What Do I Need to Sign My Will in South Carolina?

Notarization is not required for a will to be valid in South Carolina.S.C. Code § 62-2-502Verified Jul 15, 2026 The notary's usual role in South Carolina is the optional self-proving affidavit: a notarized statement signed with the will that lets it enter probate without locating the witnesses.

South Carolina has not authorized Remote Online Notarization. In-person notarization is required for all documents, including wills.

To execute a will in South Carolina: 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. South Carolina has adopted the Uniform Probate Code, which validates a will under any of three tests: it complied with the law of the place of execution, the law of the testator's domicile when signed, or the law of the testator's domicile at death (UPC § 2-506). A will signed in another state is recognized in South Carolina if any of those tests passes. The practical wrinkle is the self-proving affidavit — if the foreign will doesn't have one, witnesses may need to testify during probate. See the South Carolina document portability tool for the full breakdown.