Skip to content
WillWise Guide
Menu

Free to read. No paid listings. How this site works

How to sign a will so it counts

A will drafted online is valid only if it is signed and witnessed the way your state's statute requires. Here are the rules in three large states.

2
Witnesses needed in FL, CA and NY
30 days
New York's window for both witnesses

State statutes, read Oct 2, 2026. See source

A person signs a sheet of paper at a dining table while family and a witness look on.
On this page
  1. Your state decides
  2. Signing rules side by side
  3. Self-proving affidavits and notaries
  4. On signing day
  5. Will services and their signing instructions
  6. Sources

Your state decides

Each state sets its own execution rules. Below are Florida, California and New York, read from each state's official statute site. This is a plain summary, not legal advice; the statute is the final word, and other states differ.

Signing rules side by side

StateWitnessesTiming and presenceHandwritten will without witnesses
Florida1At least twoYou sign at the end in front of both; they sign in front of you and each otherNot valid: a handwritten will must meet the same formalities
California4At least twoBoth present at the same time, and they understand it is your willValid if the signature and material provisions are in your handwriting
New York5At least twoBoth attest within one 30-day period; you declare to each that it is your willNot covered by this section
SourceFL 732.502, CA 6110, NY EPTL 3-2.1Read Oct 2, 2026FL 732.502, CA 6110, NY EPTL 3-2.1Read Oct 2, 2026FL 732.502, CA 6111Read Oct 2, 2026

Self-proving affidavits and notaries

A self-proving will carries sworn statements from you and the witnesses, made before a notary or other officer, so the witnesses do not have to be found and questioned when the will is probated. Florida allows this at signing or at any later date, in person or by online notarization2.

Trust & Will says a will does not need to be notarized except in Louisiana, but a self-proving will does6. If a notary is easy to arrange on signing day, it can spare your executor a step later.

California also has a safety net: a will that misses a formality can still be admitted if there is clear and convincing evidence that you intended it as your will3. Relying on that means a court hearing, so follow the formalities.

On signing day

  1. Step 1

    Bring two adult witnesses

    Choose people who do not inherit under the will. All three of you should be together for the whole signing.

  2. Step 2

    Sign at the end

    Florida and New York both require the signature at the end of the will15.

  3. Step 3

    Say it is your will

    New York requires you to declare to each witness that the document is your will5. It does no harm elsewhere.

  4. Step 4

    Add the self-proving affidavit if you can

    With a notary present, you and the witnesses sign the affidavit (Florida 732.503)2.

  5. Step 5

    Store the original safely

    Tell your executor where it is.

Will services and their signing instructions

How these links work: each button opens the partner's own site. We are not paid for these links today; we may earn a referral fee in the future.

Good for a state-specific will questionnaire

LawDepot

Listed price
7-day free trial, then $49 a month; or $155.88 a year
Checked
Oct 2, 2026
See plans on LawDepotOpens LawDepot's site. Not a referral link.

Good for will packages with attorney calls

LegalZoom

Listed price
Individual $129, $149 or $299; couples $229, $249 or $399
Checked
Oct 2, 2026
See plans on LegalZoomOpens LegalZoom's site. Not a referral link.

Sources

  1. Florida Statutes 732.502, Execution of willsThe Florida Legislature, read Oct 2, 2026
  2. Florida Statutes 732.503, Self-proof of willThe Florida Legislature, read Oct 2, 2026
  3. California Probate Code 6110California Legislative Information, read Oct 2, 2026
  4. California Probate Code 6111, holographic willsCalifornia Legislative Information, read Oct 2, 2026
  5. New York EPTL 3-2.1, Execution and attestation of willsNew York State Senate, read Oct 2, 2026
  6. Will Plan FAQTrust & Will, read Oct 2, 2026

About this page

We do not earn anything from your quotes or sign-ups today. Every partner link is a plain link to the partner's own site, without a referral code. We may join partners' referral programs in the future, and this notice will say so before that changes.

Prices, plans and document terms belong to each service and can change. The service's own page is the final word on price, availability and terms.

WillWise Guide is not a law firm, does not give legal advice and does not match anyone with a lawyer. For advice about your situation, speak to a lawyer licensed in your state.