How to Notarize a Living Will (Advance Directive)
A living will documents your healthcare wishes. Most states require notarization and witnesses to make it valid. Get yours notarized online.
Planning for the future? Get your living will notarized and witnessed online today.
Get Notarized Online — 15 MinutesRemote Online Notarization. Video-based. Legally valid in all 50 states.
At a glance
- Notarization required: Yes
- Witnesses required: Yes — check your state requirements
What is a Living Will?
A living will, also known as an advance healthcare directive, is a legal document that specifies what medical treatments you want—or don't want—if you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious and cannot make decisions for yourself.
Why Notarization and Witnesses are Required
Because a living will involves life-and-death medical decisions, states have strict requirements to ensure the document was signed voluntarily and by the person it claims to be. Notarization and witnessing provide the legal safeguards necessary for medical providers to honor your wishes.
Key Decisions in a Living Will
- Life-Sustaining Treatment: Whether you want ventilators, feeding tubes, or CPR.
- Palliative Care: Instructions for pain management and comfort.
- Organ Donation: Your wishes regarding tissue and organ donation.
- End-of-Life Wishes: Specific instructions for religious or personal preferences.
The Online Process
- Prepare the document: Use a form that is valid in your state.
- Arrange witnesses: If your state requires witnesses, they may need to join the video call.
- Notarize via RON: You and your witnesses meet with a commissioned notary over a secure video link.
- Distribute the document: Provide copies to your doctor, your healthcare agent, and your local hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a living will the same as a Last Will and Testament?
- No. A living will (Advance Directive) deals with your medical care while you are still alive but unable to speak for yourself. A Last Will and Testament deals with your property after you pass away.
- Does a living will need to be notarized and witnessed?
- Yes, in most states. Requirements vary, but many states require two witnesses and a notary. Some states allow one or the other, but doing both ensures the highest level of legal validity.
- Who can be a witness for a living will?
- Witnesses generally cannot be your healthcare agents, your doctor, or anyone who would inherit from you. They must be disinterested third parties. Check your state's specific rules.
- Can I notarize a living will online?
- Yes. Remote Online Notarization is authorized for advance directives in most states. Some platforms can also provide digital witnesses if you don't have them available.
- Why is notarization important for a living will?
- Notarization prevents disputes between family members and ensures that hospitals and doctors have a legally verified document to follow in a crisis.
Ready to get your document notarized?
Start Your Notarization Session$15–$25 per session. No appointment needed.