In order for a will to be valid, it needs to be in writing, be signed by the testator, and be witnessed by at least two people. (Having it notarized is strongly advised.) Up until recently, however, no matter how a will was drawn up, it needed to be printed out, signed in pen and ink, and physically stored. Even though the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act from 1999 states that parties may sign contracts electronically, it specifically excludes wills. This July, however, the Uniform Electronic Wills Act was approved by the Uniform Law Commission, making it possible to write, sign, validate, and store a will, all electronically. Provided your state adopts it, that is.
Companies like Trust & Will are getting into the game, overcoming the digital notarization hurdle by using the Notarize platform which handles the process via video chats with a notary. Some argue this is an even more valid way of getting something notarized, because you would have supporting video and audio proof in addition to a notary's signature if sound mind comes into question. While Notarize requires a federally issue ID, Indiana takes verification to a new level: in order for the electronic notarization to be valid the testator must provide a genetic scan, like a fingerprint or retina scan.
While electronic wills offer an ease of use that may be embraced by younger generations who demand online processes, they still leave out an important factor: legal advisement. Especially with differing state laws, a canned form is by nature unspecific and can introduce more opportunities for interested parties to call it into question.