Glossary
What is a witness to a signature?
Short answer
A witness is someone who sees a person sign and adds their own signature, name and often address to confirm it. Most contracts do not need one, but deeds and wills often do: in England and Wales a deed signed by an individual must be signed in the presence of a witness who attests it. Sign PDF can add a witness field, but it cannot prove the witness was physically in the room.
Updated 25 October 2026
- Witness
- A witness is a person who watches someone sign a document and then signs it themselves to confirm that the signature was made by that person. Witnessing is required for some documents, such as deeds and wills in many countries.
When a witness is required
Ordinary contracts rarely need witnesses. Witnessing is usually required for:
- Deeds in England and Wales, under section 1(3) of the Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989
- Wills, which under section 9 of the Wills Act 1837 need two witnesses present at the same time in England and Wales
- Some powers of attorney and property documents, depending on the country
- Some statutory declarations and affidavits, which need a notary or commissioner instead
Who can be a witness
A witness should be an adult with no interest in the document. Rules differ, but a party to the deal, a beneficiary under a will, or a spouse of either makes a poor witness and in some cases is barred. In England, a beneficiary who witnesses a will loses their gift under section 15 of the Wills Act 1837.
The witness usually writes their name, address and occupation under their signature so they can be traced if needed.
Can a witness sign electronically?
Sometimes. The Law Commission of England and Wales concluded in its 2019 report on electronic execution that a deed can be signed electronically with a witness, but the witness must be physically present when the signatory signs, not watching by video. For wills, video witnessing was allowed temporarily for wills made between 31 January 2020 and 31 January 2024; that measure has ended.
Other countries set their own rules, and some US states allow remote witnessing for certain documents. Check the rule for your document before relying on an electronic witness. This is not legal advice.
Witnesses in Sign PDF
Sign PDF detects 'Witness' signature blocks and assigns them to a witness signer, or you can type 'add a witness' in the editor. Set the order so the witness signs after the person they are witnessing. The witness receives their own email link and code, and their IP, device and timestamps go into the certificate.
That evidence can show the two signatures were made from the same place within minutes. It cannot prove the witness watched in person. For deeds and wills that need a physically present witness, follow the formalities on paper or with a lawyer.
Questions people ask
Does a contract need a witness to be valid?
Usually not. Most contracts are valid with just the parties' signatures. Deeds and wills are the main exceptions.
Can a family member be a witness?
It depends on the document and country. For wills and deeds an independent adult is safest, because a family member may have an interest.
Can a witness watch over a video call?
For deeds in England and Wales, the Law Commission's view is that the witness must be physically present. Some US states allow remote witnessing for specific documents.
How do I add a witness in Sign PDF?
Type 'add a witness' in the editor assistant, or Sign PDF will detect a Witness block. Add the witness's name and email and put them after the main signer in the order.
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