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Living Will Requirements in Missouri

A Missouri declaration must be in writing, dated and signed, and, unless wholly in the declarant's handwriting, signed in the presence of two adult witnesses.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Missouri at a glance

Name of the document
Declaration
Witnesses
2 witnesses
Notarization
Optional

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Missouri

What is a living will called in Missouri?

In Missouri, the document is called the Declaration.

Does a living will need witnesses in Missouri?

Missouri requires two witnesses.

Does a living will need to be notarized in Missouri?

No. Notarization is optional in Missouri.

Where do the Missouri rules for living wills come from?

They come from RSMo 459.015 Declaration. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.

How Missouri compares

Missouri 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.