How to make a will in Vermont

Vermont will requirements at a glance

How to sign a will in Vermont

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. (14 V.S.A. 108 (sworn acknowledgment of testator and witnesses before a notary or other oath officer; the statute lists required facts but prescribes no form))
5. Store the original safely and tell your executor where it is. Vermont 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. Also anyone emancipated by court order, if of sound mind (14 V.S.A. 1).

Witness rules

The testator signs (or has someone sign at the testator's express direction, in the testator's presence) in the presence of two or more credible witnesses. The witnesses attest and subscribe in the presence of the testator and each other (14 V.S.A. 5(a)).

If a witness inherits: A gift to a subscribing witness or the witness's spouse is voidable unless there are two other competent subscribing witnesses (14 V.S.A. 10).

Handwritten wills

Not recognized; all wills need two witnesses (14 V.S.A. 5). Military personnel may dispose of their estate as previously allowed (14 V.S.A. 7).

Self-proving affidavit

Vermont lets you and your witnesses sign a self-proving affidavit, so the court can accept your will without contacting your witnesses. (14 V.S.A. 108 (sworn acknowledgment of testator and witnesses before a notary or other oath officer; the statute lists required facts but prescribes no form))

Can I sign my will online in Vermont?

No. 14 V.S.A. 5(b) (2020 Act 96) treats remote witnesses as present only while the Secretary of State's Emergency Administrative Rules for Remote Notarial Acts are in effect, and only for self-proved wills under that procedure. It was a COVID-era measure, not a general authorization; whether those emergency rules remain in effect was not confirmed.

Print your will and sign it on paper with your witnesses in the same room.

Online notarization: The permanent RON law does not address wills. The only will-specific remote provision, 14 V.S.A. 5(b), is tied to the 2020 emergency rules. (26 V.S.A. 5379 (2021, No. 171 (Adj. Sess.)), effective 2022-07-01)

Good to know in Vermont

A gift to a witness's spouse is also at risk. A living testator can deposit the will for safekeeping with the Probate Division of the Superior Court in the testator's district, for a fee (14 V.S.A. 2).

Estate and inheritance taxes

Vermont has a state estate tax on estates worth more than about $5,000,000 (2026). The federal estate tax applies only to estates over $15,000,000 per person in 2026, and gifts to charity are deductible.

Vermont will questions

Does a will need to be notarized in Vermont?

No. Two witnesses make a Vermont 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 Vermont?

Not recognized; all wills need two witnesses (14 V.S.A. 5). Military personnel may dispose of their estate as previously allowed (14 V.S.A. 7).

Can a beneficiary witness a will in Vermont?

A gift to a subscribing witness or the witness's spouse is voidable unless there are two other competent subscribing witnesses (14 V.S.A. 10).

Can I make a will online in Vermont?

You can write your will online for free with MyLastWill, then print it and sign it with your witnesses. Vermont doesn't allow electronic wills, so the will must be signed on paper.

Does Vermont have an estate or inheritance tax?

Vermont has a state estate tax on estates worth more than about $5,000,000 (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 Vermont statutes. Laws change, and this is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, talk with a Vermont attorney.