Last Will by State

Will formalities differ by state, mostly in the number of witnesses and whether a self-proving affidavit is used. The summary below covers every state.

Witness requirements

Most states require two adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries. A few accept a notary in place of a second witness.

Self-proving affidavits

A self-proving affidavit, signed by the witnesses before a notary, lets the will skip witness testimony in probate and speeds the process.

Holographic (handwritten) wills

Some states honor a handwritten will with no witnesses; others reject them entirely. Check your state before relying on one for important assets.

Per-state notes

Alabama

A will in Alabama should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Alabama bills of sale are signed by the seller and need not be notarized. A Birmingham buyer keeps the signed copy with the title application. The form is the main proof of the sale date if the price is later disputed.

Alaska

A will in Alaska should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Alaska does not require notarization, though a notarized copy strengthens ownership proof. An Anchorage seller lists the VIN and odometer for the title transfer. The document protects both sides if the amount is challenged.

Arizona

A will in Arizona should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Arizona vehicle bills of sale should show the VIN and odometer reading. A Phoenix buyer files it with the title transfer at the MVD. Notarization is optional but useful for older cars.

Arkansas

A will in Arkansas should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Arkansas bills of sale are valid with both signatures and no notary. A Little Rock seller should note the paying price and any lien. The form helps the buyer register the vehicle cleanly.

California

A will in California should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. California uses form REG 135 for vehicle bills of sale, signed by buyer and seller. A Los Angeles buyer submits it with the title to the DMV. A smog check usually accompanies the private sale.

Colorado

A will in Colorado should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Colorado requires an odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old. A Denver buyer keeps the bill of sale with the title packet. Notarization is not mandatory for the transfer.

Connecticut

A will in Connecticut should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Connecticut bills of sale should list the sale price for sales-tax purposes. A Hartford buyer attaches it to the registration paperwork. Notarization is optional at the hub.

Delaware

A will in Delaware should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Delaware has no state sales tax, so the bill of sale mainly proves the transfer. A Wilmington seller records the VIN and mileage for the file. The buyer uses it at the DMV counter.

Florida

A will in Florida should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Florida recommends a notarized vehicle bill of sale and a title transfer within 30 days. A Miami buyer files it with the county tax collector. The form sets the official sale date.

Georgia

A will in Georgia should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Georgia bills of sale should include the VIN for the title transfer. An Atlanta buyer submits it to the tag office promptly. Notarization is optional but tidy.

Hawaii

A will in Hawaii should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Hawaii vehicle bills of sale are filed with the county, not the state. A Honolulu buyer keeps it with the registration. Notarization is not required on the islands.

Idaho

A will in Idaho should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Idaho bills of sale should show the odometer reading and both signatures. A Boise buyer uses it to title the car. The sale price supports the tax basis.

Illinois

A will in Illinois should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Illinois does not require notarization, but both signatures should appear. A Chicago seller lists the VIN and mileage clearly. The buyer keeps it for the title transfer.

Indiana

A will in Indiana should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Indiana bills of sale are valid with signatures, and a notary is optional. An Indianapolis buyer attaches it to the BMV packet. The form proves the ownership change.

Iowa

A will in Iowa should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Iowa recommends a detailed bill of sale with the VIN for registration. A Des Moines buyer files it with the county. A notary is not required there.

Kansas

A will in Kansas should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Kansas bills of sale should include the sale price and odometer reading. A Wichita buyer uses it at the tag office. Notarization is optional in the state.

Kentucky

A will in Kentucky should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Kentucky bills of sale are used for vehicle titling, and notarization is optional. A Louisville buyer keeps the signed form with the title. The VIN must be listed.

Louisiana

A will in Louisiana should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Louisiana follows civil-law tradition, so a notarized act is stronger for vehicles. A New Orleans buyer may still use a signed bill of sale. The form documents the transfer date.

Maine

A will in Maine should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Maine bills of sale should include the VIN and be signed by the seller. A Portland buyer files it with the title application. Notarization is not required up north.

Maryland

A will in Maryland should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Maryland requires a bill of sale (form VR-181) for vehicle registration. A Baltimore buyer submits it to the MVA with the title. Notarization is not required.

Massachusetts

A will in Massachusetts should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Massachusetts bills of sale should list the sale price for tax. A Boston buyer keeps the form with the title. A notary is optional in the commonwealth.

Michigan

A will in Michigan should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Michigan bills of sale are used for vehicle transfers, and notarization is not mandatory. A Detroit buyer attaches it to the title packet. The VIN must appear.

Minnesota

A will in Minnesota should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Minnesota bills of sale should show the odometer reading and both signatures. A Minneapolis buyer uses it at the DVS. Notarization is optional in the state.

Mississippi

A will in Mississippi should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Mississippi bills of sale are valid with signatures, and a notary is optional. A Jackson buyer files it with the title transfer. The form proves the sale price.

Missouri

A will in Missouri should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Missouri bills of sale should include the VIN for vehicle titling. A St. Louis buyer submits it to the DMV. Notarization is not required there.

Montana

A will in Montana should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Montana has no county sales tax, so the bill of sale documents the private transfer. A Billings buyer keeps it with the title. Notarization is optional.

Nebraska

A will in Nebraska should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Nebraska bills of sale should include the odometer disclosure for vehicles. An Omaha buyer uses it at the DMV. Both signatures should appear.

Nevada

A will in Nevada should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Nevada requires a bill of sale for vehicle registration, and notarization is optional. A Reno buyer files it with the title. The VIN and odometer should be listed.

New Hampshire

A will in New Hampshire should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. New Hampshire has no sales tax, so the bill of sale documents the transfer. A Manchester buyer keeps it with the title. Notarization is not required.

New Jersey

A will in New Jersey should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. New Jersey bills of sale should list the sale price for motor-vehicle records. A Newark buyer attaches it to the title. Notarization is optional in the garden state.

New Mexico

A will in New Mexico should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. New Mexico bills of sale should include the VIN and odometer reading. An Albuquerque buyer files it with the title. Notarization is not required.

New York

A will in New York should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. New York uses form MV-912 for vehicle registration, and a notary is not mandatory. A Buffalo buyer submits the bill of sale with the title. The sale price supports tax.

North Carolina

A will in North Carolina should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. North Carolina bills of sale should include the title number and odometer reading. A Charlotte buyer uses it at the DMV. Notarization is optional.

North Dakota

A will in North Dakota should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. North Dakota bills of sale are valid with both signatures, and notarization is optional. A Fargo buyer keeps it with the title. The VIN should be listed.

Ohio

A will in Ohio should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Ohio bills of sale should include the VIN for a vehicle title transfer. A Columbus buyer files it with the title. Notarization is not required.

Oklahoma

A will in Oklahoma should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Oklahoma bills of sale should show the odometer reading and be signed by the seller. A Tulsa buyer uses it at the tag agency. Notarization is optional.

Oregon

A will in Oregon should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Oregon bills of sale should list the VIN, odometer, and sale price. A Portland buyer keeps it with the title. Notarization is not mandatory in the state.

Pennsylvania

A will in Pennsylvania should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Pennsylvania bills of sale should include the VIN and both signatures. A Philadelphia buyer files it with the title. Notarization is optional in the commonwealth.

Rhode Island

A will in Rhode Island should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. Rhode Island bills of sale should list the sale price and be signed by both parties. A Providence buyer attaches it to the registration. Notarization is not required.

South Carolina

A will in South Carolina should be signed by the testator and two witnesses; a self-proving affidavit speeds probate. South Carolina bills of sale should include the VIN for the title transfer. A Charleston buyer submits it to the DMV. Notarization is optional.

LegalForge templates are prepared for general educational use. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by state, so have a licensed attorney in your state review any document before you sign it.