How To Sign a Will

Signing a will, legally called "executing" the will, must be done correctly for your will to be legally valid. Get this wrong, and your will may be worthless. Here's exactly what you need to do.

What you'll need

• Your printed will document
• Two independent witnesses (see our guide on who can witness)
• A pen (use blue or black ink)
• A table where you can all sign comfortably

The signing process, step by step

1. Gather everyone together: You and both witnesses must all be in the same room
2. Sign in their presence: With both witnesses watching, sign your full signature at the end of the will
3. Date the will: Insert the date, the day you are signing, in the spaces provided
4. Witnesses sign: Each witness then signs the will, while you and the other witness are present
5. Add witness details: Each witness writes their full name, address, and occupation

Important rules to follow

• Everyone must be present throughout the entire signing process
• Witnesses must see you sign (not just your signature afterwards)
• You must see each witness sign, and they should see each other sign
• Don't sign until the will is complete, with no blanks to fill in later
• Sign at the end of the will, where indicated
• Initial any amendments (though it's better to reprint and start fresh)

What NOT to do

• Don't sign without witnesses present
• Don't have witnesses sign at different times
• Don't staple anything to the will afterwards
• Don't make any alterations after signing
• Don't sign multiple copies as originals
• Don't pre-date or post-date the will. The date you write must be the actual date you sign

After signing

Store your signed will somewhere safe: a fireproof safe at home, with your solicitor, or registered with a will storage service. Tell your executors where it is. Keep your unsigned copies clearly marked as copies.