Who can witness a will in the UK?
Last reviewed:
In short: Any adult (18+) with mental capacity who is not a beneficiary under the will and not married to a beneficiary. Two witnesses must be present at the same time as you sign, and then each sign in your presence.
If a beneficiary (or their spouse / civil partner) witnesses your will, the gift to that beneficiary fails under s15 of the Wills Act 1837 — but the will itself remains valid. Always pick neutral witnesses such as neighbours or colleagues.
Witnesses do not need to read the will. They are only confirming that you signed it voluntarily. They should sign in ink and include their full name, address and occupation next to their signature.
Since the temporary Covid-era allowance for video-witnessing ended in January 2024, witnessing must again be done in person in England and Wales. Scotland's rules (one witness only, under the Requirements of Writing (Scotland) Act 1995) are different.
Primary source: gov.uk/make-will