How to make a will in Utah

Utah will requirements at a glance

How to sign a will in Utah

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. (Utah Code 75-2-504 (the officer may also be a witness); for electronic wills, 75-2-1408)
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.

Witness rules

At least two individuals must each sign within a reasonable time after witnessing the testator sign or acknowledge the signature or the will. The statute has no explicit presence rule for when the witnesses sign (Utah Code 75-2-502(1)).

If a witness inherits: No effect: signing by an interested witness does not invalidate the will or any provision (Utah Code 75-2-505(2)).

Handwritten wills

Signature and material portions of the document in the testator's handwriting (Utah Code 75-2-502(2)).

Self-proving affidavit

Utah lets you and your witnesses sign a self-proving affidavit, so the court can accept your will without contacting your witnesses. (Utah Code 75-2-504 (the officer may also be a witness); for electronic wills, 75-2-1408)

Can I sign my will online in Utah?

Yes, electronic wills are allowed. Two witnesses may sign in the testator's physical or electronic presence (real time, as if in the same place) within a reasonable time. Anyone signing for the testator must be in the testator's conscious presence. Harmless error applies to electronic wills (75-2-1405, -1406). (Utah Code 75-2-1401 to -1410 (Uniform Electronic Wills Act; 2020 6th Spec. Sess., ch. 1))

In effect since 2020-08-31 (per the Utah Code's effective-version date for Part 14).

Online notarization: Section 46-1-3.6(4) says a lawful remote notarization satisfies any law requiring personal appearance before a notary. Section 75-2-1408 lets an electronic will be self-proved before an officer and supersedes conflicting notary-act provisions. (Utah Code 46-1-3.5 to 46-1-3.7 (remote notary; 2019 ch. 192, amended 2026))

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

Good to know in Utah

Utah follows the UPC but did not adopt the notarized-will option, so two witnesses are required unless the will is holographic. Utah has a harmless-error rule (75-2-503). Part 9 now contains only 75-2-902 (custodian's duty), with no lifetime deposit provision.

Estate and inheritance taxes

Utah 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.

Utah will questions

Does a will need to be notarized in Utah?

No. Two witnesses make a Utah 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 Utah?

Signature and material portions of the document in the testator's handwriting (Utah Code 75-2-502(2)).

Can a beneficiary witness a will in Utah?

No effect: signing by an interested witness does not invalidate the will or any provision (Utah Code 75-2-505(2)).

Can I make a will online in Utah?

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

Does Utah have an estate or inheritance tax?

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