The original publication date for this document was 11 February 2022 and the last update occurred on 11 January 2026.
TL;DR: South African law requires people who draft online Wills to print their documents before they can sign them in front of witnesses for legal recognition. Purely electronic or digital Wills (stored only online) are not yet legally valid. The Wills Act 7 of 1953 requires a physical document with wet ink signatures. LegalWills.co.za operates as a modern online service which merges digital access with proper legal systems.
What Is the Difference Between Digital, Electronic, and Online Wills?
| Term | Definition | Valid in SA? |
|---|---|---|
| Online Will | Drafted online, printed, signed, witnessed | Yes |
| Electronic Will | Created and stored electronically only | No (not yet) |
| Digital Will | General term for technology-assisted Wills | Depends on format |
Are Electronic Wills Legal in South Africa?
People who create wills today use digital methods to fulfill the requirements which the Wills Act 7 of 1953 establishes. The digital process of document creation requires the final version to exist as a physical document which must receive signatures and witness marks for legal recognition in South Africa.
What Are the Advantages of Online Will Services?
- Term
- Definition
- Valid in SA?
- Online Will
- Drafted online, printed, signed, witnessed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a Will on my phone?
Yes
Will electronic Wills become legal in South Africa?
Electronic Will
He has over 20 years of experience helping people to write their Will and other estate planning documents. He has been interviewed by many of the major news media outlets and has contributed to articles in most leading publications. He has also contributed to a number of financial planning books.
Throughout his career, Tim has written extensively on the subject of Will writing and estate planning.
