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Living Will Requirements in Virginia

A Virginia written advance directive must be signed by the declarant in the presence of two adult witnesses; notarization is not required.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Virginia at a glance

Name of the document
Advance Directive
Witnesses
2 witnesses
Notarization
Optional

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Virginia

What is a living will called in Virginia?

In Virginia, the document is called the Advance Directive.

Does a living will need witnesses in Virginia?

Virginia requires two witnesses.

Does a living will need to be notarized in Virginia?

No. Notarization is optional in Virginia.

Where do the Virginia rules for living wills come from?

They come from Va. Code 54.1-2983 and Va. Code 54.1-2982. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.

How Virginia compares

Virginia 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.