Will Requirements in California
A California will must be signed by the testator and two witnesses present at the same time, holographic wills are valid if the signature and material provisions are handwritten, and an uncontested will can be proved by a witness affidavit instead of testimony.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
California at a glance
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses
- Self-proving affidavit
- Witness affidavit
- Allows a self-proving affidavit signed by the witnesses; no notary required
- Handwritten (holographic) wills
- Recognized
The rules in California
How many witnesses does a will need in California?
A will in California must be signed in front of two witnesses, who sign it too.
Can a will be self-proved in California?
Yes, through the witnesses. California allows a self-proving affidavit signed by the witnesses; no notary required.
Is a handwritten will valid in California?
Yes. California recognizes handwritten (holographic) wills that meet its requirements.
Where do the California rules for wills come from?
They come from Cal. Prob. Code 6110 (Execution; witnesses), Cal. Prob. Code 6111 (Holographic will) and Cal. Prob. Code 8220 (Proof of uncontested will; witness affidavit). We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How California compares
California is one of 27 jurisdictions that recognize handwritten wills.
What this means in practice
Sign the will in front of all the witnesses at the same time and have them sign right after you. Many people choose adult witnesses who receive nothing under the will, which avoids questions later.
Keep the signed original somewhere safe and tell your executor where it is. A copy is usually not enough to probate a will.
Changing a will later takes the same formalities: sign a codicil or a new will with witnesses, rather than writing changes on the original.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.