What is the signing ceremony, step by step?
Five steps, about 15 minutes, wet ink only. Both witnesses must be in the room for the whole ceremony. Electronic signatures and video calls do not count. The law is section 9 of the Wills Act 1837. Checked 12 August 2026.
Print this page and tick each step in the room. Wills Act 1837 s.9 and s.15. Video witnessing ended 31 January 2022. Checked 22 August 2026.
Gather both witnesses in one room
Choose two independent adults aged 18 or over — never beneficiaries, nor anyone married to or in a civil partnership with a beneficiary. Everyone stays together until the whole process is finished.
Sign the will in front of both witnesses
With both watching, sign your usual signature at the end of the will in wet ink. If you signed earlier, acknowledge the signature to both witnesses while they are together.
Each witness signs in your presence
Each witness then signs the will in your presence, and writes their full name, address and occupation. They sign one at a time, but always with you present.
Date the will
Write the date on which everyone signed. Your will is now legally valid.
Store it safely and tell your executors
Only the wet-ink original is legally effective. Keep it somewhere safe and fire-resistant, tell your executors exactly where it is, and never store it in a bank safe-deposit box.
Who must not witness?
- Anyone under 18
- Anyone who inherits under the will (their gift fails — Wills Act 1837 s.15)
- The spouse or civil partner of anyone who inherits
- Witnesses who cannot be in the same room at the same time
- Video calls — that easement ended on 31 January 2022
- Electronic signatures — not valid for wills in England and Wales today
What mistakes invalidate a will at signing?
- Signing with only one witness present, or with witnesses present at different times
- A beneficiary — or their spouse or civil partner — acting as a witness (their gift fails)
- Unsigned alterations made after signing
- Signing a draft rather than the final document
- Attaching anything to the will with pins, staples or clips (it suggests pages may be missing)
Who should skip this checklist?
Anyone who cannot gather two independent adults in one room; anyone whose will needs a special attestation clause (blind, illiterate, or non-English-reading testator); and anyone whose capacity might later be challenged — the golden rule is a medical assessment and a solicitor's file. See do I need a solicitor.
Check a specific person with the witness checker. Full narrative: how to sign a will. PDF card: download the witnessing card.