Are Online & Electronic Wills Legal in Quebec?
Last updated 2026-06 · Quebec
Quebec's answer has two layers, because of its civil-law system. A do-it-yourself electronic will is not valid — but Quebec notaries can now prepare notarial wills in electronic form, a nuance you won't find elsewhere in Canada.
The terms, Quebec-style
- Online will — typed on a website, then printed and signed before two witnesses as a witnessed will. Valid.
- Personal electronic will — a holograph or witnessed will signed electronically, never on paper. Not valid.
- Technological notarial will — a notarial will received by a notary in electronic form. Valid, but only through a notary.
Personal e-wills: not recognized
A holograph will must be in your own handwriting, and a witnessed will must be signed on paper before two witnesses. Neither can be satisfied by typing and e-signing on your own. So a will you create and electronically sign on a website, without printing, is not a valid Quebec will.
The notarial exception
Since reforms that took effect in 2020, Quebec notaries can execute notarial acts — including wills — in technological (electronic) form, with the parties signing electronically and the notary keeping the act in a digital repository. This is a true electronic will, but it exists only within the regulated notarial system, not as a DIY product.
Making an online will valid
If you use an online platform, treat the output as a witnessed will: print it and sign it before two witnesses who don't benefit. Then store it safely — and remember it will need verification after death, unlike a notarial will.
Where to store it
Keep the signed original somewhere your liquidator can find it. Quebec also maintains wills registers (through the Chambre des notaires and the Barreau) where notarial and some other wills are recorded so they can be located — a notary registers your will automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sign my will electronically in Quebec? Only through a notary's technological notarial will; personal electronic wills aren't valid. Is an online will legal in Quebec? Yes, if printed and signed before two witnesses as a witnessed will. Where should I store my will in Quebec? With a notary (who registers it) or somewhere secure and known to your liquidator; consider the wills registers. Is a will made on a website valid in Quebec? Only once printed and signed before two witnesses — not as an unprinted electronic file.
Not legal advice. General information about Quebec law as of 2026. Confirm specifics with a Quebec notary or lawyer.
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