Living Will Requirements in Washington
A Washington health care directive must be signed and either acknowledged before a notary public or signed in the presence of two qualified witnesses.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Washington at a glance
- Name of the document
- Health Care Directive
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses
- Or a notary instead of witnesses
- Notarization
- Instead of witnesses
The rules in Washington
What is a living will called in Washington?
In Washington, the document is called the Health Care Directive.
Does a living will need witnesses in Washington?
Washington requires two witnesses, or a notary instead.
Does a living will need to be notarized in Washington?
Only if you do not use witnesses. Washington accepts a notary as an alternative to witnesses.
Where do the Washington rules for living wills come from?
They come from RCW 70.122.030. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Washington compares
Washington 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.