Will Requirements in Texas
A Texas will must be attested by two credible witnesses at least 14 years old unless it is wholly in the testator's handwriting, and it can be made self-proved with a sworn affidavit.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Texas at a glance
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed
- Handwritten (holographic) wills
- Recognized
The rules in Texas
How many witnesses does a will need in Texas?
A will in Texas must be signed in front of two witnesses, who sign it too.
Can a will be self-proved in Texas?
Yes. Texas allows a self-proving affidavit, which lets a court accept the will without calling the witnesses to testify.
Is a handwritten will valid in Texas?
Yes. Texas recognizes handwritten (holographic) wills that meet its requirements.
Where do the Texas rules for wills come from?
They come from Tex. Estates Code 251.051, Tex. Estates Code 251.052 and Tex. Estates Code 251.101. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Texas compares
Texas 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.