How to make a will in Missouri

Missouri will requirements at a glance

How to sign a will in Missouri

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.
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. (RSMo 474.337 (paper wills); RSMo 474.550 (electronic wills, including a remote online notarial certificate form))
5. Store the original safely and tell your executor where it is. Missouri 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. A minor emancipated by court adjudication, by marriage, or by entering active military duty may also make a will (RSMo 474.310).

Witness rules

In writing, signed by the testator (or by another at the testator's direction in the testator's presence), and attested by 2 or more competent witnesses who sign in the testator's presence (RSMo 474.320). No each-other rule.

If a witness inherits: The will stays valid, but unless 2 disinterested witnesses also attest, an interested witness forfeits whatever exceeds his or her intestate share (RSMo 474.330).

Handwritten wills

Not recognized: every will must be attested by 2 witnesses (RSMo 474.320).

Self-proving affidavit

Missouri lets you and your witnesses sign a self-proving affidavit, so the court can accept your will without contacting your witnesses. (RSMo 474.337 (paper wills); RSMo 474.550 (electronic wills, including a remote online notarial certificate form))

Can I sign my will online in Missouri?

Yes, electronic wills are allowed. Only for electronic wills: a record readable as text, signed by the testator (a proxy must be in the testator's physical presence), and signed by 2 witnesses in the testator's physical or electronic presence (live audio-video). If no self-proving affidavit is signed at the same time, each witness must be a resident of a U.S. state and physically in a state when signing. (RSMo 474.540-474.564 (Missouri Electronic Wills and Electronic Estate Planning Documents Act, 2025 H.B. 754))

In effect since 2025-08-28 (applies to wills of decedents who die on or after that date).

Online notarization: Yes for electronic wills: if fewer than 2 witnesses are physically with the testator, the will may be self-proved before a remote online notary (RSMo 474.550; certificate per 486.1165). The paper-will form (474.337) recites that the parties 'appeared together before me'. (RSMo 486.1100-486.1205 (eff. 2020-08-28))

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 Missouri law, and keep the signed original as the law requires. How online will signing works.

Good to know in Missouri

Missouri does not recognize handwritten unwitnessed wills. Wills may be deposited with the probate division of any circuit court (RSMo 474.510; fee per 488.1010).

Estate and inheritance taxes

Missouri 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.

Missouri will questions

Does a will need to be notarized in Missouri?

No. Two witnesses make a Missouri will valid. A notary is needed only for the optional self-proving affidavit, which lets the court accept your will without contacting your witnesses.

Are handwritten wills legal in Missouri?

Not recognized: every will must be attested by 2 witnesses (RSMo 474.320).

Can a beneficiary witness a will in Missouri?

The will stays valid, but unless 2 disinterested witnesses also attest, an interested witness forfeits whatever exceeds his or her intestate share (RSMo 474.330).

Can I make a will online in Missouri?

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

Does Missouri have an estate or inheritance tax?

Missouri 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 Missouri statutes. Laws change, and this is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, talk with a Missouri attorney.