I Need a Notary for My Will, What Are My Options?

So you’ve finally decided it’s time to get your Last Will & Testament in place.

Maybe you’ve been putting it off for years, or maybe a recent experience like a death in the family, a close call with someone’s health, or a messy probate situation, shook you into action.

Whatever brought you here, welcome. This is one of the most loving and responsible things you can do for your family.

But now you’ve hit the next question:

“Do I need a notary for my will?”

And if so… how do I find one who can help me get this right?

Let’s walk through it together, step by step.

First Things First: Do You Need a Notary for Your Will?

Here’s where it gets a little tricky: It depends on your state.

Not all states require notarization to make a will valid. In fact, in many states, a will only needs to be:

• In writing
  
  
• Signed by the person creating the will (called the testator)
  
  
• Witnessed by two people (usually not named in the will)
  
  

But other states have different rules, and some offer an option called a self-proving affidavit, which does require notarization.

That means your will may not need a notary at all… or it might need one for one specific page… or it might benefit from notarization even if it’s not legally required.

Yeah. It’s confusing.

What Is a Self-Proving Will (And Why Would I Want One)?

A self-proving will is a legally valid will that includes an affidavit signed by the testator and witnesses, swearing under oath that the document is legitimate and properly executed.

This affidavit gets notarized at the time of signing.

What’s the benefit?

It can possibly help your will skip unnecessary steps in probate court (Remember, we’re not attorneys and this is NOT legal advice). With a self-proving affidavit in place, the court won’t need to track down your witnesses years later to verify the document. It streamlines the process and adds a layer of legal strength.

Think of it as pre-qualifying your will, so your loved ones don’t have to jump through hoops when they’re already dealing with enough.

A Notary Can’t Tell You What You Need

This is important, so let’s make it crystal clear:

Notaries are not allowed to give legal advice.

That means they can’t tell you whether your state requires a notarized will, or if a self-proving affidavit is the right move for you.

If you’re unsure, talk to an estate planning attorney, or do a bit of research on your state’s will laws (a quick online search like “does [your state] require notarization for a will” can help). Once you know what you need, a notary can help you execute your plan properly.

Let me also say that a professional notary often has access to some of the best attorneys in your city. Don’t be afraid to ask for a trusted referral!

Okay, So I Do Need a Notary…Now What?

Once you know what you need notarized (the will itself, a self-proving affidavit, or maybe another supporting document), your next step is to schedule a notary appointment.

This is where Gotary.com comes in.

Gotary is a directory of trained, vetted, professional mobile and online notaries, many of whom specialize in estate planning signings. That means they’re comfortable with wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and all the paperwork that comes with making an end-of-life plan.

And most importantly, they’ll come to you.

Mobile Notaries Make It Easy

No need to drive across town, find parking, and drag your witnesses along. Mobile notaries come to your home, your office, a care facility, wherever you are. Some are also available online for remote notarization, depending on your state’s laws.

They’ll:

• Verify your ID
  
  
• Witness your signature (if required)
  
  
• Notarize any affidavit or document you’ve been advised to include
  
  
• Complete the appointment with professionalism and privacy
  
  

You can also coordinate for your witnesses to be present (check your state’s laws here too), or the notary may be able to help you arrange it, depending on what’s needed.

Why You Want a Notary Trained in Estate Planning Documents

While technically any notary can help with a signing, your will isn’t something you want to leave to chance. Estate planning documents have specific formatting, signing orders, and often involve emotions or special circumstances (like a hospital bedside signing).

That’s why, on Gotary.com, we’ve created a special category of professionals called:

Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agents (CNTDAs)

These notaries have gone through additional training at Notary Coach to support estate planning appointments. They know what to expect, how to guide you through the process, and how to help you complete this big step with clarity and confidence.

How to Find a Notary Near You for Your Will

1. Go to Gotary.com
   
   
2. Click on “Trust Delivery Agents”
   
   
3. Search by location
   
   
4. Choose a notary with experience, great reviews, and availability that fits your schedule
   
   
5. Contact them directly to schedule your signing
   
   

Some can help coordinate witnesses. Many can do last-minute appointments. All are ready to help you get this done.

One More Thing (This Is Big)

If you’ve made it this far, let me just say: Good for you.

Creating a will isn’t always fun or easy. It forces you to think about big questions, and take action most people avoid until it’s too late.

But what you’re doing right now matters. It’s a gift to your family. A way to reduce stress and confusion during already hard times. A chance to say, “I took care of it.”

So whether you need a notary, some witnesses, or just a little encouragement to schedule that appointment, Gotary.com is here to help.

Click here to find a notary near you

And check “get will notarized” off your to-do list…for good.