Living Will Requirements in Alabama
An Alabama advance directive for health care must be signed in front of two witnesses who are at least 19 years old; notarization is not required.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Alabama at a glance
- Name of the document
- Advance Directive for Health Care
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses
- Notarization
- Optional
The rules in Alabama
What is a living will called in Alabama?
In Alabama, the document is called the Advance Directive for Health Care.
Does a living will need witnesses in Alabama?
Alabama requires two witnesses.
Does a living will need to be notarized in Alabama?
No. Notarization is optional in Alabama.
Where do the Alabama rules for living wills come from?
They come from Ala. Code 22-8A-4. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Alabama compares
Alabama is one of 25 jurisdictions that make notarization optional.
What this means in practice
Give copies to your doctor, your health care agent and close family, and keep the original where it can be found quickly. A living will that nobody can find cannot help.
Many states have rules about who may serve as a witness, for example excluding relatives or your health care providers. Check the statute before you sign.
Review the document after a major diagnosis, a move to another state or a change in your wishes.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.