What Do I Need to Sign My Will in Texas?
Witness, notary, and remote online notarization (RON) requirements for wills in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Texas requires 2 witnesses for a will.Tex. Est. Code § 251.051Verified Jul 15, 2026 Witnesses must be at least 18 years old.
Notarization is not required for a will to be valid in Texas.Tex. Est. Code § 251.051Verified Jul 15, 2026 The notary's usual role in Texas is the optional self-proving affidavit: a notarized statement signed with the will that lets it enter probate without locating the witnesses.
Texas has authorized Remote Online Notarization for many documents, but wills are specifically excluded.Tex. Est. Code § 251.051Verified Jul 15, 2026 In-person notarization is required.
To execute a will in Texas: 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. Texas 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 Texas-specific will sidesteps that. The document portability tool shows the recognition rule by document type.
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