Notary questions · Virginia

Does a will need to be notarized in Virginia?

What the law requires

The person making the will signs it (or acknowledges their signature) while two witnesses are both present, and the witnesses then sign it in front of that person (§ 64.2-403).

What a notary adds: the self-proving affidavit

With a self-proving affidavit, the person making the will and both witnesses swear before a notary that the will was signed properly (§ 64.2-452). Later, the court can usually accept the will without tracking down the witnesses. It can be done when the will is signed or at a later date.

Who can be a witness?

Witnesses should be adults who can understand what they’re seeing. To avoid questions later, it’s best to use people who don’t inherit anything under the will. Your attorney can confirm what’s right for your situation.

We can bring the witnesses

Many families don’t have two extra people available, especially in a hospital. Ink Mark can bring witnesses for $20 each plus $5 per page they sign, and notarize the self-proving affidavit in the same visit.

General information about Virginia law as of November 2026, not legal advice. Ink Mark notarizes signatures; your attorney or the organization that gave you the document decides what it needs.