Living Will Requirements in Maryland
A Maryland written or electronic advance directive must be dated, signed by the declarant, and subscribed by two witnesses; notarization is not required.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Maryland at a glance
- Name of the document
- Advance Directive
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses
- Notarization
- Optional
The rules in Maryland
What is a living will called in Maryland?
In Maryland, the document is called the Advance Directive.
Does a living will need witnesses in Maryland?
Maryland requires two witnesses.
Does a living will need to be notarized in Maryland?
No. Notarization is optional in Maryland.
Where do the Maryland rules for living wills come from?
They come from Md. Code, Health-General 5-602. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Maryland compares
Maryland 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.