Updated August 3, 2026. Quick answer: Vermont calls this an advance directive. You need two witnesses, aged 18 or over — witnesses only, with no notary alternative in the statute. Vermont is unusual in two ways: a health care provider may witness, and since April 2024 a witness may attend remotely on stated conditions.
The execution box
| What the state calls it | Advance directive |
|---|---|
| Witnesses required | 2, at least 18 years old |
| Witnesses or notary? | Witnesses only — no notary path stated |
| Who may NOT witness | The agent appointed by the principal; the principal’s spouse, parent, adult sibling, adult child or adult grandchild |
| Who MAY witness (unusually) | A health care provider may serve as a witness — most states disqualify them |
| If you are in a care facility | The person who explained the nature and effect of the directive to you may serve as one of the witnesses |
| Authority | 18 V.S.A. §9703 |
What the statute says
The advance directive shall be dated, executed by the principal… and signed by two or more witnesses at least 18 years of age, who shall sign and affirm that the principal appeared to understand the nature of the document and to be free from duress or undue influence at the time the advance directive was signed.
— 18 V.S.A. §9703(b)(1)
Note what the witnesses are attesting to. Not merely that they watched you sign, but that you appeared to understand the document and to be free from duress or undue influence. That is a judgement about you, which is part of why the disqualification list is family-shaped.
Remote witnessing, since April 2024
Vermont permits a witness to attend remotely, and the conditions are specific: the principal and the remote witness must have been known to each other; the attestation must be based on a live, interactive audio-video connection or a telephone call; and the directive must record the remote witness’s name, contact information and relationship to the principal.
This is one of the more modern execution provisions in the country, and it matters most for exactly the people who struggle to gather two witnesses in a room — someone recently admitted to hospital, or living far from family.
The provider point cuts against the usual advice
Most states disqualify the attending physician, and general guidance often says to avoid anyone clinical. Vermont expressly permits a health care provider to witness. If you are in a hospital or a facility, the people around you may be eligible here where they would not be elsewhere — which is a practical difference, not a technicality.
Family cannot witness
Spouse, parent, adult sibling, adult child, adult grandchild and the appointed agent are all excluded. So the instinct to have the family present sign it is exactly wrong. Ask who will be signing before the appointment, not during it.
This is the medical instrument. A financial power of attorney is a different document with different execution rules, and most people need both.
Related: all states compared · living will versus healthcare proxy.
General information drawn from state statutes and official state materials, not legal or medical advice. Advance-directive law is STATE law and the execution requirements differ in ways that decide whether a document works: some states require witnesses AND a notary, some accept either, and the list of people who may not witness varies. A directive executed the wrong way may not be honoured when it matters. Many states publish a free official form – you should not have to buy one.