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Simple will format (draft)

A draft of a will in which a person says who will get their property after death, who will carry out the will (the executor) and who will look after minor children.

What it is for

Use this draft to understand what a will contains and to prepare your choices before you meet a lawyer. A will lets you decide who gets your property instead of the law deciding.

Who signs

You (the testator) sign at the end and on each page in front of two witnesses. Each witness signs in front of you. Do not use a person who will get something under the will as a witness.

Licences that need this format

Attach these

  • Your ID proof
  • List of your property (houses, land, bank accounts, shares, gold, vehicles)
  • ID proof of the two witnesses
  • Details of the executor and the people who will receive your property

Stamp duty and registration

A will does not have to be on stamp paper and does not have to be registered, although registering it is allowed and can help later. It must be signed by you in the presence of at least two witnesses, who each sign in your presence. Rules differ for people governed by different personal laws, so a lawyer should check it.

Stamp duty depends on your state and on the document. We do not show an amount here, because it changes and differs by state. Check it on the official portal of your state's registration department. Portals we found on government sites (checked 21 Oct 2026):

For any other state, check stamp duty with your state's registration department.

Fill it in, then download

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Where will you sign this?
The state and city change the laws and offices named in your document and in How to execute.
Testator (person making the will)
Executor (person who will carry out the will)
People who will receive your property
Witnesses (2 or more, not people who receive property)
Printing

Ready-to-use template based on current law. For property sale, partnership or high-value agreements, get it checked by an advocate before signing.

Last reviewed: 30 Oct 2026

Preview. Blanks you have not filled in are highlighted in yellow on screen, and print as plain lines.

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

I, ________________________, resident of ________, working as ________, being of sound mind and in good health, and acting freely and without any pressure, make this Will on ________ at ________.

1. Earlier wills. I cancel all earlier wills and codicils made by me.

2. Executor. I appoint ________________, resident of ________, as the executor of this Will. The executor will carry out this Will, pay my debts and funeral expenses from my property, and distribute the property as written below.

3. My property is to be given as follows:

4. Everything else. All the rest of my property, of every kind, that is not named above, I give to ________.

5. This Will is made by me after thinking carefully, and I have read it and understood it.

6. Guardian. If any child of mine is a minor when I die, I appoint ________ as the guardian of that child.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have signed this Will on every page and at the end at ________ on ________ in the presence of the witnesses named below.

Testator
Signature: ______________________
Name: ________

We, the witnesses, confirm that the testator signed this Will in our presence, that the testator appeared to be of sound mind and acting freely, and that each of us signed in the presence of the testator and of the other witness.

How to execute this document

  • Stamp paper: The value depends on your state and on the document. See the stamp duty calculators for official rates. Stamp duty calculators
  • Notarisation: Not needed. A will is valid when it is signed and attested as the Indian Succession Act, 1925 requires.
  • Registration: Optional.
  • Who signs: You (the testator) sign at the end and on each page in front of two witnesses. Each witness signs in front of you. Do not use a person who will get something under the will as a witness.
  • Witnesses: 2 adults who see you sign, and who sign in front of you and of each other (Indian Succession Act, 1925, section 63). They should not be people who receive something under the will.
  • ID and photos: Carry original ID and a recent photo of every person who signs. Never write an Aadhaar number on the document.
  • Where to submit: Keep it with the parties. Take it to the Sub-Registrar office if it must be registered.

Common mistakes

  • Signing before the stamp paper is bought or before the registration slot.
  • Names or spellings that do not match the ID.
  • Leaving any blank line or a missing witness address.
  • Not registering a document that the law says must be registered.

Common questions

Does a will have to be registered?
No. A will is valid without registration if it is properly signed and witnessed. Registration is allowed and can make it easier to prove later.
Who can be a witness to a will?
Any adult who is of sound mind and who will not receive anything under the will. You need at least two, and each must sign in your presence.
Is this format valid for everyone?
It follows the usual form of a will under the Indian Succession Act, 1925. The rules for people governed by personal laws, such as Muslim personal law, are different, so a lawyer should check it for you.

Aksar pooche jaane wale sawaal

Yahi jaankari, Hinglish mein.

Will (vasiyat) kaise banayein?
Is draft mein apni jaankari, executor ka naam, kis ko kya milega aur baaki sampatti kiski hogi ye bharein. Dono witness ke saamne sign karein aur witness bhi aapke saamne sign karein. Vakeel se zaroor jaanch karwa lein.
Kya will ka registration zaroori hai?
Nahi. Sahi tareeke se sign aur witness hone par will registration ke bina bhi valid hai. Registration karwana optional hai aur aage chalkar kaam aa sakta hai.