Living Will Requirements in California
A California advance health care directive must be signed and dated and either signed by two qualified witnesses or acknowledged before a notary public.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
California at a glance
- Name of the document
- Advance Health Care Directive
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses
- Or a notary instead of witnesses
- Notarization
- Instead of witnesses
The rules in California
What is a living will called in California?
In California, the document is called the Advance Health Care Directive.
Does a living will need witnesses in California?
California requires two witnesses, or a notary instead.
Does a living will need to be notarized in California?
Only if you do not use witnesses. California accepts a notary as an alternative to witnesses.
Where do the California rules for living wills come from?
They come from Cal. Prob. Code 4673. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How California compares
California is one of 22 jurisdictions that accept a notary instead of witnesses.
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.