affidavit, removes that step. The New York document portability tool carries the recognition rule by document type.