How to make a will in Colorado

Colorado will requirements at a glance

How to sign a will in Colorado

1. Print your will and read every word. Fill in any blanks in ink, but don't sign yet.
2. Choose two adult witnesses who receive nothing under your will and aren't married to anyone who does.
3. Sign and date your will in front of both witnesses, at the same time. Then each witness signs while you and the other witness watch. (C.R.S. § 15-11-502(1), (4))
4. Make it self-proving. You and your witnesses sign a short self-proving affidavit in front of a notary, so the court won't need to find your witnesses later. (C.R.S. § 15-11-504; electronic wills § 15-11-1308)
5. Store the original safely and tell your executor where it is. Colorado also lets you deposit your will with the probate court for safekeeping.

Who can make a will

Anyone 18 or older and of sound mind. (C.R.S. § 15-11-501)

Witness rules

Each witness signs within a reasonable time after witnessing the testator sign, or after the testator acknowledges the signature or the will; witnesses may sign before or after the testator's death. No requirement that witnesses sign in the testator's or each other's presence. Someone else may sign for the testator in the testator's conscious presence (physical proximity) and at the testator's direction. Instead of witnesses, the testator may acknowledge the will before a notary. (C.R.S. § 15-11-502(1), (4))

If a witness inherits: No effect: the signing of a will by an interested witness does not invalidate the will or any provision of it (C.R.S. § 15-11-505).

Notary instead of witnesses: Colorado also lets you acknowledge your will before a notary instead of having it witnessed. Two witnesses are still the most widely accepted choice, especially if you might move.

Handwritten wills

Valid whether or not witnessed if the signature and material portions of the document are in the testator's handwriting (C.R.S. § 15-11-502(2)).

Self-proving affidavit

Testator acknowledgment and witness affidavits before an officer authorized to administer oaths, at signing or later for paper wills. An electronic will can be self-proved only at signing, with two witnesses and a notary (physically or electronically present). (C.R.S. § 15-11-504; electronic wills § 15-11-1308)

Can I sign my will online in Colorado?

Yes, electronic wills are allowed. Electronic wills only. Two witnesses may be in the testator's physical or electronic (real-time audio-video) presence; each must be a resident of a U.S. state and physically located in a state when signing. Alternatively, the testator acknowledges before a notary who is physically in Colorado, in person or electronically. Per Colorado Bar commentary, the signature must be an electronic image of the person's handwritten signature, and remote notarization must use a Secretary of State-approved platform (not Zoom or FaceTime). Paper wills cannot be witnessed remotely. (Colorado Uniform Electronic Wills Act, C.R.S. §§ 15-11-1301 to -1311 (HB 21-1004; relocated by SB 21-266))

In effect since HB 21-1004 was signed and took effect Jan. 21, 2021 (Colorado Lawyer). SB 21-266 later moved it to §§ 15-11-1301 to -1311; a 2026 survey dates that version to July 2, 2021..

Online notarization: Allowed only for electronic wills under the Uniform Electronic Wills Act. § 24-21-514.5(2)(b)(II) bars remote notarization of a paper will, codicil, or any acknowledgment under § 15-11-502 or § 15-11-504. The notary must be in Colorado and use an approved platform. (C.R.S. § 24-21-514.5)

Online notary services such as Proof can host a signing session with a notary and, for a fee, witnesses (published prices start at about $25 per notarization plus $15 per witness). Before you sign, confirm the service supports will signings under Colorado law, and keep the signed original as the law requires. How online will signing works.

Good to know in Colorado

Colorado is one of the few states where a will is valid with a notary acknowledgment and no witnesses, though two witnesses plus a self-proving affidavit is the safer, more widely accepted route. The testator or an agent can deposit a will with any court for confidential safekeeping (C.R.S. § 15-11-515); statute text checked via FindLaw, current to Jan. 1, 2025.

Estate and inheritance taxes

Colorado has no state estate or inheritance tax (2026). The federal estate tax applies only to estates over $15,000,000 per person in 2026, and gifts to charity are deductible.

Colorado will questions

Does a will need to be notarized in Colorado?

No. A Colorado will is valid when two witnesses sign it, and Colorado also lets you acknowledge your will before a notary instead of using witnesses.

Are handwritten wills legal in Colorado?

Valid whether or not witnessed if the signature and material portions of the document are in the testator's handwriting (C.R.S. § 15-11-502(2)).

Can a beneficiary witness a will in Colorado?

No effect: the signing of a will by an interested witness does not invalidate the will or any provision of it (C.R.S. § 15-11-505).

Can I make a will online in Colorado?

You can write your will online for free with MyLastWill, then print it and sign it with your witnesses. Colorado also allows electronic wills, and witnesses can take part by live video under conditions in state law.

Does Colorado have an estate or inheritance tax?

Colorado has no state estate or inheritance tax (2026). The federal estate tax applies only to estates over $15,000,000 per person in 2026, and gifts to charity are deductible.

Last reviewed October 24, 2026 against Colorado statutes. Laws change, and this is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, talk with a Colorado attorney.