Texas signing rules
Writing, signature and witnesses
A will must be in writing, signed by you or by another person on your behalf in your presence and at your direction, and attested by two or more credible witnesses who are at least 14 years old and sign in their own handwriting in your presence (Tex. Est. Code § 251.051).
Handwritten wills
A will written wholly in your own handwriting is not required to be attested by subscribing witnesses (§ 251.052).
Self-proving affidavit
A self-proving affidavit is made by you and the attesting witnesses before an officer authorized to administer oaths, who affixes an official seal, and is attached to the will (§ 251.104). A handwritten will can be made self-proved by your own affidavit (§ 251.107).
Notary
Section 251.051 does not require a notary for a will to be valid.
How to make your Texas will online
- Answer the questions. Tell us about your family, your assets and who you want to inherit. No payment during the questionnaire.
- Review your draft. Pactlio prepares an AI-generated draft for review, with review findings and a personal completion checklist.
- Download and sign it. You get PDF and Word files for $29. Then follow the signing steps below.
One-time price. Guided AI draft based on Texas signing rules. Pactlio is not a law firm.
After you download: signing steps
- Sign the will. Print it and sign it, or have another person sign for you in your presence and at your direction.
- Have two witnesses sign. Each witness is at least 14 years old and signs in their own handwriting in your presence. Pactlio advises adults who inherit nothing under the will.
- Optionally add a self-proving affidavit. You and the witnesses sign it before an officer authorized to administer oaths and attach it to the will (§ 251.104).
- Store it safely. Keep the original where your executor can find it.
A will is valid only when signed and witnessed as Texas requires. If your situation is complicated, consider asking a licensed Texas attorney to review it.
More Texas will help
Frequently asked questions
Is an online will valid in Texas?
A will is valid in Texas when it is signed and witnessed as Texas law requires (Tex. Est. Code § 251.051), however it was drafted. Pactlio is an AI drafting service, not a law firm, and does not give legal advice.
Do I need a notary to make a will in Texas?
No. Tex. Est. Code § 251.051 requires a signed written will with two credible witnesses, not a notary. An officer authorized to administer oaths is involved only if you add the optional self-proving affidavit under § 251.104. Pactlio is an AI drafting service, not a law firm, and does not give legal advice.
Is a handwritten will valid in Texas?
Yes. A will written wholly in the testator's handwriting is not required to be attested by witnesses (Tex. Est. Code § 251.052). A typed or printed will still needs two witnesses. Pactlio is an AI drafting service, not a law firm, and does not give legal advice.
How much does it cost to make a will online in Texas?
$29 is a one-time price per draft, before tax or discounts. It covers the AI-generated draft for review, PDF and Word downloads, review findings and a personal completion checklist. Individual professional review, witness or notary services, and estate administration are not included. No payment is taken during the questionnaire.
Sources
Statute text read on October 31, 2026. A will is valid only when signed and witnessed as your state requires. Pactlio is an AI drafting service, not a law firm.
This is an AI-generated draft for review. It is not legal advice.