Does a will have to be notarized to be legally valid?

In most states a will does not have to be notarized to be valid; what it requires is your signature and the signatures of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries. However, many states let you make the will 'self-proving' by adding a notarized affidavit signed by you and your witnesses. A self-proving will speeds up probate because the court can accept it without tracking down and questioning your witnesses years later. Louisiana and a few states have stricter rules, so requirements vary. Do not sign your will before your witnesses or use beneficiaries as witnesses, which can void their inheritance in some states. When in doubt, follow your state's execution formalities exactly, since a technical mistake can invalidate the entire document.