How to make a will in Washington

Washington will requirements at a glance

How to sign a will in Washington

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. (RCW 11.20.020(2) (attesting witnesses' affidavit before an oath officer; no prescribed form for paper wills); electronic wills have statutory forms in RCW 11.12.450)
5. Store the original safely and tell your executor where it is. Washington 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.

Witness rules

Two or more competent witnesses sign the will, or sign an affidavit under RCW 11.20.020(2), at the testator's direction or request, while in the testator's presence or electronic presence. The statute has no each-other presence rule. Even paper wills may be executed with witnesses in electronic presence, in counterparts (RCW 11.12.020).

If a witness inherits: The will is not invalid, but unless two other disinterested witnesses signed, a gift to a witness is presumed procured by undue influence; if the presumption is not rebutted, the witness takes no more than their intestate share (RCW 11.12.160).

Handwritten wills

Not recognized; all wills need two witnesses (RCW 11.12.020). A will valid where executed or under the testator's domicile is honored.

Self-proving affidavit

Washington lets you and your witnesses sign a self-proving affidavit, so the court can accept your will without contacting your witnesses. (RCW 11.20.020(2) (attesting witnesses' affidavit before an oath officer; no prescribed form for paper wills); electronic wills have statutory forms in RCW 11.12.450)

Can I sign my will online in Washington?

Yes, electronic wills are allowed. Two competent witnesses sign in the testator's physical or electronic presence (real time, as if in the same place). Anyone signing for the testator must be physically present. To be self-proving, an electronic will must stay in a qualified custodian's custody at all times. If fewer than two witnesses are physically with the testator, the affidavits go before a remote notary under RCW 42.45.280. An electronic will not kept by a qualified custodian is treated as lost or destroyed (RCW 11.12.440, 11.12.450, 11.20.020(3)). (RCW 11.12.400-11.12.491 (Uniform Electronic Wills Act; 2021 c 140))

In effect since 2022-01-01 (applies to decedents dying on or after that date).

Online notarization: RCW 11.12.450(2)(a) expressly lets electronic-will self-proving affidavits be made before a remote notary under RCW 42.45.280. Paper wills can use RCW 11.20.020 affidavits; remote notarization of those is not addressed. (RCW 42.45.280 (2019 c 154), effective 2020-10-01; an amended version takes effect 2027-01-01)

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

Good to know in Washington

Washington allows remote (electronic presence) witnessing for paper wills as well as electronic wills. A custodian may file an original will under seal with a court before the testator's death (RCW 11.12.265).

Estate and inheritance taxes

Washington has a state estate tax on estates worth more than about $3,000,000 (2026). The federal estate tax applies only to estates over $15,000,000 per person in 2026, and gifts to charity are deductible.

Washington will questions

Does a will need to be notarized in Washington?

No. Two witnesses make a Washington 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 Washington?

Not recognized; all wills need two witnesses (RCW 11.12.020). A will valid where executed or under the testator's domicile is honored.

Can a beneficiary witness a will in Washington?

The will is not invalid, but unless two other disinterested witnesses signed, a gift to a witness is presumed procured by undue influence; if the presumption is not rebutted, the witness takes no more than their intestate share (RCW 11.12.160).

Can I make a will online in Washington?

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

Does Washington have an estate or inheritance tax?

Washington has a state estate tax on estates worth more than about $3,000,000 (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 Washington statutes. Laws change, and this is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, talk with a Washington attorney.