How to make a will in District of Columbia

District of Columbia will requirements at a glance

How to sign a will in District of Columbia

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. (D.C. Code § 18-103)
4. No notary needed. District of Columbia doesn't use a separate notarized self-proving affidavit. The witness statement printed in your will records how it was signed, so keep each witness's name, address and phone number with your will.
5. Store the original safely and tell your executor where it is.

Who can make a will

Anyone 18 or older and of sound mind. (D.C. Code § 18-102)

Witness rules

Paper will: in writing, signed by the testator (or by another person in the testator's presence and at the testator's express direction), and attested and subscribed in the testator's presence by at least two credible witnesses; otherwise void. The statute does not require witnesses to sign in each other's presence. (D.C. Code § 18-103)

If a witness inherits: A gift to an attesting witness is void, except that a witness who would inherit without the will keeps the gift up to his or her intestate share; the witness remains competent (D.C. Code § 18-104).

Handwritten wills

Not recognized; every written will needs two attesting witnesses (D.C. Code § 18-103). The only exception is an oral will by a person in active military or naval service or a mariner at sea, made during a last illness and proved by two witnesses (§ 18-107).

Self-proving affidavit

No notarized self-proving affidavit exists for paper wills. In abbreviated probate, due execution is presumed if the will contains an attestation clause in which the witnesses recite the facts of due execution, so include one. Electronic wills can be made self-proving at signing under § 18-908. (D.C. Code § 20-312(b) (paper wills); § 18-908 (electronic wills, statutory form))

Can I sign my will online in District of Columbia?

Yes, electronic wills are allowed. Electronic wills only. Two witnesses sign in the testator's physical or electronic (real-time) presence; each must be a resident of a U.S. state and physically located in a state when signing. Someone signing for the testator must be physically present. If fewer than two witnesses are physically with the testator, the self-proving acknowledgment must be taken by a D.C. notary performing a remote notarial act under § 1-1231.13a. (Uniform Electronic Wills Act, D.C. Code §§ 18-901 to 18-911 (D.C. Law 24-296))

In effect since March 10, 2023; applies to decedents dying on or after May 27, 2020 (§ 18-911).

Online notarization: For electronic wills, § 18-908(b)(1) expressly uses a remote notarial act under § 1-1231.13a for the self-proving affidavit when witnesses are remote. Paper wills are not addressed. (D.C. Code § 1-1231.13a (added by D.C. Law 24-178, Sept. 21, 2022))

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 District of Columbia law, and keep the signed original as the law requires. How online will signing works.

Good to know in District of Columbia

A new D.C. Will Registry (D.C. Code §§ 18-1001 to 18-1003, D.C. Law 26-41, Oct. 1, 2025) will let D.C. domiciliaries deposit an original will with the Register of Wills for a fee, but only starting Jan. 1, 2028. Temporary 2025-2026 probate legislation is amending D.C. Code § 20-312; recheck before publishing.

Estate and inheritance taxes

District of Columbia has a state estate tax on estates worth more than about $4,988,400 (2026). The federal estate tax applies only to estates over $15,000,000 per person in 2026, and gifts to charity are deductible.

District of Columbia will questions

Does a will need to be notarized in District of Columbia?

No. Two witnesses make a District of Columbia will valid, and District of Columbia doesn't use a separate notarized self-proving affidavit.

Are handwritten wills legal in District of Columbia?

Not recognized; every written will needs two attesting witnesses (D.C. Code § 18-103). The only exception is an oral will by a person in active military or naval service or a mariner at sea, made during a last illness and proved by two witnesses (§ 18-107).

Can a beneficiary witness a will in District of Columbia?

A gift to an attesting witness is void, except that a witness who would inherit without the will keeps the gift up to his or her intestate share; the witness remains competent (D.C. Code § 18-104).

Can I make a will online in District of Columbia?

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

Does District of Columbia have an estate or inheritance tax?

District of Columbia has a state estate tax on estates worth more than about $4,988,400 (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 District of Columbia statutes. Laws change, and this is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, talk with a District of Columbia attorney.