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Living Will Requirements in Tennessee

A Tennessee advance directive must be in writing, signed by the principal, and either notarized or witnessed by two competent adults.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Tennessee at a glance

Name of the document
Advance Directive for Health Care
Witnesses
2 witnesses
Or a notary instead of witnesses
Notarization
Instead of witnesses

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Tennessee

What is a living will called in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the document is called the Advance Directive for Health Care.

Does a living will need witnesses in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires two witnesses, or a notary instead.

Does a living will need to be notarized in Tennessee?

Only if you do not use witnesses. Tennessee accepts a notary as an alternative to witnesses.

Where do the Tennessee rules for living wills come from?

They come from Tenn. Code 68-11-1803. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.

How Tennessee compares

Tennessee 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.