Will Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania generally requires only a written will signed at the end by the testator, with no attesting witnesses at signing, but two competent witnesses must prove the will at probate unless it is self-proved.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Pennsylvania at a glance
- Witnesses
- None at signing
- Witnesses may still be needed to prove the will at probate
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed
- Handwritten (holographic) wills
- Recognized
The rules in Pennsylvania
How many witnesses does a will need in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does not require witnesses when a will is signed, in most cases.
Can a will be self-proved in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania allows a self-proving affidavit, which lets a court accept the will without calling the witnesses to testify.
Is a handwritten will valid in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania recognizes handwritten (holographic) wills that meet its requirements.
Where do the Pennsylvania rules for wills come from?
They come from 20 Pa.C.S. 2502 Form and execution of a will, 20 Pa.C.S. 3132 Manner of probate and 20 Pa.C.S. 3132.1 Self-proved wills. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Pennsylvania compares
Pennsylvania 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.