Written October 27, 2026 · David Mendez, Michigan Notary Public · Grand Haven
A few times a month I get a message that reads more or less like this: I need my will notarized, and I think I need witnesses too?
Michigan asks for witnesses, not a stamp
The rule lives in MCL 700.2502.
I bring this up because I've had people call me in a panic.
So what is the notary page for?
Turn to the back of most will packets and you'll find a self-proving affidavit.
Here's the problem it solves.
The self-proving affidavit takes care of that in advance.
Before you book anyone, check one line
Under MCL 700.2504(5), that statement can be signed without a notary at all.
Some packets have a notary page and some have the unsworn version.
How to tell, in ten seconds
Look at the bottom of the affidavit page.
I can't be one of your two witnesses
This one catches almost everybody.
So the room needs four adults: you, two witnesses, and me.
I can bring two people with me, but ask for it on purpose.
Who can be a witness
Michigan is relaxed about this compared to some states.
That's the law. My advice is different.
Wills get contested, and a neutral witness is a far better answer.
And bring ID for them.
The rest of the folder
Nobody ever signs just a will.
- The will needs two witnesses.
- The trust usually just needs your signature acknowledged.
- A financial power of attorney needs either a notary or two witnesses.
- A patient advocate designation is the strict one.
Your daughter can witness your will, but not your patient advocate designation.
What to have ready
- Unexpired government photo ID for everyone signing.
- Documents unsigned.
- A table and decent light.
- Everybody in one place at one time.
What it costs
Michigan caps the notarization itself at $10 per signature notarized.
I quote estate signings as one flat number covering all of it.
What I can't help with
I'm a notary, not an attorney.
What I will do is read the stack before we start.
If nobody has drafted your documents yet, go talk to an estate attorney first. Then call me.
Signing a will on the lakeshore?
I serve Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Muskegon, Holland and the rest of Ottawa County.