How to make a will in New Hampshire

New Hampshire will requirements at a glance

How to sign a will in New Hampshire

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. (RSA 551:2-a (sworn acknowledgment before a notary, justice of the peace or other oath officer))
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. Married persons under 18 may also make a will (RSA 551:1).

Witness rules

In writing, signed by the testator (or by another at the testator's express direction in the testator's presence), and signed by 2 or more credible witnesses who, at the testator's request and in the testator's presence, attest the testator's signature (RSA 551:2, I). The self-proved affidavit form recites that the witnesses signed in each other's presence.

If a witness inherits: A gift to a subscribing witness or the witness's spouse is void unless there are 2 other subscribing witnesses (RSA 551:3).

Handwritten wills

Not recognized: RSA 551:2 requires 2 witnesses for every will.

Self-proving affidavit

New Hampshire lets you and your witnesses sign a self-proving affidavit, so the court can accept your will without contacting your witnesses. (RSA 551:2-a (sworn acknowledgment before a notary, justice of the peace or other oath officer))

Can I sign my will online in New Hampshire?

Witnesses can take part by live video, under conditions. Paper wills only. A witness counts as present if the testator, all witnesses, and a notarial officer communicate simultaneously by sight and sound while all sign. The notarial officer must be the NH-licensed drafting attorney, another NH attorney the drafter supervises, or a paralegal supervised by either. Counterparts are allowed, and witnesses need not be in New Hampshire. (RSA 551:2, III(b) ('Nothing in this paragraph shall be deemed to allow an electronic will or codicil'))

In effect since Remote witnessing: RSA 551:2, III (2020, 17:12, eff. 2020-07-17; applies to wills executed on or after 2020-03-23; amended 2021).

Online notarization: Only through the attorney-supervised remote-witnessing procedure in RSA 551:2, III, where the notarial officer must be the drafting attorney, a supervised attorney or a supervised paralegal. (RSA 456-B:6-a (2021, 206:2, eff. 2022-02-06))

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

Good to know in New Hampshire

A testator may ask the probate court to validate the will during life (ante-mortem probate, RSA 552:18). I couldn't verify a lifetime court-deposit option (no statute found), so will_deposit is null.

Estate and inheritance taxes

New Hampshire 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.

New Hampshire will questions

Does a will need to be notarized in New Hampshire?

No. Two witnesses make a New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?

Not recognized: RSA 551:2 requires 2 witnesses for every will.

Can a beneficiary witness a will in New Hampshire?

A gift to a subscribing witness or the witness's spouse is void unless there are 2 other subscribing witnesses (RSA 551:3).

Can I make a will online in New Hampshire?

You can write your will online for free with MyLastWill, then print it and sign it with your witnesses. New Hampshire lets witnesses take part by live video under conditions in state law.

Does New Hampshire have an estate or inheritance tax?

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