Does a will need to be notarized?

A will does not need to be notarized, but if it is not notarized, then you must find the witnesses in order to be able to probate the estate.  You should go to the surrogate's office in the county in which you live and ask the probate clerk's office to help.  they will be able to tell you what to do to get the will admitted to probate, and when the will is probated, you will get a certificate back that will give you the authority to access the safe deposit box.  Good Luck.